Childminder in North Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314694 Inspection date 11 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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband, daughter aged 7 years and two sons aged 1 and 6 years at their home in Forest Hall in Tyne and Wear. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children aged under 8 years and currently there is 1 child on roll. Minded children have access to the ground floor lounge, dining room, playroom, kitchen and toilet and the rear garden. The premises are within walking distance of local bus and metro routes, toddler group, playgroup, local nurseries and schools, local shops, 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have very good opportunities to learn about how to stay healthy and care for themselves. They follow the childminder's positive example and benefit from her excellent hygiene routines. The childminder gives children clear explanations about good personal hygiene habits. Children are able to explain in simple terms how these habits help to keep them healthy. They learn to wash their hands before eating or cooking and after outdoor play or using the toilet. Children's health is very well protected through the childminder's excellent hygiene maintenance arrangements. The childminder employs very effective arrangements to prevent the spread of infection. Comprehensive policies about caring for sick children, infectious diseases and dealing with medical emergencies are shared with parents. Children's health is further promoted by very detailed, well organised record

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Helping children to be healthy

keeping arrangements. These enable the childminder to effectively address any individual health needs the children may have. The childminder is very knowledgeable about healthy diets and children's nutritional needs. She provides the children with very good opportunities to learn about healthy eating and drinking. Children are able to explain in simple terms which foods and drinks are healthy and which foods to avoid and why. Children have regular access to a variety of healthy drinks 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 enjoy mealtimes when they sit together and interact socially with each other and the childminder. Children's health is further promoted by having access to a wide range of excellent opportunities to exercise and develop their body awareness, such as garden play

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Helping children to be healthy

and visits to leisure centres, beaches, farms and parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, comfortable and very well maintained home. The home is exceptionally well organised with an excellent dedicated playroom. Children can move around freely and safely and are able to easily reach all the facilities and play resources they need. Children's play resources are stored in very well organised, good quality, easily accessible storage facilities. Children can choose with minimal adult intervention from an excellent 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

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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 where developmentally appropriate. The childminder's excellent resource maintenance procedures ensure children's toys and equipment are safe and hygienic for their use. Children's safety is very well promoted through the childminder's vigilance. She has comprehensive health and safety and fire evacuation policies and an excellent level of safety awareness. She very effectively uses a range of appropriate safety equipment and measures to minimise the hazards children are exposed to. Children are given clear explanations about how to stay safe in the home, outdoors and when crossing roads. Children contribute to safety rules and can explain how to stay safe, for example, no running or climbing in the home, no running onto roads. Children's welfare is very well protected by the childminder's excellent understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of child protection issues and procedures. She recently attended extra child protection training including a specialised course on child protection for babies. She shares clear child protection policies with parents at the start of their child's placement to ensure they understand her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and are confident and very relaxed in her company. The childminder interacts with them in a warm, friendly manner. She joins in their activities, such as running with them in egg and spoon races. She talks and listens to them enthusiastically about their interests and activities. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and plans good routines, giving them many opportunities to choose their own activities. Children take part in activities which offer them first hand, practical experiences, for example, art and craft work. Children are keen to show off their craft work and proudly announce they are called 'the craft people' as indicated by the title on their display board. They also take part in structured play with the childminder, have quiet periods as needed and play outdoors. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

framework but does not incorporate it fully in her practice. She recognises this as an area for further development. Children choose independently from a very wide range of good quality, developmentally appropriate play resources. The childminder also offers structured activities with her support, for example, children decorate eggs and are totally absorbed in making Easter cards with the childminder. The childminder places a strong emphasis on the children having fun, such as, egg and spoon races which children participate in with great enthusiasm and laughter. The childminder encourages children to play together and consider each other's needs. Children co-operate with each other, for example, they willingly share resources during craft activities and games. Children have opportunities to take part in many other stimulating play and learning activities, such as, role play, construction, imaginative play, musical activities and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

games. They bake with the childminder and take part in various outings, such as

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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 visits to the library and the park. This variety of well chosen activities enables children to develop their imagination and creativity and practice all their developing skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder uses the information she collects about children to effectively address their individual needs and promote equality. Children learn to respect others through discussion with the childminder. She uses local outings to help children to learn about their own community. However, children's access to positive images of diversity is very limited. The childminder recognises that this area needs further development to enable children to develop a positive understanding of race, culture and differing abilities. Children behave very well and have very good relationships. The childminder acts as a good role model by treating the children respectfully and using positive behaviour management methods. She praises their efforts and thanks them for their help, for example, as they help to clear up after breakfast. Where it is developmentally appropriate the childminder talks to children about behaviour expectations. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learn about controlling their behaviour and are encouraged to contribute to the basic house rules. As a result, the childminder is able to ensure that children's behaviour is managed consistently and that the children are aware of reasonable behaviour boundaries. Consequently, children play well together, share and co-operate 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 childminder. The childminder has effective arrangements for promoting children's care. She gives parents access to clear, comprehensive information about her service. She keeps detailed records of children's information, complies with parent's wishes and communicates regularly with them about their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and overall, children's needs are met. Children's welfare is protected by the childminder having the relevant Childminding and First Aid qualifications and taking the necessary precautions to ensure the suitability of any persons in contact with the children. Space, resources and routines are very well organised. Children have easy access to the facilities and equipment they need. They can move around safely in the home environment and take part in a wide range of appropriate activities including structured, supervised play, free play, quiet times and outdoor activities. Detailed, well organised record keeping underpins the quality of children's care and ensures children's individual needs are effectively supported. All relevant documentation is in place and good security measures are observed to protect

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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 children's 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 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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework • ensure children have access to resources which reflect diversity in a positive way.

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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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