Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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311762 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2006 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and their adult daughter. They live on an established residential estate in the Ryton area of Gateshead. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There is also a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends a local toddler group. She is registered to provide care for six children at anyone time and is currently caring for three children.

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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. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contributes to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them to develop control of their bodies, for example as they walk to the toddler group, dance to music and participate in action rhymes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through appropriate routines and simple explanations children are beginning to understand the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. Children's health is further protected by the use of disposable wipes which helps to minimise the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet as they are offered healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and low sugar drinks. They have their own individual cups which are replenished throughout the day. Suitable systems ensure that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared; as a result, children are offered foods suited to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is warm and welcoming, where space has been organised to offer a safer environment. Risk of accidental injury is minimised by the good supervision of the childminder. 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 practise the procedure are not undertaken. The childminder has all required procedures and documents in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted well. Examples of these include the safe collection of children and the use of passwords

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have ample space to play within the childminder's home. They are able to select from a good range of resources which meet safety standards. Their independence and self-help skills are promoted well as they access the toys easily. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys carefully to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their ages and stages of development,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's good 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. Children are happy and settled. A close and caring relationship has been established between the children and the childminder; this contributes to the children's sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children's language and social skills are promoted well by the childminder, who talks and listens consistently to the children, asking them questions to make them think, fostering the children's confidence and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well with each other, often sharing books and pointing at pictures relating to their previous experiences. Children are persistent as they attempt new skills, such as slotting different sized shapes onto the wooden peg. The childminder responds sensitively, boosting their confidence as she offers support, praise and encouragement. Children's interest and enjoyment is sustained well as they are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their activities. They are eager to communicate and confidently make their wishes known. For example, a favourite story book was selected by the children and brought to the childminder to read. The childminder uses this opportunity to promote children's learning as they talk about colour and introduce new words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The nurturing environment and the childminder's sensitive, caring nature helps children feel totally secure in her care. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her hugs and kisses. Young children develop a positive sense of self as their wishes and requests are valued and acted upon. They feel well supported and understood as the childminder is fully in tune with their wishes and desires.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of, and is responsive to, the individual needs of the children for whom she cares for. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed and agreed with their parents. Children's self-esteem and confidence is well promoted as they are encouraged to voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. The children have appropriate opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest, such as the local allotments, the park and the toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as a result of the childminder's clear guidance. They are beginning to understand simple rules and expectations, for example as they help to tidy away toys and display good manners when making requests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has developed with parents. Children settle well because they have introductory visits and follow their home routine. The childminder talks to parents each day, ensuring that they are kept informed of their child's progress and care. 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. Verbal polices are in place to support the appropriate care of children and to inform parents about the service that is provided.

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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's needs and routines are discussed on a daily basis with parents, which contributes effectively to the children's care. Ample play space is available to the children in order for them to play in comfort. The childminder has a good understanding of first aid procedures and has completed a first aid training course. She keeps abreast of current issues in childcare through relevant literature and through her links with fellow childminders.

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Organisation

The premises are well organised, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring the children feel safe and at ease. The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children, this ensures that their individual needs are catered for appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the need to maintain records and displays documents appropriately. All required paperwork is very 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.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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.

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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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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): • practice and record emergency escape procedures on a regular basis.

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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 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

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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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