Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315767 Inspection date 03 April 2006 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 family in a five bedroom detached house in the village of Strensall on the outskirts of York. She has been registered since October 2005, to care for four minded children and is currently caring for two children under 5 years. Children have the use of the whole of the ground floor of the house, the small back bedroom and bathroom upstairs and a secure rear garden. The home is within walking distance of local amenities, such as the school, playgroup and shops.

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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. The children are cared for in clean well maintained premises with good hygiene practice in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children know they need to wash their hands after the toilet and start to do so after nappy changing to develop their awareness. They have individual towels to dry their hands. The children have food and drink provided from home, to account for special diets and allergies. The childminder provides her own family with healthy foods and the minded children are starting to learn about healthy eating. Children are offered drinks regularly to ensure they do not become dehydrated. The childminder works with parents to meet the dietary needs of the children she minds. Children have fresh air each day when walking to school, playing in the garden or visiting the play area or park. A good range of outside toys is available for the children to use. They are able to sleep or rest if they wish to do so.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box. The necessary paperwork is in place to record accidents and medication, also to obtain medical help in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Most safety equipment is in place in the home although not all the sockets are protected. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and spare batteries available in the kitchen. A smoke alarm is to be installed in the new play room when it is completed. The fire blanket is in the kitchen but is to be fixed on the wall for easy access in an emergency. The premises and garden are secure and children cannot leave unsupervised, nor can any unauthorised adults gain access. Minded children have no access to the area of the house being altered and the completion work will take place during the Easter holidays when minded children are not present. The childminder completed a risk assessment before the building work was started, and Ofsted will be notified when work is finished. A plan is in place for evacuation and the childminder has a list of telephone numbers and details for use in an emergency posted on the notice board. She takes contact

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

numbers and children's details with her when out of the home. She also has change with her to ensure she can use a telephone if need be. The children are starting to learn about road safety and stay close to the childminder or hold her hand if not in the pushchair. Children access toys and resources safely and easily. They are learning to use them with care although they are still young, and are encouraged to share and take turns.

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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 Children are protected by the childminder's knowledge of child protection. She has undertaken training to ensure she has the up to date procedure for referral and the contact numbers needed, and is to do further training in the future. She is also aware Ofsted must be notified if any allegations are made.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has started to implement Birth to three matters to support the care she provides for younger children. She adapts activities to ensure they are suitable and provide sufficient challenge. Activities are planned informally and depend very much on the weather as the children enjoy being outside, whether in the garden or local play area. They are developing their social skills visiting the playgroup and their friends. Children use a good range of resources and toys and the childminder rotates them to ensure variety. Toys are easily accessible. They are starting to share and take turns when playing together. The older ones support the younger ones and help them in their play. The children enjoy baking and have made salt dough models to paint. They also like to paint pictures and make junk models. Books and stories are also an important part of their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works with parent's to ensure their wishes are respected and the children's needs are met. The necessary information, contracts, permissions and recording are in place. A daily diary is completed and verbal feedback given to keep the parents informed of the child's day. Parents are made aware of the emergency procedure to be followed in the event of fire, illness or accident. Parents completed a questionnaire and describe the care and the resources made available to their children as good. They value the concern shown by the childminder and the support given to the children to help their development. Children with special needs are cared for in the setting. The childminder ensures she maintains good communication with parents and follows any guidance to help the children develop. She is prepared to undertake training to widen her knowledge of the specific needs children may have.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of the need to provide activities and resources to develop children's understanding of diversity, however, these are somewhat limited at the moment. Books and dolls are available. There is no stereotyping of resources or activities, with all children able to participate.

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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 Children's behaviour is good, with the positive environment providing encouragement. The children are clear about what is acceptable behaviour and are learning to share, take turns and co-operate, even though they are still young.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has undertaken training to prepare for her childminding, including first aid. She has a place booked on another child protection course in the near future and hopes to make on going training an integral part of her practice. The childminding certificate is displayed and the conditions of registration maintained. The childminder knows she must respect confidentiality and has the necessary paperwork and recording in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting, which overall 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 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): • ensure all safety equipment is consistently employed • develop resources to widen children's awareness and knowledge of diversity.

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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 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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