Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 318797 Inspection date 07 April 2006 Inspector Jim Bostock

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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?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Fawdon. They live in a house which is within walking distance of local schools, shops, metro and a park. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. At the time of inspection there were five children on the register, three of whom were under 5 years. There was one child present for the inspection.

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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 generally receive a balanced and healthy diet, including the provision of fruit, snacks and drinks each day, however, they also are given sweets as rewards. 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. Parents are asked to provide food for babies and children are helped to learn about healthy eating. 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 as they carry out daily routines, including washing hands before eating and after toileting. The childminder ensures the environment and toys are clean. Although there are no accidents and medicine

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Helping children to be healthy

administered recorded, there are instances when the childminder has informed parents when a child has fallen which should be recorded. Children's physical development is promoted through regular use of the outdoor area where they have access to large play equipment and outdoor activities. Children develop well physically from the regular outings, such as walks and visits to interesting places, for instance the airport, beach and parks. Babies and toddlers are well supported as they learn to balance and walk.

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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 and there is good security to prevent them getting out of the house or garden. Close supervision of children is used by the childminder to help prevent accidents and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of fire safety and has made provision for a safe and efficient evacuation. The childminder helps children learn about road safety by always using the "green man" crossings. The childminder has a good awareness of the issues involved in protecting children from abuse. She has undertaken child protection training, has written guidelines

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about what to look for and who to contact if issues arise, and gives child protection a high priority.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder who gives them good physical support, including cuddles. They interact confidently with the childminder who understands 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 through use of the toys and playthings available. The childminder has a suitable 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder valuing each child's contribution. The childminder has a fundamental knowledge and experience of the care and provision for babies and very young children. She has an awareness of Birth to three matters but does not yet use it effectively to help organise the activities and promote children's development. Although there are a range of toys and activities to meet children's needs, these would benefit from updating. Children enjoy activities, such as construction play with building blocks, reading books, stories, puzzles, songs and musical tapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are praised often to help them develop self-confidence and self-esteem. 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. The childminder uses good techniques to encourage and support positive behaviour and she is a good role model. Relationships with parents are promoted and developed well. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and details of their physical care on a daily basis. Parents are fully 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 so that their children can be cared for appropriately. They have contracts with her to ensure the relationship is on the correct footing. Children are cared for as individuals with differences being acknowledged and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enjoyed. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and their local community through outings. However, there are limited activities, toys and playthings which reflect difference and diversity to help children develop a positive attitude and an understanding of difference. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunity and special needs issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides clear routines and organised activities which give children

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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 confidence in the setting. Children benefit from the good experience and training attended by the childminder. Children have access to a range of suitable activities, toys and resources to meet their needs and encourage their progress. The documentation meets all requirements and provides a good basis for the care of children. They are securely stored to ensure confidentiality. Information is fully shared with parents to involve them so that continuity of care will benefit children. The childminder ensures that the numbers of children present are within the requirements so that she can effectively care for all children. She has current public liability insurance cover and current first aid qualification so that children are well protected. She displays her certificate on the wall as is required.

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Organisation

The service meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop her knowledge and understanding of childminding issues. To achieve this she has attended training in child protection, equality and diversity and first aid, and she plans to attend further training in the future.

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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.

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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): • develop understanding and awareness of Birth to three matters • develop activities, toys and playthings which show positive images of diversity.

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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 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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