Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317006 Inspection date 12 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 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 lives with her husband and their two children in a three bedroom house located in Ingleby Barwick, close to local amenities including shops, park and schools. Minded children have use of the ground floor of the property and two of the bedrooms may also be used. There is a fully enclosed garden to be used for out-door activities. The childminder has been registered since December 2005 to care for five children under 8 years. There are currently three children on roll attending a variety of sessions.

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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 Yarm Childminding Group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills, for example, as they ride on wheeled toys and use the climbing equipment. Regular use is made of a local play park and the children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children’s health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines, which also allow them to develop their independence. They are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Effective procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. However, procedures for administering medication to children do not include parents signing to acknowledge the entry. Regular drinks are offered and children's independence is promoted when the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder gives them choices of what they would like to drink. Children benefit from being offered varied snacks and meals. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. 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. Equipment is stored well in see-through plastic crates at child-level, which allows even the youngest to make choices for themselves and direct their own play. Toys are available for all ages, and in sufficient quantities to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development. Children are well-protected. The childminder has satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection. All required procedures and documentation are in place.

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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 settled and happy in the childminders care. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. The childminder plans interesting activities which take into account children's individual interests. She is interested in what children do and say, and becomes actively involved in their play. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children contribute to children's sense of belonging. Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help, for example, when using small construction toys. Communication skills

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are well-supported through quality adult-child interactions. Children express their ideas through a range of different experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through activities and sensitive discussions with the childminder who also acts as a positive role model, however, there are limited resources and activities available to fully develop children's awareness of diversity. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident. 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 informed about their child's day and activities through discussion and daily diaries. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. The childminder has completed the relevant training courses, including an appropriate first aid certificate and child protection. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. Records, policies and procedures support good practice, safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring parents are well-informed of their children's progress. The provision effectively 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 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 medication recording systems, to include parents signing to acknowledge the entry • further develop the range of resources reflecting 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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