Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY235032 Inspection date 21 February 2006 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 10, 12 and 17 years old. The family live in a in a residential area of Washington, close to shops and schools. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There is also a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family pet is a caged cockatiel. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member

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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 of the local Childminding Network. She is registered to provide care for six children at any on time and is currently minding eleven children, of whom six are aged over 8 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminding environment is warm, clean and well-maintained. The childminder takes steps to ensure hygiene is suitably addressed, for example, hand washing after visiting the toilet and before eating. There are effective routines and procedures to minimise the spread of infection amongst children. For example, individual sport bottles are used by the children for drinking, these are easily recognised by their chosen cartoon characters. The childminder has all of the appropriate documentation to support children's health needs in place. Children benefit from regular outdoor physical exercise as they visit the local park. They enjoy the freedom of running in the garden and playing games. Children gain in confidence and learn to develop control over their bodies as they use equipment such as, dance mats and attend 'Minnie Movers' sessions. The childminder discusses and agrees children's dietary requirements with parents

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Helping children to be healthy

and considers children's likes and dislikes when providing food and drink. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which includes fresh fruit. Young children are provided with regular drinks, whilst older children are encouraged to ask when they require a drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is warm and welcoming, where space has been organised to offer a safer environment. Children are protected from hazards within the home because the childminder is safety conscious and vigilant. Children are beginning to understand about the need to stay safe. Through the childminder's encouragement they learn to put away toys and recognise this will help to prevent accidents. Children learn about the safe use of the road as the childminder talks to them about the hazards to raise their awareness. The childminder provides children with appropriate explanations of how to evacuate the premises in an emergency however, opportunities to practice the procedure is not undertaken. Children have ample space to play within the childminder's home. Children are able to select from a good range of resources, which meet safety standards. Their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

independence and self-help skills are promoted well as they access the toys easily. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection. She has a good understanding about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the procedures to follow if concerns are raised.

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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 good. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. They take part in a good range of appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Resources are well presented to allow children easy access and children select their activities independently. They are inquisitive and interested in the toys available. Younger children and babies are provided with developmentally appropriate toys and resources, however, there are limited opportunities for them to experience creative tactile. This narrows the scope for the very young to enhance their senses of smell, touch and taste. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. They are confident to play alone, but also to seek close interaction. Their communication skills are developing because the childminder allows time to talk and listen to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are taken out daily within the local environment where they have good opportunities for different learning experiences and where they socialise with other children and adults. They participate in planned activities such as card making, baking and are encouraged to help others; for example, making crafts to raise money for cancer research. This increases children awareness and encourages them to help others in need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses fair and consistent strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave appropriately. The childminder is a good role model for children with regard to friendliness, care and courtesy. As a result, they increase their understanding of right and wrong as they respond to gentle reminders to treat their surroundings and each other with care. Children are valued and respected as individuals and all children are included in activities with equal access to resources. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity. Children learn about the local community through discussion and regular outings to local places of interest. Friendly relationships with parents have been established to help promote children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wellbeing, development and progress. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. She gains appropriate information about the children when they first attend and she has written agreements in place with parents, this ensures that she is aware of and is able to meet children's individual needs. The childminder is keen to develop written polices. These will provide parents with clear information about the service she offers for example, procedures to follow regarding complaints and her responsibilities relating to child protection and will also help to contribute to the continuity in the children'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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment which fosters their independence and provides them with opportunities to develop. They have fun with the childminder and feel at home where they can access a good range of play materials and resources. They have a familiar daily routine which provides them with security and confidence. The childminder organises the premises well. The lay-out helps to maximise play opportunities and allows good levels of supervision to take place without overly encroaching on children's play, as a result children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to maintain records. All the required paperwork is well organised and used well to promote the welfare of the children. Registers and records meet all regulatory requirements and are well maintained and easily available. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder provide a range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and disability. The childminder has increased the range of resources and activities in this area, these improvements help children to develop a greater awareness of other peoples needs and an understanding of the wider world. The childminder has up to date contact numbers and information regarding child protection and collated written parental consent for emergency medical treatment which improves the overall safety 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 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

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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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 range of creative activities for younger children by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters framework • practice and record emergency escape procedures on a regular basis • ensure parents are made aware of the procedures to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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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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