Childminder in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315479 Inspection date 25 May 2006 Inspector Andrea, Jane Lockyer

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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 August 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and seven years. They live in an end terraced house on the outskirts of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Local amenities and public transport systems are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor areas are used for childminding purposes. Children do not have access to the first floor. There is a safe and enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children, and is currently caring for one child on a part-time basis.

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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 qualified level 3 childcare qualification and receives support and training opportunities from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a suitable range of activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. There are daily activities that help them to develop control of their bodies; for example, as they ride wheeled toys, kick balls and join in with music and movement sessions. Regular visits to soft play, outdoor play-areas and garden games improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they begin to learn about good hygiene and personal care, through their daily routine; for example, as they wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. The childminder follows appropriate procedures to ensure that children's health and well-being are promoted. Children begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet. They have opportunities to try out new tastes and textures, which provide positive experiences to help develop likes and dislikes. Good communication with parents and records

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure that children's individual dietary needs are met.

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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 comfortable home, where most risks are minimised through the use of a range of safety equipment and devices. Daily visual risk assessments ensure that the environment is generally hazard free, enabling children to play freely and safely. However, low-level glass ornaments and an unprotected electrical socket are within easy reach of children. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of safety as they practise fire drills, help to tidy up toys and learn about road safety. The childminder achieves a good balance of freedom and setting safe limits, enabling children to explore in safety whilst on outings or at soft play. Children independently select activities from a good range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has sufficient knowledge of the procedures to follow in line with the Local Safe Guarding Children's Board guidelines, however, she does not have a copy of these.

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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 Children are happy, confident and very well settled in the childminders care. The childminder uses her secure knowledge of children's needs and stages of development, to effectively engage them in a variety of stimulating activities. Children are making good progress and enjoy a broad range of experiences, both in and out of the home, which contribute to their physical, imaginative, creative and language skills; for example, joining in with stories, singing and dancing, making pictures, and playing with natural materials. Children have good opportunities to socialise with other children through visits to local amenities, soft play and toddler groups. Close and caring relationships between the children and the childminder increase their sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of others and the wider world. They join in with Chinese New Year celebrations both at the childminder's home and at the toddler group, and have access to some resources that reflect positive images of diversity. They have good opportunities to learn about their local community, as they visit parks, shops and go on local walks to look at wildlife and explore the outdoor environment. However, few resources limit children from increasing their understanding of diversity. The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour. She implements an appropriate range of strategies to promote positive behaviour, which help children to understand right from wrong. Children respond well to the childminder's praise and encouragement; for example, they help to tidy up and are learning to share and take turns. They behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and parents. Good communication, and a parents information pack, ensures that they are kept well informed of the childminding practice and the care, welfare and progress of their children. Initial discussions and appropriate records ensure that children are cared for according to parents wishes, however, the childminder has not obtained written parental consent to transport children in her car.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The appropriately organised environment and good daily routines ensure that children are happy and settled. Good opportunities are made for play, resting, eating and going out. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play. Most policies and procedures are implemented well, to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents, which contributes to the continuity

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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 of children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures • ensure children do not have access to low level glass, or unprotected electrical sockets • obtain written parental consent to transport children in a car • extend daily resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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