Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 309923 Inspection date 26 April 2006 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 years and 14 years, in the residential area of Benton in Newcastle upon Tyne. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 good. The childminder actively manages a very good balance of meeting parental wishes and providing healthy and nutritional snacks, including fresh fruit. Children confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty, as well as having milk shakes and juice regularly provided. Individual health and dietary needs are met completely, ensuring children’s well-being. Children flourish as they access very good opportunities for physical play, including visits to a soft play area and the park. The childminder's knowledge of individual children and her flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Children are learning very good personal hygiene practices through consistent routines and discussion. Effective policies, excellent relationships with parents and relevant training ensure individual children are cared for well should they become ill, reducing the risk of cross infection. However, the childminder does not have written

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Helping children to be healthy

consent for emergency medical treatment from the parents, which has a negative impact on children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children are appropriately safeguarded, as her home and back garden are secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. The children are able to explore confidently and safely, using high quality resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. Full participation is ensured with appropriately sized furniture and equipment. Those who go on outings are kept very safe as the childminder is vigilant at all times, and uses age appropriate safety equipment including child car seats. Routines such as using the crossing patrol encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety. All safety equipment is in place reducing the risk of accidents. The childminder’s current child protection knowledge of signs and symptoms is very good. However, she is not totally familiar with procedures to follow, which has a detrimental effect on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children’s welfare. Children are well protected and cared for in a child orientated home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to participate in the wide variety of activities provided. A very good balance of child centred and adult led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. Children’s communication skills are fostered well, resulting in competent speakers

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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 and listeners. They delight in using their imagination, for example when playing with small world figures and the castle. Repeated opportunities to practice new skills ensure good steady progression, including using educational electronic toys. Older and more able children are challenged sufficiently as the childminder provides resources and activities to suit their growing needs. Children's all round development is fostered well as the childminder provides them with a wide range of activities. She extends their learning and development by being actively involved in their play. Therefore, children are happy and settled in the childminder’s care and they thoroughly enjoy their play and being with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment, with relationships between the childminder and the children being natural and spontaneous. Children show concern for each other, for instance, ensuring if the baby was put down he wouldn't be lonely. They are learning right from wrong and are starting to take responsibility for their own actions. Children confidently make independent decisions and choices, for example when choosing which game to play with. All children’s confidence and self-esteem is raised through constant praise and encouragement. Effective partnership with parents ensures individual needs are met well, which promotes stability. The childminder’s confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources reflecting different cultures,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and positive images of disability. The childminder’s very good understanding of children's individual personalities promotes effective behaviour management.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. Space is very well organised with one room being specifically dedicated to childminding. Effective use of time enables children to participate in a variety of experiences including visits to the local parent and toddler group. This encourages children's social skills. Attractively set out resources and activities inspire children to play and have fun. Liaising with other childminders has had a positive impact on the high quality of care provided. Documentation for each child is organised well and stored confidentially, ensuring their privacy is maintained at all times. Written policies and procedures are being developed to inform parents and to confirm good practice. 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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend equal opportunities resources. A range of equal opportunities resources are now available for children to access. This has a positive impact on their understanding and awareness of difference.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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): • ensure parents sign for emergency medical consent • further familiarise self with child protection procedures.

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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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