Heneachon, Zoey Jayne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286478 Inspection date 28 April 2005 Inspector Lindsay Helen Dobson

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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 registered in June 2004. She lives with her partner and child aged eight years. They live in a house on a quiet residential estate in the rural village of Sherburn-in-Elmet, near Selby. Shops, parks and local school are within walking distance. The ground floor of the house plus the first floor bathroom and small playroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two cats and a small dog.

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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 registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently six children on roll, all of whom are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and runs a crèche on three days a week. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about a healthy and nutritious diet, as they are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. They are provided with a varied menu and individual dietary needs are met. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and are given a choice of dilute juice or water. Children learn about the importance of washing their hands after outdoor play, coming into contact with pets and before meals. For example, the childminder explains to children that they wash hands to 'get rid of any nasty germs.' Children enjoy a wide range of activities, both indoors and outside. For example, children can play in the garden on sit and rides, play football, skipping, ride bikes and go on trips to parks. This contributes to the children's good health and their developing physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to the children are minimised. The childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards. She has made her home safe for the children to play freely, with a good use of safety equipment. Children are well supervised at all times and the childminder provides a good balance between freedom to explore and the setting of safe limits. Children are gaining an awareness of possible dangers, including road safety. Through following the childminder's sensible procedures, when out in the community. Children receive a warm welcome into this child-friendly environment. They are able to access a good selection of clean, well maintained and age appropriate toys, play equipment and activity resources. Children's welfare is well promoted by the childminder, who has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures she should follow if she has a concern about a child's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children settle extremely well at the childminder's house, freely moving around and choosing from a good range of toys, equipment and activities. These are easily accessible and encourage the children to develop their learning. For example, they play with the farm and animals and learn animal sounds. The childminder has a photo album available to parents and children, which shows the children participating in enjoyable and varied activities such as making gloop, baking and sticking. These activities encourage and develop the children's creativity. Children benefit from the childminder's interaction. For example, she gives good eye contact, lots of cuddles and plays at the children's level, as she stimulates their language and emotional well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They take part in well organised activities and also develop independence, by making choices for themselves. They enjoy using the good selection of resources available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide range of toys, play equipment and activities, which positively promotes their awareness of the wider world. They celebrate a variety of festivals and sample foods associated with other countries, increasing their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. However, resources and activities are lacking which reflect positive images of disabilities. This limits the development of children's understanding in this area. Children are recognised and valued for their individuality; the childminder knows them very well. Children are happy in the childminder's care; they relate to her positively. They show care and concern for each other, playing together harmoniously. Children understand the need to share and take turns. Children are happy and settled, confidently making themselves at home and making decisions about what they want to do. Their needs are met very well, due to the daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sharing of information and close working partnership, between the childminder and the children's parents. Children behave very well, in response to the childminder's clear and consistent guidance and their own input to the house rules. They are well supported to help them feel secure and receive positive praise for their good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children appear happy and confident in the well organised environment. This enables them to access activities and resources freely and extend their own play and development. Written policies and procedures are used effectively in most cases and

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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 are shared with the parents. Days are well planned to provide the children with good routines for home based activities, outings, meals and opportunities for relaxation. Time is also allocated each day to share information with the parents and to keep them informed of their child's activity and development. Required documentation is in place and most is maintained to a high standard. However medication records lack sufficient detail in some instances. The childminder has a positive attitude to developing her own skills through training. For example, she has completed the Introducing Childminding Practice, first aid and food hygiene courses. These provide good support of the care, given to the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 resources and activities which promote positive images of disability. • Ensure medication records include parent's signatures.

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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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