Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY103542 Unique Reference Number 10 February 2006 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered as a childminder at this address since 2002. She lives with her husband, and daughters aged 16 and 14 years, in a house in the Neville's Cross area of Durham. Her home is close to local amenities including shops, hospital, library, park and schools. The ground floor is the main area used for childminding purposes plus the upstairs rooms. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet cats.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under 8 years at any one time and currently cares for six children. Two children under eight years and four over eight years. All children are cared for on part time schedules.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where good standards of hygiene are maintained. The childminder makes sure she complies with any specific requirements for their care, so that their health needs are met. Her first aid qualification has not been updated to help her deal appropriately with any accidents or emergencies. Children develop good hygiene practices when they clean their hands before snack time and after using the toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder negotiates arrangements for snacks, meals and drinks very carefully. She takes account of parent's wishes to ensure that individual dietary needs are met. Children become aware of how healthy foods are good for them through everyday conversations. Snack times are relaxed and sociable events, with everyone sitting together sharing news and conversation. Children are encouraged to express their own preferences but also to try new foods like sushi. Children help to prepare snacks such as pizza's and discuss different cheeses including low fat options.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living as they enjoy a wide range of activities in the fresh air each day. They regularly visit the local park and play with bikes and scooters in the garden. They also explore dancing and music and movement indoors.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and very child friendly home. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards and actively promote independence. She carefully considers the age range present when planning different activities and assesses risks effectively to promote children's safety and enjoyment. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, helping them to enjoy a wide variety of experiences safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use the whole environment freely and can visit the toilet independently. Their awareness of risk and safety is raised, as they hold hands when they are out walking. They learn to stop at the kerb when crossing the road together. The childminder talks with children about the dangers of busy roads. Children have also explored road safety topics within their daily activity planning making road safety books.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. Her willingness to record any concerns and to discuss these with parents ensures that the welfare of children in her care is given priority. The childminder places strong emphasis on the importance of close supervision in keeping children safe and children are encouraged to share any worries with her. Her sensitive awareness of children's needs and feelings helps her to ensure children are effectively protected.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy many interesting activities using a wide range of stimulating resources, which support and challenge their development. They develop confidence as the childminder talks to them and shows interest in what they are doing. She observes children's play carefully, finding out what they enjoy and can do, so that she plans experiences to develop new skills and extend their learning. Children have high self esteem, and share lots of conversation about their interests and home activities. They engage in their chosen activities with lively enthusiasm.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in activities that engage them, like playing with a range of musical instruments, singing and making music together. They develop their creative ideas as they make Chinese dragons and create story pictures as they draw. Their imagination is fostered as they develop their own ideas through dressing up. Cookery, art and craft activities are also available within the weekly time table of events. Children also celebrate birthdays with parties. Outdoor play is also a feature within weekly activity planning to promote children's physical skills and enable them to enjoy fresh air in the outdoor environment.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a strong sense of self esteem. Their behaviour is very good and sensitively reinforced by the good example and high expectations of the childminder. Children are caring and helpful as they learn to share and take turns and tidy away their own toys.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values and respects children's individuality, so that they develop a strong sense of belonging within the setting. Children are encouraged to contribute actively to the planning of activities. Relationships with the childminder and other children are warm, friendly and relaxed. Children become self-assured and develop a positive sense of themselves in the childminder's care. The childminder selects a varied range of activities and resources to put out each day, based on children's current interests and requests. They are then able to make independent choices in their play. She plans a consistent and balanced range of activities and resources within the everyday environment. Children have opportunities to explore and develop their own ideas. For example, they have made and developed their own music boxes, and their independent creativity is actively promoted by the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive frequent praise and encouragement as they play, building their self esteem. They have clear awareness of the boundaries and expectations of behaviour and their understanding is reinforced gently and consistently. Children begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour, helped by the childminder's calm manner and clear example. They are familiar with routines and participate actively, helping to choose activities and tidy toys. Children share, take turns and co-operate in games, and they learn to be considerate of the needs of others. Good manners are emphasised, and children learn to be polite and caring towards each other. Children have also developed their own rules within the setting and have made a written list of unacceptable behaviour including 'no hitting or bullying'.

p.4

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 The childminder has developed a very effective partnership with parents. She has produced an informative parent-pack to share details about activities, policies and procedures. Parent's views about their child's needs and interests are sought in detail before their child attends. Children are asked to share information about their own likes and dislikes, favourite foods and activities. The childminder shares information effectively each day with parents and keeps them well informed about their child's experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local and wider community is promoted through interesting activities The childminder is helping children to develop a positive view of the wider world and to respect difference. Children discuss other religions and cultures through everyday activities and the childminder acts as a good role model. Recent projects have including children exploring the Chinese New Year making collage and clay dragons. Children have also explored the Japanese culture, tasting sushi food and origami.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare and enjoyment is beneficially promoted by clear and flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and effectively support children's care and development. Children are able to join in and participate actively within a well organised, safe environment. Resources are accessible so that children can independently select their own activities and plan their own play.

p.5

Organisation

Children are protected by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of required policies and procedures. All the required records are maintained effectively to promote children's health and safety. The requirement of registration to ensure the full vetting system is completed for all adults in the household is not met fully in relation to the childminder's elder daughter. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve her practice.

p.5

Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the individual needs of all the children who attend.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

Complaints 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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that all persons over the age of 16 years living in the household when children are being minded undergo checks including a criminal records check.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6