Childminder in Sunderland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY270184 Inspection date 11 April 2006 Inspector Sharon Greener

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her child aged 5-years-old in the Barmston area of Washington. The whole of the ground floor and a playroom, bathroom and toilet located on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under 8-years-old. All of the children attend on a part-time basis during out of school hours. The childminder uses her car to transport children and walks children from nursery. She attends a local carer and

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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 toddler group. The family has one pet dog and a guinea pig.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminding areas are clean and well maintained to ensure the children's comfort. Children are encouraged to adopt suitable personal hygiene practices to safeguard their well-being, such as hand washing before meals and after visiting the toilet. Appropriate nappy changing facilities are in place. A first aid certificate was not available for inspection. However, the childminder has made appropriate arrangements to obtain a replacement copy of the mislaid certificate. She acknowledges the need to remain qualified so as to enable her to give first aid treatment to a child should it be necessary. Catering arrangements are flexible to meet the wishes of the parents and any specific dietary needs a child may have, such as a food allergy or intolerance. The childminder acknowledges the need to promote healthy eating, to support children's growth and well-being, and ensure children are well nourished. Information about

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Helping children to be healthy

health related policies and procedures are shared with parents verbally and via a brief written statement. Children have regular opportunities for outdoor play. They have access to a varied selection of physical play equipment to enable them to develop their gross motor skills. The childminder shows a good understanding of each child's stage of development and supports them accordingly, to help build their confidence and promote their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes suitable steps to minimise risks to the children. She completes an ongoing, visual risk assessment of the resources, equipment and the childminding areas. This helps her to safeguard children’s welfare and enables them to move freely whilst under her supervision. However, the bathroom must to be safe for use by children at all times. Resources, furniture and equipment are clean and well maintained. Good use is made of the available space to accommodate a range of play activities and resources. The childminder shows sufficient awareness of the need to help children to develop an understanding of danger. They are reminded of safety rules, such as using equipment appropriately. This helps them to preserve their own well-being and that of others. Suitable safety procedures and equipment are in place to help reduce risks and promote children's safety. For example, socket covers, a stair gate, smoke

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

detectors and a fire blanket are provided. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection matters.

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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 most at ease and relaxed and the home is very child orientated. Art work, photographs and appropriate posters are displayed throughout the rooms used for childminding. Children build very close relationships with the childminder and respond positively to her. The childminder is aware of and responsive to their individual needs. For example, their favourite activities, stories and foods they like and dislike. Children are busy and well motivated. They initiate conversation; readily asking questions and show interest in the resources and activities available to them. The childminder recognises and acknowledges children's achievements and abilities. They receive lots of praise and encouragement. Consequently, their self-esteem is high. Children benefit from easy access to a good selection of age appropriate resources, including those to support and enhance their language, literacy and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mathematical development. They regularly enjoy outdoor play and benefit from frequent outings to places of interest, such as the Winter Gardens, the Science Museum, parks and libraries. Younger children are frequently taken to the local carer and toddler groups. These outings help children to develop an awareness of their local environment and the wider world and to socialise with other people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of equal opportunity. A suitable selection of resources to aid in the promotion of equal opportunity and to raise children’s awareness of diversity is provided. Her understanding of special needs is satisfactory. She has a good awareness of children's individual needs and responds accordingly to meet those needs. Behaviour management strategies are well implemented by the childminder and used in a consistent manner. The children respond positively to this and their behaviour is very good. They show high self-esteem and are confident. Children are well supported and encouraged to make choices and develop their independence as appropriate to their age and ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses her childminding policies, procedures and other general information with parents during the induction process. Some written policy statements are shared with them and the registration certificate is displayed for their information. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's needs and to keep them well informed of their child's progress and daily activities. This is done through regular verbal feedback and the occasional newsletter. Respective parent’s have access to an individual photo album depicting their child's play, outing and time spent with the childminder.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. The majority of the required documentation is in place and is well presented. Policies and procedures are used sufficiently well to promote the children's developmental progress and welfare. Children are able to move freely whilst under the childminder's supervision and are at ease and comfortable within the childminding environment. They are taken on frequent outings and have regular opportunities for outdoor play and exercise. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and day-to-day activities and are encouraged to keep the childminder up-to-date with relevant information. This enables her to continue to meet children's individual needs. Confidentiality is

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Organisation

understood by the childminder. Sensitive information is stored appropriately and is only accessible to respective parents. However, written consent to seek emergency medical treatment needs to be obtained in respect of every child placed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop procedures and record keeping systems, and children's access to resources and activities to promote diversity. Appropriate record keeping systems are in place relating to the attendance of the children and the use of the assistant childminder. Written consent to seek emergency medical treatment is in place for most of the children. A procedure for informing Ofsted of any significant changes or events is in place, and children have access to resources and activities that promote diversity. This helps to improve the care provided to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted has received one complaint since the last inspection, relating to National Standard 2: Organisation. The complaint related to the organisation of the childminders time and use of an assistant. An investigation visit was carried out on 10 October 2004. The concerns were discussed and appropriate actions were agreed to meet the National Standards. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration. 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

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 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): • ensure that written consent to seek emergency medical treatment is obtained in respect of every child placed • ensure that a valid first aid certificate is available for inspection at all times • ensure that the bathroom is safe for use by children 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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