Childminder in NorthumberlandOfsted inspection, 22 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312512 Inspection date 22 February 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 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 September 2005. She is approved to mind a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently four children attending. The household consists of the childminder, her husband and their two children who are aged 4 and 10 years. Their home is a detached house, which is located on the outskirts of a small rural village. The nearest town of Morpeth is approximately five minutes away by car. Minded children have access to the dining kitchen, playroom, conservatory, large hall, sitting room and cloakroom on the ground floor. Two bedrooms are available on the first floor. A fence and automatic security gates

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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 enclose the garden, which is used for supervised activities. A cat and a dog are part of the household. 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 good. Children learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. They benefit from the very good example set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take responsibility, for example, 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. In addition, children respond well to requests to help put toys away and are happy to participate in scooping out and counting cups of water when helping to put away the waterway activity. Little ones are gently supported and made comfortable in their buggies or in the travel cot as they have naps; clean bedding is provided for each child. 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 has a good understanding of how to maintain these; there

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Helping children to be healthy

have only been minor accidents to date and these are really well recorded. The childminder is aware of ensuring that children's health needs are met; she has a well stocked first aid kit, has completed appropriate first aid training and is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a clean and healthy setting. Children benefit from the childminder’s positive approach to having a healthy diet. The children benefit from having fresh fruit as part of their snack. The childminder provides hot meals, which include fresh vegetables and other good quality foods as required. Children are well supported and the childminder ensures that they are comfortable as they have their food and drink. There are regular drinks of healthy juice and water is readily available from the water dispenser. Parents' wishes, as well as children’s likes and dislikes are addressed. Although there have been no special

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Helping children to be healthy

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 stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. They are able to gain lots of exercise and fresh air from supervised outdoor play in the large garden where they can have energetic fun on wheeled sit-upon toys. In addition, they go on local walks and enjoy collecting twigs and leaves to take back to the childminder’s home to use in their art work. Children enjoy chatting about the things they can see, for example, the changing colours of leaves. Children also have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults as they attend children’s activity play settings.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming, comfortable and very well 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. Many safety measures have been taken, for example, a fire blanket is readily accessible on the kitchen wall, low level glass is safe, child resistant catches are fitted to prevent child access to hazardous substances and items and automatic security gates enclose the garden. Children respond well to gentle 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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

helped to understand about road safety and being aware of traffic. There is easy child access to an excellent range of good quality 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 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 well maintained register of attendance, which is completed as each child arrives and again when they depart. 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 a good understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

contact and what to record if she has concerns in the future. Therefore, children are well protected in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to enjoy a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities and projects in a calm, warm and affectionate environment, therefore, they progress well. Children are enabled to learn and develop their understanding of numbers, letters, shapes and colour in age appropriate, educational and fun ways. The childminder uses a range of methods to promote and reinforce learning; including good clear guidance about activities, for example 'writing postcards'. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination, in games of pretend, using the lock and boats in the waterway activity, participating in simple cookery, dancing to lively music, or making lots of lovely noise and having fun with household pans and spoons. They use lots of different art and craft materials to make pictures and also use long streamers of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

crepe paper to whirl around. The childminder values children and has an excellent understanding of how they

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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 learn and develop. This is evident in the way the childcare areas and resources are organised and in the actual care of children. Toddlers and older children are well supported and participate fully in the events of the day. The childminder 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. She encourages meaningful discussion about the activities and home events. 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 good. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual and differing needs. There are many opportunities for each child to develop a greater awareness of their local community. The childminder has obtained some resources that reflect different backgrounds, but is currently looking at ways of developing the activities to help children to enhance their knowledge of people from different cultures or differing abilities. Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the excellent 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 guidance from the childminder, they make informed choices and participate fully

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 day 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 a good 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 good. The childminder is very caring and dedicated to ensuring children benefit from their time in her care. She takes a professional approach to her work and her personal development. This is reflected in the well organised child care areas in her home, in the good safety measures taken and in the range of good quality resources and exciting activities provided. The childminder has completed an appropriate childminding practice course and has also participated in equal opportunities training. She has not received any information relating to Birth to three matters to date, however, her practice is in keeping with the Birth to three matters principles.

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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 Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines, enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are organised effectively, are well maintained and are supplemented by relevant written policy statements in relation to sick children, equal opportunities, fire safety and behaviour. In addition, there are 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 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 children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • increase knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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