Childminder, Out-of school day care in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 318730 Inspection date 11 April 2006 Inspector Jim Bostock

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 two adult daughters in a two bedroom ground floor flat close to the centre of Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. All areas of the property are used for childminding except the bedrooms. There is no suitable outdoor play area but the childminder arranges daily outings. The family have two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local Childminding Network. At the time of inspection there were 9 children on the register, all of whom attended on a part time basis. Two of the children were under 5 years of age.

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 good. Children receive a balanced and healthy diet including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day and the childminder presents as having a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and reflected in the meals and snacks provided. Although children are helped to learn about healthy eating, the childminder also provides sweets for them, with parents consent. Children benefit from the good communication between childminder and parents about food and drink issues with the childminder fully respecting any requests from parents. Children have easy and constant access to drinking water within the playrooms. Children's health and hygiene is promoted through the childminder encouraging and supervising children as they carry out daily routines including washing of hands before eating and after toileting. There are good resources for preventing cross

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

infection, including paper towels and soap dispensers. Children learn about why it is good to wash their hands to prevent germs and illness. Accidents and medicine administered are recorded well and fully shared with parents to ensure children are protected. Children's physical development is well promoted through regular walks and outings as there is no attached outdoor play area. The childminder takes them to safely enclosed local play areas where they use swings, slides and climbing frames. They also enjoy trips to the library, indoor play areas and a variety of outings further away, such as Alnwick Gardens, taking the Metro to the ferry and visiting museums.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is light and in good decorative order. The childminder promotes child safety within the home through encouraging children to be aware of danger and keeping themselves safe, as well as taking precautions to reduce the risk to children. Children's safety is promoted within the home by the undertaking of regular risk assessments, the results of which are acted upon. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder has a very good awareness of safety issues. The childminder is fully aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation, including good written plans and records of practice evacuations. The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children from abuse and has undertaken additional child protection training. She has good

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

written policies and procedures, including anti-bullying and gives child protection a high priority.

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 have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They interact confidently with the childminder who shows a detailed understanding of their individual needs. Children are encouraged to be independent with support and guidance in selecting and using the toys and equipment effectively. Expressive and enthusiastic language is used by the childminder when interacting with the children and they respond with enthusiasm and interest. Children's abilities and confidence are developed very well through effective use of the wide selection of high quality toys, books and playthings. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the educational development of children putting into practise skills and methods gained from experience and relevant training. Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has a fundamental

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very young children. She uses Birth to three matters and the early learning goals very well to help organise the activities and promote children's development. Children benefit from a planned activity programme which encourages their interest and progress and they are developing very well. Activities, such as brass rubbing, drawing and painting, making cards and good imaginative play with dolls and figures are enjoyed by children. The childminder uses good techniques to help children learn letters and increase their vocabulary. Children benefit from the involvement of parents in their experiences with the daily diary, photos and daily discussions used well to highlight progress and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to be respectful and interact positively from the childminder's good role modelling. They do activities and have discussions about feelings to help them understand behaviour and consequences. Children develop self confidence very well because they receive lots of praise and encouragement. They are eager to participate in activities and respond very well to the childminder. They learn to share, relate well to each other and behave well because the childminder includes them and involves them wherever possible to help develop a sense of responsibility.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are promoted and developed very well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis both verbally and from individual files. They are fully informed and consulted about all aspects of the care provided with the childminder discussing all issues and incorporating parents requests into her service. They provide written information for the childminder about their children and have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and enjoyed. Children gain a very good understanding of the wider world and their local

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 community through outings and topical visits connected to the theme of activities. There are very good activities, toys and resources related to multicultural play and the childminder has an excellent understanding of equal opportunity and special needs issues. From these children develop an awareness and positive attitude to difference.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the relevant training attended by the childminder which is reflected in the high standard of care provided. The childminder has attained an NVQ level three in Early Years Practice and has attended many short courses which help her to continually assess and improve her service for parents and children. The well planned daily routine allows children to experience a wide variety of stimulating and interesting activities. The documentation kept enhances the care provided by being relevant and well organised. The childminder keeps very good records which are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. She has very good policies and procedures to ensure a high standard of care for children and to provide information for parents. She has current public liability insurance cover and current first aid so that children are well protected.

p.5

Organisation

She displays her certificate on the wall as is required. The service meets the needs of the children attending.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • continue to develop healthy eating policies and procedures for children.

p.6

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