Childminder in Newcastle upon TyneOfsted inspection, 17 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305784 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and children aged 8 years and 9 years in the Denton Burn area of Newcastle. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom located on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under 8 years. The child attends on a part-time basis during term-time, and full time during school holidays. The childminder takes children to and from school.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Hygiene standards within the childminding areas are very high and the home is well maintained. Children adopt suitable personal hygiene practices, such as hand washing before eating, after visiting the toilet and following outdoor play. This practice helps to safeguard their comfort and well-being. Catering arrangements are flexible to meet the wishes of the parents and children's specific dietary requirements and preferences. The childminder promotes a healthy eating programme, and offers a varied and nutritious diet. A sample menu is shared with parents. Information about children's individual dietary and health related needs is obtained from parents. Information in respect of supporting policies and procedures is shared with parents, both verbally and through written policy statements; for example, a sick child, the administration of medication and healthy eating. The childminder praises and supports children to encourage their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

development. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play and exercise. An appropriate range of equipment, and outdoor play experiences enable them to develop and enhance their physical skills within the parameters of safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Policies and procedures are used most effectively to minimise or eliminate potential risks to children. The childminder completes a very thorough daily visual risk assessment, which is ongoing throughout childminding hours. Regular fire drills are carried out and relevant details recorded. Children are fully aware of the evacuation procedure, actively contributing to the preservation of their well-being. The childminder supervises children very closely. However, this does not restrict them and they are able to move around freely within the constraints of safety. Resources and equipment are exceptionally clean and in very good order. The childminder explains safety rules very clearly to the children. They show an understanding of potential dangers and the need to promote and preserve their personal safety and that of others. She practices road safety with the children. They

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are very familiar with the Green Cross Code and are very clear of the safety rules to be followed during outings; such as staying close to the childminder and no contact with animals or strangers. Safety equipment is in place and frequently checked and maintained in good working order, to help reduce risks and safeguard the children. For example, smoke detectors are systematically inspected, batteries renewed and a record kept. The childminder has completed training in respect of child protection and has a very clear understanding in this area. This helps to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The provision is good. The environment is very welcoming to children and they are at ease and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They build very close relationships with her and respond most positively to her. The childminder is aware of and responsive to their individual needs, for example, their favourite toys and activities, foods they like and dislike. Children are inquisitive, they ask questions, initiate conversation and are confident. Children's achievements are recognised and praised by the childminder and their self-esteem is high. A good variety of age appropriate activities and resources are provided. Children can access these independently, according to their age and ability. They benefit from regular outdoor play, and are frequently taken on visits to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

places of interest. They show an emerging awareness of their local environment and the natural world. Their overall development is well supported through the resources and activities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make choices and self-select activities with ease from a good range of resources accessible to them. There are regular opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the local environment and the wider world, through varied outings. The childminder fully understands the importance of promoting equal opportunity and children show an emerging awareness of such matters. A selection of resources and activities are provided that help to promote diversity. The childminder is aware of and responsive to the individual needs of the children for whom she cares and their needs are effectively met. she has a good understanding of behaviour management. Children respond most positively to her and are very well behaved. Their independence skills are developing very well. This is shown in how they can attend to their own personal needs, such as toileting, in a way that is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriate for their age. She has completed a level three certificate in respect of special needs and has worked in a group day care setting with children with varying special needs. She shows clear knowledge of such matters. The childminder builds good relationships with parents. Over all they are well informed of childminding policies and procedures, which are shared with them verbally and through written statements. A system of recording complaints is in place. However, parents have not been told of the recent changes to the procedure for the management and recording of information about complaints. Other written information shared with parents includes the evacuation procedure, a sample menu, and insurance documents. The registration certificate is clearly displayed. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and daily activities, through regular verbal feedback.

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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 The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. The required documentation is in place and is particularly well maintained. Polices and procedures are used effectively to promote the children's welfare. The childminder shows an ongoing commitment to the development of the childminding service and accesses relevant training to support and enhance her practice. Children are very relaxed and at ease within the childminding environment. They are able to move freely whilst under the childminder's close supervision. Children benefit from frequent outings and regular opportunities for outdoor play and exercise. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress, day-to-day activities and are encouraged to keep the childminder up to date with pertinent information. This

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Organisation

enables her to continue to meet the evolving, individual needs of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 that the changes to the procedure for managing and recording details of complaints is shared with parents.

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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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