Childminder in Durham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 313451 Inspection date 21 February 2006 Inspector Jacqueline West

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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?

Elizabeth Blevins has been registered as a childminder since 1992. Her home is in Horden, near Peterlee. It is close to parks, schools and preschool facilities including nursery, playgroup and toddler group. She uses the ground floor of her home, sitting-room and large kitchen/dining room and the bathroom on the first floor, for childminding purposes. Local parks provide outdoor play facilities. She lives with her husband and their adult son. The family pet is two Labrador dogs. It is a non-smoking household.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The home is warm and welcoming. A satisfactory standard of hygiene is maintained throughout. Children are learning about personal hygiene through consistent routines and positive role modelling. Children are provided with a variety of nutritious snacks and meals and are developing their social skills with the support of the childminder. They confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to good health. Their physical well being is enhanced through regular indoor and outdoor play. Children are taken on regular outings to places of interest including the beach, park and local play groups. The childminder's routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. The childminder’s relationship with the parents and effective procedures, ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of the spread of

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Helping children to be healthy

infection. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Regular risk assessments are carried out within the home environment however, are not fully effective when ensuring children's safety. There is a clear evacuation procedure which is regularly practiced with the children to ensure they are confident should the situation arise. The children explore confidently using well maintained resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. They have some opportunity to gain independence and self-select from toy boxes situated in the dining room. Children can move around freely and independently. Children use all the available floor space when engaged in play. Children's self confidence is increased by the displaying of their own art work. Children are protected well as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She has attended training and has appropriate documentation readily available to assist her should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy, secure and settled. They have regular opportunities to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 engage in a variety of activities, they are generally enthusiastic in their approach. The childminder assists the children in their play, on occasions at their level. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of child development and how she assists their overall development. Children have access to a variety of equipment. Babies under one year have use of good quality equipment. The baby area is easily accessible, welcoming and appropriate when helping the babies to make steady progress. All children have some opportunity to access toys independently. The childminder has developed an understanding of the child's likes and interests. The children have developed trusting relationships with the childminder and their peers. They have the opportunity to socialise in large groups when at the play group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources and activities that promote a positive view of the wider world. All children are welcomed into the setting and are respected as individuals. They are taken on regular outings to places of interest within the local community. The children show concern for each other, for instance when younger children are present. Children are well behaved. They are becoming aware of the set rules and boundaries. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of positive strategies when managing young children's behaviour. Children work well together, respecting each others ideas, such as when drawing. Partnership with parents is good. Parents are fully informed of the provision by both written and verbal communication. Children's details are clear and well recorded ensuring their individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The documentation is clear and very well recorded. Written policies reflect the practices in place. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well to meet the needs of the range of children in her care. The routine is flexible and incorporates a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities to aid learning. The organisation of the space and resources ensures a welcoming environment for children. The childminder’s ongoing commitment to training has a positive impact on the quality of care, raising standards for the children in her care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to carryout a number of improvements; they are as follows, ensure consent is obtained from parents in respect of the administration of medication, ensure children are supervised by the childminder at all times and the bathroom is free from hazards. All have been addressed to a satisfactory standard and ensure a safer environment for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Complaints section. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review the safety of the bathroom window • ensure the premise is secure at all times.

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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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