Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314338 Inspection date 12 April 2006 Inspector Elaine Steedman

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2005. She is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children aged under 8 years and currently there are 3 children on roll. Children are cared for at her home in Killingworth in Tyne and Wear. They have access to the ground floor lounge and kitchen-diner, a first floor bathroom and the rear garden. The premises are within walking distance of local bus routes, toddler group, playgroup, local nurseries and schools, local shops, a leisure centre, parks and the library.

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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 The childminder lives with her husband and 2 daughters aged 6 and 10 years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children have satisfactory opportunities to learn about how to stay healthy and care for themselves. They follow the childminder's positive example and benefit from her good hygiene routines. The childminder gives children explanations about good personal hygiene habits. Children learn to wash their hands before eating or cooking and after using the toilet. Children's health is satisfactorily protected through the childminder's hygiene maintenance arrangements. The childminder employs effective arrangements to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health is further promoted by well organised record keeping arrangements. These enable the childminder to effectively address any individual health needs the children may have. However, children's health is compromised by the childminder not having an appropriate First Aid qualification. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding about healthy diets and children's

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Helping children to be healthy

nutritional needs. She provides the children with opportunities to learn about healthy eating and drinking. Children have regular access to and are encouraged to drink water. Children are provided with a balanced, healthy diet including a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes into account children's individual needs and preferences. Children's health is further promoted by having access to a range of opportunities to exercise and develop their body awareness, such as local walks, visits to children's activity centres and parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, comfortable and well maintained home. The home is satisfactorily organised for childcare. Children can move around freely and safely and are able to easily reach most of the facilities and play resources they need. The childminder sets out a range of toys at the children's level, within their easy reach. Children can choose with minimal adult intervention from a range of good quality, age appropriate play resources and equipment. The childminder encourages all children to play with all toys and join in all activities where developmentally appropriate. The childminder's good resource maintenance procedures ensure children's toys and equipment are safe and hygienic for their use.

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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 Children's safety is generally well promoted through the childminder's vigilance and good supervision. She has satisfactory health and safety and fire evacuation procedures and effectively uses a range of safety equipment. She has a satisfactory level of safety awareness and takes appropriated steps to minimise the hazards children are exposed to, however, some attention to safety detail is required in some areas. Children are given clear explanations about how to stay safe in the home, outdoors and when crossing roads. Children's welfare is satisfactorily protected by the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have good relationships with the childminder and are well settled, happy and relaxed in her company. The childminder interacts with them in a warm, friendly manner. She joins in their activities, such as drawing and floor play. She talks and listens to them enthusiastically about their interests and activities. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how children learn and plans satisfactory routines, giving the children some opportunity to choose their own activities. Children take part in activities which offer them first hand, practical experiences, for example, drawing and babies play with sensory toys, such as sound makers. Children have quiet periods as needed and take part in outings. The childminder encourages children to play together and consider each other's needs. Children choose independently from a range of good quality, developmentally

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate play resources. The childminder also offers structured activities with her support, for example, children make chocolate crispy cakes with the childminder. Children have opportunities to take part in other stimulating play and learning activities, such as role play, construction, imaginative play, musical activities and games. They bake with the childminder and take part in various outings, such as visits to the library, children's activity centres and the park. This variety of activities enables children to develop their imagination and practice all their developing skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respect for differing needs. The childminder uses the information she collects about children to address their individual needs and promote equality. Children learn to respect others through discussion with the childminder. Children learn about their own community through local outings. Children have access to positive images of diversity, such as story books and small world imaginative play. This helps the children to develop a positive understanding of race, culture and differing abilities. Children behave well and have good relationships with each other and the

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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 childminder. The childminder acts as a role model, praising children's efforts and thanking them for their help. She uses some positive behaviour management methods. Where it is developmentally appropriate the childminder talks to children about behaviour expectations. She tells children about reasonable behaviour boundaries, for example, sharing and children have some opportunity to learn about controlling their behaviour. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents and is able to ensure that children's behaviour is managed consistently. Children play well together, share and cooperate with each other and thereby avoid conflict. The childminder has good settling in arrangements, such as children's introductory visits with their parents. Children are settled and happy and enjoy being with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. The childminder has satisfactory arrangements for promoting children's care. She keeps detailed records of children's information, complies with parent's wishes and works with them to promote their children's care. The childminder has positive relationships with parents. She welcomes them into her home and exchanges information with them on a daily basis, for example, she shares daily diaries with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the children who are cared for, because the childminder does not have a clear understanding of all the National Standards. Children's welfare is compromised due to the childminder not having an appropriate First Aid qualification and not maintaining an appropriate register. However, the childminder does have the relevant Childminding qualification and takes the necessary precautions to ensure the suitability of any persons in contact with the children. Space, resources and routines are satisfactorily organised. Children have access to the facilities and equipment they need. They can move around safely in the home environment and take part in a range of appropriate activities including structured, supervised play, free play, quiet times and outdoor activities. Detailed, record keeping underpins the quality of children's care and ensures

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Organisation

children's individual needs are supported. All relevant documentation, with the exception of the First Aid qualification and an appropriately maintained register, is in place and good security measures are observed to protect confidentiality.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure children's hours of attendance are registered on a daily basis. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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