Childminder in Darlington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301034 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in the Springfield area of Darlington. The downstairs of the home plus the master bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear yard available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for four pre school children, part time and one child over 8 years part time. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and

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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 the Darlington childminding group and has recently completed her mentoring training supporting local childminders. She has an NVQ 3 qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are helped to be healthy and are protected from infection by the childminder's clear awareness of health and hygiene guidelines. She protects children from cross infection by ensuring good hygiene practices, for example, gloves and aprons are used for nappy changes. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted well in everyday routines, for example, the childminder explains the importance of following good routines, such as hand washing before meals and after using the toilet, and by setting a good example herself. The childminder follows the children's eating and sleeping routines to ensure they are content and able to enjoy their play. She is liaising closely with one parent about arrangements for feeding as parents want their child to have organic food. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met by healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. A general menu plan is shared with parents and is varied to meet children's needs and choices; some parents choose to bring packed lunches for their child. The childminder negotiates arrangements for meals and drinks very carefully, for example, she discourages too many sweet foods and drinks. She explains to parents how she promotes healthy eating. She talks with children about healthy choices, for example, they choose raisins or fruit at snack time. They are able to access drinks independently. A written menu is displayed daily for parents information. Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities and outings in the fresh air, which contribute to keeping them fit and well. They experience large physical play activities, as they use a range of play equipment at the local park. They love singing and often dance enthusiastically and move imaginatively to music. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

plans suitable activities to develop their abilities and keeps a watchful eye while encouraging independence to try out new skills. The childminder's clear understanding of the needs of younger children supports their very good developmental progress. She establishes shared understanding with parents to ensure consistency within the home; she knows their favourite toys. Children confidently express their own needs and wishes, as they request the different activities they wish to play with, for example, one child wanted to play with the laptop.

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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 safe and very child friendly home. The childminder

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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 organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and actively promote independence. Daily written risk assessments are completed to ensure children's safety. The childminder carefully considers the age range present when planning different activities and assesses risks effectively to promote children's safety and enjoyment. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely. Children use the whole environment freely and older children can visit the toilet independently. Their awareness of risk and safety is raised, as they hold hands or onto the pushchair when they are out walking. Children learn to stop at the kerb when crossing the road together; the childminder talks with children all the time about

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the dangers of busy roads. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. Additional training, through the NSPCC, has extended the childminder's knowledge, increasing her confidence in her own ability to protect children and keep them safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a secure understanding of the range of experiences required to enable children to develop and plans interesting activities, which take into account children's individual interests. She is interested in what children do and say, and becomes actively involved in their play. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and supports their language development. Children are settled and happy in the childminders care. Routines and care have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. The childminder has some understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, but as yet, this is not clearly identified to assist with her activity planning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works in very close partnership with parents. She encourages parents to spend time with her, getting to know each other, as they settle their child. Parents receive detailed information about the setting including all policies and procedures. There is daily verbal exchange of information about each child's care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 plus regular written newsletters and information about activities. This strongly fosters children's sense of belonging. The childminder talks with parents about her child care practice and each child has an individual portfolio of their achievements including art work. The childminder has photographic records of children's activities. This helps children to recall experiences they have enjoyed together and share these with their parents. Children become familiar with the relaxed daily routines and enjoy warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and with each other. Older children make their own suggestions about activities they would like and they are supported to make their own decisions. They confidently let the childminder know what they want to play with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She knows them well and responds warmly to their needs and likes. Children learn to share and cooperate as they play. They are helped to feel good about themselves as the childminder praises them and gives lots of warm encouragement. This reinforces good behaviour. Children are encouraged to be helpful; they are beginning to help to tidy the toys away after they have played with them. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children play with a range of resources and take part in activities that promote positive images of the wider world, for example, they have made Chinese lanterns and dance exploring Punjabi music. The childminder has a very good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to plan and resource activities, which all children find enjoyable and interesting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is promoted very effectively in the well organised and safe environment. Their individual needs are supported by flexible planning. The childminder accesses a wide range of training and development opportunities, which contribute to her ability to plan enjoyable experiences for children. She evaluates her own practice well and is using a local quality assurance checklist very effectively to help her monitor and enhance how she promotes the outcomes for children. Children are kept safe and their welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of all required policies and procedures. Clear written agreements are reached with parents. The childminder shares information daily with them about children's activities and care needs, enabling consistency and continuity of care. Although there is a system in place for sharing complaints with parents, documentation is not in line with recent changes to

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Organisation

requirements. Comprehensive, written policies support her consistent and professional practice, so that children's welfare is fully safeguarded. Overall the childminder meets the individual needs of all the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to make available to parents relevant contact details in the complaints procedure; make available relevant contact details in the Child Protection policy; keep a signed record by parents of accidents to children. Documentation has improved since the last inspection. There is a clear written complaints procedure available to parents including all relevant contact details. However, written documentation has not been reviewed in line with recent changes to regulations. There is a clear written child protection policy in place, which is available to parents and includes all the relevant contact details. This ensures children's safety. All accidents are recorded appropriately and acknowledged by parents with signatures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint reported to Ofsted in November 2004 regarding Standard 1 - Suitable Person; the provider informed Ofsted of an incident regarding an allegation by a child in relation to the actions of another child. Ofsted undertook an investigation to ascertain that ACPC guidelines had been followed. The childminder was asked to provide an action plan as to how she will ensure that Ofsted and Social Services are notified of significant events and Child Protection concerns. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework • review the documents used to record complaints in line with changes to regulations.

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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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