Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303894 Inspection date 28 April 2006 Inspector Ann Marie Lefevre

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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 satisfactory. 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 March 2005. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children under 8 years at any one time. There is currently one child attending who is not a relative. The childminder also minds two grandchildren who are under 8 years and cares for two grandchildren who are aged 8 and 11 years. The household consists of the childminder and her husband. Their home is a terrace house which is located on the outskirts of the town on Blyth and close to local amenities. Minded children have access to the living/kitchen, conservatory and sitting room on the ground floor. The bathroom is available on the first floor; other rooms on

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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 this floor are not used for minding purposes. The front door to the premises opens directly onto the street and is used for access to the premises only. The enclosed rear yard is used by the children for outdoor play. The childminder takes children to local places of interest on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. They benefit from the example set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take responsibility as they gain age appropriate awareness of how germs are spread and why it is important to wash their hands before eating or after going to the toilet. Children's health requirements are highlighted in the well organised records and in the relevant health information. Accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is clear on how to maintain these; there has only been one minor accident to date and this is appropriately recorded. The childminder is aware of ensuring that children's health needs are met; she has a suitably stocked first aid kit, has completed relevant first aid training and is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a clean and healthy setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s positive approach to having a healthy diet. The childminder has prepared weekly menus to inform parents. She provides freshly prepared meals and snacks which include vegetables, fruit and other good quality food. Children have regular drinks of healthy juice or water. Parent’s wishes, as well as children’s likes and dislikes are addressed. Although there have been no special dietary requirements to date, the childminder has appropriate strategies in place to ensure dietary needs are met effectively. Children develop their physical and emotional well-being in a range of indoor and outdoor activities. They are able to gain lots of exercise and fresh air from supervised outdoor play in the enclosed yard where they can have energetic fun. They go on local walks, trips to the beach and to other places of interest. Children enjoy chatting about the things they can see, for example, boats, cars and tractors. Children also

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Helping children to be healthy

have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults as they attend children’s activity play settings, such as a toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are welcoming, comfortable and organised for children to use safely. Children benefit from being able to access the designated childcare areas with close, age appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. The childminder encourages children to be aware of safety, both in and outside the home, in daily routines and in activities. She ensures the premises are safe and secure for children.

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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 Many safety measures have been taken, for example, a fire blanket is readily accessible on the kitchen bench, low level glass is safe, socket covers are in place, and child resistant catches are fitted to kitchen cupboards to prevent child access to hazardous materials and substances. Children respond well to guidance about the safe use of toys and equipment. In addition, appropriate care is taken when children are out of the home environment in the community, for example, they are helped to understand about road safety and being aware of traffic. There is easy child access to a wide range of equipment and resources so they can play in safety. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a safe and clean condition by checking items

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

regularly. She ensures that the toys and play resources are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child. Children’s welfare is ensured by the childminder having relevant documentation in place in relation to safety, including a register of attendance which is completed daily. Current public liability insurance has been obtained and appropriate car documentation is in place. Although there have been no concerns to date, the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to contact and what to record if she has concerns in the future. Therefore, children are protected in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating playthings and activities in a calm, and friendly environment. They learn and develop their understanding of numbers, letters, shapes and colour in age appropriate, educational and fun ways. The childminder uses appropriate methods to promote and reinforce learning; including clear guidance about activities. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination as they enjoy I spy type finding games, learn about letters of the alphabet using flash cards, or join in dancing to music. They use lots of different art and craft materials in activities, for example, decorating eggs for Easter and making baskets out of card to put their eggs. The childminder values children and has an understanding of how they learn and develop; this is evident in the way the childcare areas and resources are organised,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and in the actual care of children. She has a sound knowledge of each child, and the wishes of parents, to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that children can progress and learn effectively. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language. Children settle well, are at ease and develop greater self-confidence with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities

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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 and respecting individual needs. There are many opportunities for each child to develop a greater awareness of their local community. Children enjoy activities relating to Christmas, Easter and Halloween, but there is no specific input to help children to enhance their knowledge of people from different cultures or differing abilities. The childminder has limited resources that reflect different backgrounds. Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the role model provided by the childminder. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages them in daily routines and activities which helps children to develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Children respond well to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

guidance from the childminder, they make informed choices and participate fully during each session. Parents are fully involved in planning for the care of their children and the exchange of information necessary for their child's daily care. The childminder keeps them informed of daily activities and events as well as health and dietary issues. She provides parents with relevant information to ensure they have an appropriate awareness of the childcare service provided. In addition, children share their experiences with parents as they take art and craft work home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is caring and keen to ensure that children benefit from their time in her care. This is reflected in the way the child care areas are organised in her home, in the health and safety measures taken and in the range of resources and activities provided for the children. The childminder has participated in an appropriate childminding practice course. She has not received any information relating to Birth to three matters to date. Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are organised effectively, are appropriately maintained and are supplemented with relevant written parental consents and with contracts which are kept up to date with any necessary information. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the parents, which

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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): • develop the planning of activities for younger children by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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