Childminder in Newcastle upon TyneOfsted inspection, 17 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 318886 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 good. 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 since 1990. She lives with her husband and 10-year-old daughter in the Chapel Park area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor areas and access to the first floor is restricted to the use of the bathroom and toilet. There is a suitable enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat, hamster and fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of 8 years old and is currently caring for five children all on a part-time basis. Overnight

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 care is not provided. The childminder receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor or indoor activities which help them to develop increasing control of their bodies, for example, as they negotiate obstacle courses in the garden, use skipping ropes, hula-hoops and space hoppers. Visits to local parks, soft-play and swimming 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 visit the toilet and wash their hands independently, and make choices of when they want to take a rest and have a snack. Children are beginning to have a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

They are able to make choices from a variety of healthy snacks and are able to help themselves to easily accessible drinks throughout the day. They are involved in healthy eating topics and older children help to prepare some snacks. In-depth discussions with parents and comprehensive records ensure that children are provided with a healthy nutritious diet, which takes account of their individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe home where most risks are identified and minimised, however, some glass ornaments are within easy reach of children. In general children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder gives 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 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 to put toys away so that they not to fall over them. 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 and procedures to ensure that children's welfare is

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 settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and happy. They achieve well because the childminder has a clear understanding of their developmental stages. Children access a wide range of activities and experiences that promote and enhance individual development and learning skills. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through visits to local amenities. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy a wide variety of experiences that contribute to their imaginative, physical, creative, language, reading and writing skills, such as reading and joining in with stories, developing role play, art and craft workshops and playing games in the garden, however, children have limited access to musical activities. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a positive attitude towards others and gaining a good understanding about the wider world. They are able to access a good range of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and others, for example, as they visit museums, celebrate Chinese New Year and play with a good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. They have good opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit, parks, farms, shops, toddler groups 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 the childminders praise and encouragement for example they willingly help to tidy up toys, share toys and take turns. They show care and concern for one another and behave very well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good written and verbal communication ensures that parents are kept very well informed of all aspects of the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and well settled. Good daily opportunities are made for free play, social interaction, resting, eating and going out. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminders good knowledge, skills and positive attitude towards extended

p.4

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 training enhances the care of children. Policies and procedures are implemented effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, and underpin the good quality care. All policies, procedures and records are shared with parents which contributes to continuity in the children's care, and ensures that their individual needs are met. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made in respect of; ensuring that all persons living on the premises are vetted, and that all medication administered to children is recorded which is then signed by parents. The childminder has improved her practice by recording all medication administered to children which is signed by parents, ensuring that children's individual health needs are met. All persons living in the household are vetted, improving children's safety.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 13 in May 2004. The concerns were originally shared with another agency. A childcare inspector from Ofsted Early Years then visited the provision. No further action was taken, Ofsted are satisfied the provider remains qualified for 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • ensure children do not have access to glass ornaments • provide opportunities for children to explore music

p.5

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

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