Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331725 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2006 Inspection date Linda Cook Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and their two children aged four and three years. Their home is in a village on the outskirts of the City of York and a short car ride to schools, shops and local amenities. The whole of the childminders home is used for childminding purposes apart from the main bedroom and is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three school age children all part time. The childminder holds a recognised level three childcare qualification.

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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 are cared for in a warm and welcoming home which is well maintained, clean and tidy. The childminder takes positive steps to protect children from cross infection and there is a clear sick child policy in place. Children's health is supported by the childminder ensuring they follow good hygiene routines. For example, they wash their hands when they come in from school, before eating and after attending to personal care needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are provided with varied and nutritious meals and snacks which include fresh fruit and vegetables. Water is available for older children to access independently and fruit juice is provided at snack time. Children learn about healthy eating when they help to prepare meals and snacks. The childminder discusses with the children which foods are healthy and which need to be eaten in moderation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. Each day there are outdoor activities, for example they access a very good variety of wheeled toys and can develop their climbing skills on the fixed play equipment. School age children particularly enjoy physical activities on their trips out during holiday periods. In particular they like to visit and play park in a neighbouring village to use the aerial slide and to walk to the village pond to feed the ducks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe, secure and provide sufficient space for children to play freely and safely both indoors and outdoors. Children independently select resources from a wide range of toys and play equipment which are of good quality, well maintained and clean; they are stored in boxes and low level cupboards ensuring they are accessible safely within their reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe, both indoors, outdoors and on outings. The childminder carefully explains the reasons behind the boundaries which are in place. For example, children are not allowed to run indoors and they are aware they must be watchful when using the swings to ensure they do not hurt others. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure, however, children are not provided with opportunities to practise this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is further protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures, has completed a first aid course and holds a food hygiene certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. The children become increasingly independent as a result of the consistent support, praise and encouragement given to them. The childminder

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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 has a good understanding of how children learn. She uses her sound knowledge and experience of the Birth to three framework and the Foundation Stage of learning to plan activities and enable children to make progress in all areas of their learning and development. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which are interesting and fun, including, baking, art and craft, board games and physical play outdoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children quickly develop positive relationships with the childminder and they are eager to tell her about their day when they return from school. They are encouraged to make choices and confidently express their wishes when they are offered a choice of activities. Trips out to places of interest such as the York Maze, provide additional opportunities for children to explore and investigate. Two school aged children who the childminder cares for during school holidays have written to say thank you and how much they had enjoyed the time spent with her this summer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome and at home. The childminder ensures she is aware of their individual needs and routines to enable her to provide appropriate care. Children are beginning to learn about their local community and the wider world through their trips out, planned activities and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident in their surroundings and are able to independently access the facilities and resources. The planning of the day is flexible to meet the needs and interest of the children being cared for. For example, school age children can choose to be active or rest according to their individual needs after a busy day at school. Children are well behaved and learn to appreciate the needs of others as they are encouraged to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are developed with parents. They are encouraged to visit before the minding starts and all issues are discussed with them. They are provided with written information about the childminder, her family and the service she provides. Verbal information is exchanged daily at delivery and collection to ensure parents are fully aware of their child's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time effectively to meet the needs of the children she cares for. The available space and resources are well organised to promote easy access and children's independence. She has a positive approach to her own development and the inspection process. She has a level three qualification in childcare; holds a current first aid and food hygiene certificate. However, she has not completed a local authority approved course for childminding within six months of registration and this is a breach of the National Standards.

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Organisation

Most requirements for record keeping and documentation to meet the National Standards are in place, however, the written consent of parents for children to travel in a vehicle has not been obtained. The childminder has an understanding of dealing with complaints from parents but there is no complaints log in place. Documentation is well organised and stored to maintain

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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 confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 children are provided with opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedure • complete a local authority approved introductory course to childminding • introduce a system for dealing with complaints to comply with the revised National Standards and ensure the written consent of parents is obtained for children to travel in a vehicle.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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