Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298814 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Blenkhorn

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since January 2005. She lives with her partner and their one child aged twenty two months. They live in a house in Stockton-on-Tees, close to local shops, park and schools. The whole of the ground floor, except the bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Family pets are a dog, mice, fish and a gerbil. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors, be active and to rest according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of food hygiene through daily routines, for example, as they each wash their hands after use of the toilet and before meals. The childminder raises children's awareness through setting good examples and giving children gentle reminders. This increases children's understanding of hygiene and encourages their independence in personal care. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in the childminding areas to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The effective use a sick children's policy, accident and medication procedures enables the children's health needs to be well met. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet which takes into account their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual needs and preferences. Regular drinks are offered and children's independence is promoted when the childminder gives them choices of what they would like to eat and drink and involves them in preparing healthy snacks and meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well organised setting which has good safety and security precautions in place. This means they are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children use a sufficient range of good quality, safe, developmentally appropriate resources which are well-organised in child height storage units and at floor level to encourage independent access. The childminder explains safe practices, such as the need to use small items away from very young children so they can not pick them up and put them in their mouth and hurt themselves. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. All the required documentation, records and procedures are in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has good procedures for outings, ensuring she carries information with her which allows the children to be cared for in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection and required policies and procedures are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder plans a wide variety of interesting and stimulating activities related to children's individual developing needs. She is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play, as a result, children are motivated, interested and their all round development is promoted. Children have access to an extensive range of well chosen resources which support their learning and offer good levels of challenge, appropriate to their age and stage of development. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as music and movement, model-making and baking. Good relationships are evident between the children and childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and are encouraged to participate in all activities. The childminder's good understanding of each child's individual needs, routines and interests is used to encourage a sense of security and belonging. The childminder has high expectations of children behaviour and sets consistent boundaries. She takes account of each child's age, stage and level of understanding, as a result children behave well. Children learn to negotiate, take responsibility for their own behaviour, share, take turns and learn to work harmoniously together. They develop respect for each other and their surroundings. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought prior to placement and on a regular basis, this enables the childminder to meet each child's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day, progress and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Space and resources are laid

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. Most records, policies and procedures are in place and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, although the register does not show the exact times children are cared for. Also she does not make it clear to parents of how they can contact Ofsted in the event of a complaint. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service and their child's progress and achievements. This contributes to continuity of the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure the registration certificate is displayed, attendance records contain children's daily times of attendance and that there is a statement available to parents that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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