Hinchsliff, Nicola

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315769 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Linda Phillips

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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 first registered in 2005. She is registered to care for five children and currently cares for two children on a part-time basis. The childminder lives in the west of Kingston upon Hull with her partner and child aged two. They live close to local schools, shops and a park. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor of the home. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a very clean home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Children cared for are young but nonetheless are being effectively encouraged by the childminder, for example, to wash their hands and faces after eating meals. The childminder ensures her own practices have high standards to ensure children learn the importance of staying healthy. There are many opportunities for children to enjoy physical play both in and out of the home on a daily basis by way of walking to a pre-school and regular visits to the park and soft-play centres. Parents are made aware of the childminders written sick children policy to prevent the spreading of any illnesses. A first aid certificate is held by the childminder and she is aware of procedures to follow should an accident occur. All accidents must be recorded. The childminder follows a routine that allows children to sleep in accordance with their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs and parental wishes. Opportunities are built into each day to have rest and quieter times, and detailed daily records individually maintained on each child support this. Medications are administered in accordance with parental wishes and clear written records are maintained. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and although all meals are supplied by parents via a clear written agreement, she provides nutritious snacks and drinks. No child requires a special diet. Children are encouraged to try new healthy foods and take part in activities such as the making of juices using fresh fruit regularly. Packed lunch boxes are stored appropriately within the kitchen, and children have easy access to drinks which are within their reach. All children sit at the table with the childminder to eat their meals and is a social event both in terms of learning tables manners and skills, and an opportunity for group conversations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminding home is warm and welcoming therefore helping children to feel comfortable and settled. The childminder places a high priority on ensuring children remain safe and free from danger, and except for meal times they play within the lounge in close proximity to her. The first floor of the home is not accessed by minded children and the provision of a safety gate denies them access to the staircase. Effective safety features are in place and the childminder constantly reminds children, and explains to them, the importance of remaining safe. Written parental consent is given for the childminder to take children on regular outings and to use public transport and she is fully aware of the importance of safety issues. In the event of an emergency the childminder has easy access to contacting parents on her mobile telephone. There is a wide range of appropriate age and ability toys and play materials which

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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 are rotated on a regular basis. Systems are in place to ensure they are maintained in a clean and safe manner by way of daily checks. Equipment and other resources are also well maintained to a high standard and are of good quality and quantity. Children are actively encouraged to make sure they clear away their toys when they have finished playing with them to ensure the lounge remains safe and free from hazards. A personalised written child protection policy is shared with parents and the childminder has a good understanding of possible signs and symptoms which would be of concern to her. She is fully aware of her responsibility to protect children but is to become more familiar with reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently select from a wide range of quality toys and play materials which are rotated regularly and stored within large boxes. The childminder promotes a good range of activities including role play, reading, and the watching of some television programmes although this is kept to a minimum. Due to the young age of the children the childminder ensures activities within the home are more spontaneous rather than planned to ensure the children participate in activities of their choice to support their individual interests and learning. Children regularly attend soft play sessions and toddler groups where they have the opportunity to build their confidence and self esteem whilst playing with other children as well as having a broader range of activities and interests. By constantly talking to the children and participating in their play the childminder uses skills to teach them the importance of sharing and taking turns. She frequently

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

uses praise and encouragement which helps the children to feel confident and happy in their chosen activities. Photographs are taken with written parental consent by the childminder of the children participating in a wide range of activities such as baking, dressing up and outdoor play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the home as part of the family. A written equal opportunities policy is shared with parents and anti-discriminatory practices are promoted. All children valued and are treated equally whilst their individuality is respected. Photographic evidence supports the childminders policy by depicting both girls and boys participating in a wide range of activities and they are beginning to learn about diversity as they have access to multi-cultural toys and books. Children with additional needs are welcomed and the childminder states this in her policy. Although parents were informed of the inspection they did not contribute to it.

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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 By constantly talking to the children and participating in their play the childminder uses skills to teach them the importance of sharing, talking turns, and learning right from wrong. She uses consistent and age appropriate behaviour management techniques with clear explanations to encourage the children to understand what is and is not acceptable, such as taking toys from one another. Trial sessions are offered to new children and a settling in period agreed with parents. Well completed record forms detail personal information on each child, including likes and dislikes, any health issues and any other information given by the parents. The childminder maintains comprehensive daily records on each child which are shared with parents and given a copy upon request, she also gives a verbal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

account of activities undertaken, meals eaten and sleeps when the child is collected. Written agreements with parents detail services provided including for them to supply meals, nappies and sun creams. The childminder also obtains a wide range of written parental consents including outings, photographs and playing in a paddling pool which parents sign individually thus offering them the opportunity to accept or not. Close relationships have been formed between the childminder and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who makes excellent efforts to improve her knowledge through the attendance of numerous training courses including first aid, basic food hygiene, health and safety and aspects of play. This in turn enables her to provide a well-organised service to which she is fully committed. She has a high regard for the well-being of children. All documentation is well organised and presented, and easily accessible. Policies and procedures are personalised to reflect the childminders services and practices, and are shared with parents who are asked to sign to confirm they have read and understood them. The childminder displays her registration certificate appropriately and works within her stated conditions. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to secure the exit doors and garden gate and protect children from the marble plinth and low level glass; in order to make the environment safe for children. This has been addressed.

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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

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of local area child protection procedures • ensure all accidents are recorded.

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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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