Childminder in Northumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299907 Inspection date 28 February 2006 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 January 2005. She works with and operates from a co-childminders home in the Cramlington area of Northumberland. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding purposes and access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the bathroom. There is a suitable rear garden available for outdoor play. The co-childminder lives with her partner and three children aged 10 years, 7 years and 4 months. The family have a pet dog and cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum six children under the age of 8

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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 years and when working with co-childminder may care for a maximum of 10 children under the age of 8 years. There are currently 24 children on roll, most attend on a part time basis and includes children over the age of 8 years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of well planned activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor and indoor activities which help them develop increasing control of their bodies and enjoy being active. For example, as they join in with music and movement sessions, use pedometers and play in the ball pool and sand pit. Garden games, visits to local parks and places of interest improve children's physical skills. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout their daily routine. The consistent adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, as they help themselves to tissues and wipes, clean their teeth and help to clean toys and equipment. Rich and varied activities such as visiting the dentist

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Helping children to be healthy

improve children's awareness of personal hygiene. Good records ensure that children's individual health needs are met, however, there is no written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. The childminder's innovative practice ensures that children are developing a very good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet. They take part in well planned activities, such as a visit to a supermarket to learn about healthy foods. They were able to handle and taste foods, help prepare healthy meals and snacks, plan menus and make choices by serving themselves at meal times. In depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records ensure that children are provided with a healthy diet, which takes account of their individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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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 home where the risks are identified and minimised. This enables children to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe both in and out of the home. She effectively achieves a good balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This allows children to learn a

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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 sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm, for example, as they cross roads, take part in fire drills and learn about 'stranger danger'. There is no written parental consent to transport children in the car in place. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. However, she does not have a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well with the childminder. They are confident and happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. She plans imaginative and stimulating activities with the children, which are purposeful and developmentally appropriate. All children access a broad range of experiences that promote and enhance their individual development and learning skills. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. They enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative, mathematical and language skills, such as singing and dancing, role play, drawing, model making, construction and listening to stories. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the world, which increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, as they celebrate Chinese New Year, visit museums and learn about countries and customs through role play as travel agents. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as the coast, parks, shops, woods and the library. The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She implements a range of good strategies to promote positive behaviour that help children understand right from wrong. Children respond positively to meaningful praise and encouragement, which contributes to their social skills, confidence and self-esteem. For example, as they help prepare the table for lunch and take pride in their achievements, share toys and help one another. They show care and concern for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

each other and behave very well. Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good verbal and written communication ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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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 Policies, procedures, plans and newsletters ensure that parents are kept well informed of all aspects of the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and settle well. Good opportunities are made for all children to be involved in free play, social interaction, eating, resting and going out. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Effective organisation, planning and communication when working with another childminder, ensures that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. This contributes to the smooth running of daily routines consistent with children's individual needs. The childminder's good knowledge, skills and positive attitude towards extended learning enhances the care of children. Policies, procedures and records are effectively implemented to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care and ensures that their individual

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Organisation

needs are met. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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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 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • ensure written parental consent is obtained for emergency medical treatment • obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. • ensure written parental consent is obtained for transporting children in the car.

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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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