Childminder in Middlesbrough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315560 Inspection date 10 April 2006 Inspector Josephine Ann Northend

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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 lives with her husband and their four children in a four bed-roomed detached house located in the Coulby Newham area of Middlesbrough. The house is close to local amenities including shops, schools and play area. Minded children have use of the ground floor of the property and may also play in children's bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside activities. The childminder has been registered for six months to care for five children over eight years, there are currently three children under eight years on roll. The childminder also occasionally cares for children over eight years after school and during school

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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 during. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They have some opportunities to develop large physical skills with energetic play outdoors in fine weather. There are outdoor toys to help them develop their physical skills, for example tricycles, climbing frame and ball pool. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines, which raises their awareness and develops their independence. Satisfactory procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Procedures are in place for the recording of accidents and any medication administered to children. However, written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been requested. Children benefit from a healthy diet and drinks are freely available to them. They

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. These comply with all special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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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 spacious environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has sound systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. However, written consent to transport children in a vehicle has not been obtained from parents. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence. Most required procedures to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted are in place. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has some understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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 happy and settled in the childminders care. Routines have been established, promoting children's sense of security. The childminder is aware of the children's individual developmental stages and their likes and dislikes which allows her to plan interesting activities which take into account children's individual interests. Children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. The childminder is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play with a good range of resources and take part in some activities which promote positive images of the wider world. The childminder has a good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to plan and resource activities which the children find enjoyable and interesting. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parent's views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and relaxed within the childminding environment, where space is used well to meet the children's needs. The childminder organises her time well to allow children one to one attention. The required ratios are maintained, resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met. The childminder has completed the necessary training, including an appropriate first aid certificate. Most required documents are in place to promote the welfare of the children being cared for. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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): • ensure written consent to transport children is gained from parents • further develop awareness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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