Childminder in Stockton-on-TeesOfsted inspection, 15 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248877 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Christine Tipple

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 18, 8 and 6 years old. They live in a four bedroomed house in the Ingleby Barwick. The house is situated within easy distance of local shops, schools, playgroup and toddler group. The childminder uses the playroom, kitchen, hallway and bathroom on the ground floor of the property, there is access to a designated bedroom and an additional bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. She is registered for a maximum of five children under eight years old. She is

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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 currently minding four children of whom one is over eight years old; all attend part time. She uses her car for childminding purposes. The childminder is a member of the both the National Childminding Association and local childminder group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. The routines and practices carried out by the childminder and the children promote their good health very well. They have regular access to physical play. Children have sufficient space inside to move around freely and to develop their skills through creative and role play activities. The garden has larger equipment, for example, a variety of wheeled sit on toys and there are bats and balls. Provision is extended to local facilities, such as the toddler group for the younger children and visits to a park for older children. They have daily exercise through walking to and from the local school. The children have good opportunities to practise and manage their personal care and to access the appropriate facilities, which effectively promotes their developing independence. Children are aware of why they need to wash their hands after certain

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Helping children to be healthy

activities. There are details provided on the care of sick and ill children and the exclusion period required to prevent the occurrence of cross infection. Snacks are provided by the childminder. These offer the children healthy options, such as fruit and raisins and healthy toppings on bread and crackers. The childminder discusses with the children the importance of eating healthily. Drinks are offered, which are sugar free and non fizzy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child centred environment, which promotes their safety effectively. Good use is made of the space provided; children move around freely to access the resources and activities offered. Children select from a range of toys that are of good quality, stimulating and reflect their various stage of development. The children are aware of safe practises when they are inside and outside. For example, road safety, the children walk together and stop at the kerb to ensure it is safe to cross. Children take part in the fire evacuation procedure with the childminder, which provides them with an understanding of what to do in an emergency. The children have freedom to play within safe limits. The childminder has all details in relation to child protection and attended training, which promotes the safety and welfare of the children in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy and part of the childminders family. The toys and equipment are accessible and offer the children a good selection that enables them to make choices in their play. This promotes their independence effectively. The children and the childminder have positive relationships; they interact well and this develops language skills and confidence. The activities are varied and the childminder is sensitive to the children's needs and promotes a child led approach to what they do. The children have good opportunities to learn through their play. For example, they use numbers and letters and talk about colours and shapes. The older children are able to do their homework, such as spelling. The children extend their social and physical skills through attending the toddler group and visits in the area to the park. The positive routines and interaction with the younger children gives them a sense of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

belonging and making meaning to their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are recognised and met positively. Children have access to sufficient toys and resources that promote and help raise awareness of diversity. They are confident and relaxed in their surroundings and with the childminder. The space and facilities are used effectively to enable the children access to all areas of play and resources. The children show concern for each other and respond to the boundaries in place. The childminder promotes praise and encouragement to develop the children's self-esteem appropriately. With gentle reminders children use manners and take turns and share. Behaviour is managed well and the childminder is consistent in approach and sensitive to their needs, which children respond to. Relationships with parents is good. They are given a welcome leaflet that provides details that are well presented on the care and provision offered. There is a good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

range of policies in place that enable parents to make an informed decision on the care their children receive. Daily dairies are provided for parents to use with the childminder, which enables them to share the details with their children to talk about their day. There are regular opportunities for parents to have verbal exchanges with the childminder, to ensure information is shared. Contracts of agreements with parents are established and reviewed on a regular basis to keep all relevant details up to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises and use of space is well presented for the needs of the children. It offers them good access to all resources and facilities and provides positive play

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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 opportunities. The childminder is organised and she promotes an efficient approach to her childminding. She has attended some training since the last inspection and has plans for future training. She has links with the local childminder support group to ensure she keeps up to date with information relating to childcare. The childminder has some policies and procedures that are effective in promoting children's care and safety. She has clear and detailed information and records, which are maintained and reviewed as required. However, the certificate of registration is not displayed whilst she is minding. She ensures all documentation is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care inspection recommended the childminder extend her toys and resources to reflect diversity and to provide a first aid box and ensure the contents are checked and replaced as required. The childminder has developed the books she shares with the children and extended the resources in the role play area that reflect diversity in a positive way. The first aid box is now in place and is checked regularly to ensure it contains what is required; this will be updated as part of her first aid training.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 1st 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • ensure the certificate of registration is displayed.

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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 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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