Childminder in SunderlandOfsted inspection, 2 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316407 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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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 has been registered since September 2005. He lives with his wife who is also a registered childminder and their two children aged 18 months and 4 years. His home is close to schools, pre-schools, parks and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children under 8 years when working alone, or 7 children when working with another childminder. He currently has one child on roll.

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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 childminder is a member of the National childminding Association (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder follows clear, efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Good standards of hygiene are maintained throughout all childminding areas to ensure children are protected from the spread of infection. Relevant information is obtained from parents regarding children's health needs, and appropriate records are kept of administered medication and of accidents. The childminder does have a valid first aid certificate, however this is not consistent with advice given by the Secretary of State. Children enjoy a varied range of physical activities and outings in the fresh air, which contribute to keeping them fit and well. They go out for regular outings including trips to the park and enjoy music and movement and tumble tot sessions. Daily opportunities are provided for the children. Children are well-nourished. They are offered a balanced and healthy diet including

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Helping children to be healthy

fresh fruit and vegetables. Their individual dietary needs are met through effective partnership with parents to discuss any allergies or special dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The well-organised, safe environment ensures children have room to move around freely and safely. Premises are warm and welcoming to children and parents. The entrance hall has children's art work displayed and also information for parents. The safe and secure outdoor play area is particularly inviting to children with lots of interesting equipment such as a playhouse and sensory toys. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well-maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Low storage enables children to easily access appropriate toys which encourages them to make choices and develop their independence. The childminder carries informal risk assessments to identify hazards in the home. He is aware of children's constantly developing abilities and takes appropriate safety measures to ensure they are safe at all times, such as preventing access to harmful

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

substances and ensuring they cannot access electrical sockets. Children are adequately protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of his responsibilities with regards to child protection and is aware of the signs of abuse, but does not have full written details of local area child protection procedures to enable him to report concerns promptly.

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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 satisfactory. Children are content and settled in the childminder's care. Routines have been established that are consistent with home, which promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. Warm relationships have been developed. The children approach the childminder confidently and with affection and are comfortable in his care. They make themselves at home and develop independence skills as they choose from the varied range of resources available. The childminder praises children and values what they have to offer to help raise their self-esteem. Their communication skills are developing well as the childminder talks and listens to them. He encourages them to talk about what they are doing and sensitively supports their language development. Children enjoy using a variety of resources, such as puzzles, games, creative materials and books which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make decisions about their play and learning, adequately supported as needed by the childminder. A varied range of activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being generally motivated and interested. They particularly enjoy playing in the garden. Although the childminder is aware of Birth to three matters he is not yet using the framework effectively to promote the outcomes for children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children learn to value differences through sensitive discussions and are receptive to the childminder's good role modelling. An adequate range of resources are provided to help raise children's awareness of diversity. Children behave very well. The childminder manages behaviour in a positive way and gives lots of praise and encouragement to ensure children feel good about themselves. They are beginning to play well together and learning about sharing and taking turns. They are able to distinguish between right and wrong and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parent's knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care. Clear policies and procedures are in place to keep parent's fully informed about the provision, however, the complaints policy has not been revised so it is in line with new regulations.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed a registration course which has been approved by the local authority. He is keen to develop his childcare practice by attending further training courses. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well-organised environment resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. Records, policies and procedures are all in place and most are kept appropriately. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure a first aid course is completed which is consistent with advice given by the Secretary of State

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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 • obtain information about the procedure of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • continue to develop use of Birth to three to support children under 3 years.

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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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