Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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314414 Unique Reference Number 23 June 2006 Inspection date Christine Tipple 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 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 14 years old. The family live in a semi detached house in the village of Cranswick near to the town of Driffield. The childminder is within walking distance to the shops and the school where she takes and collects children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and a designated bedroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden to the rear and side of the property for outdoor play. The childminder uses her car for minding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding five children, of whom one is over eight years old, most of the children attend part time. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and her local childminding support group.

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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 have a selection of nutritious snacks both in the morning and afternoon, including the older children after school. Parents provide packed lunches, but the childminder is happy to offer cooked meals as requested. The children have a range of fruit each day to promote healthy eating and this is supported with a food policy. Children have a range, such as apples, raisins, grapes and banana's and they try different foods to encourage their taste buds. The after school snack consists of wholesome sandwiches, which have a selection of fillings, for example, cheese or tuna and yogurts for desserts. Drinks are offered all day. A jug of sugar free juice is in the fridge for the older children to access and serve themselves, while younger children have their own cups and feeders, which they can access throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health and hygiene is managed positively by the childminder. Older children follow the routines confidently and can access the bathroom independently. The facilities in place enable them to manage this effectively. Wipes are used with the younger children to ensure their hands are kept clean during the day. The childminder talks with the children to inform them why they need to keep their hands clean. Children's nappy changing routines are followed and the children have their own creams and nappies. The family dog has access to the children. This is managed well, and all precautions are taken, such as the dog's inoculations are up to date and feeding dishes are not accessible to the children. There are clear details on the care of children who are ill and the relevant exclusion periods.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have good opportunities on a regular basis to practise and develop their physical skills. They have access to slides, climbing frame and use bikes and sit on ride toys. There is a selection of bat and ball games as well as rugby and footballs and a basket ball net. The children go out to the local park and soft play area. Younger children also attend the local parent and toddler group. The children have a variety of smaller equipment to practise their finer physical skills through moulding play dough and baking. The children have creative activities, which enable the children to cut and use pencils, crayons and paint brushes.

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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 safe environment where the childminder has assessed the risks in relation to the children. All precautions in place minimise and prevent accidents occurring. Children have free access to move around in their play and they use the areas set out for them confidently, including outside. The range of good quality toys and equipment, both inside and outside, offers the children a variety and balance. These provide positive choices for the age range of children being minded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children participate in the emergency evacuation procedure regularly with the childminder. This raises the children's awareness of what to do in an emergency situation. When outside on walks the children cross the roads safely by stopping at the kerb and looking both ways. Older children are effective role models for the younger ones in this practice. The children are

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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 sometimes taken out in the car and appropriate car seats and safety belts, relevant to each child's needs, are used. The childminder has the relevant details and a written policy in relation to child protection, which promote children's welfare and safety effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are content and happy with the childminder. They are confident in their surroundings and in accessing the toys and resources themselves. The children have free play and the childminder supports their activities with enthusiasm. The children have opportunities to be creative with a range of materials, such as collage, shaving cream and mixing paints with sand and washing up liquid. The children bake and have dressing up clothes and other role play resources; there are small world figures, dolls house, cars and trucks. Older children have a range of games, creative opportunities and computer games as well as sporting activities provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The relationship with the childminder promotes and encourages children's learning and self development very well. Interaction and communication with the younger children encourages their language skills and enables them to make meaning of their environment. The childminder has an understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, however, she is not using the documentation effectively to develop the range of activities for the younger children. The children attend the local parent and toddler group, which promotes the children's social skills and furthers their play experiences. Time is given especially for the smaller children to look and read books together; this provides a special time for them with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is positive in her approach with the children and is effective in valuing and supporting their individuality. There are some resources provided, such as dressing up clothes, books and role play materials, which reflect the wider world and diversity. The children have access to all the toys provided, and the childminder has an inclusive approach with all the children and their families.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed very well and the children respond to the routines and realistic boundaries in place. These reflect the children's age and understanding. The childminder is caring and consistent in her approach with the children. Good behaviour is rewarded and valued and this is supported with praise and positive approval of that behaviour. This builds the children's confidence and self esteem appropriately. Manners, taking turns and sharing are also seen as important skills for the children. This is extended for the younger children through access to other groups and activities in the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships developed with parents are very good. There are letters of praise for the childminder from parents on the positive care and experiences their children have with her. There are some policies and procedures provided and there are clear details for parents if they have a complaint or concern. Time is given on a daily basis by the childminder to discuss with

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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 parents their child's day and any issues either may have. This is backed up with a telephone call if further discussion is required. Children's creative work is displayed and taken home so parents have evidence of what their children have done. There is also a comprehensive photo display of the children on their outings and their involvement in activities whilst with the childminder. Contracts of agreement are in place as well as written consent from parents for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended some training in child protection and information on the Birth to three matters framework. She is a member of her local childminding support group and attends childcare conferences.

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Organisation

The childminder has a detailed file of her policies and training certificates and other relevant information. This is suitably organised. However, some policies and relevant documentation have not been reviewed to update and provide more information. All relevant records and children's details are maintained effectively. The storage of information and ensuring confidentiality is managed well by the childminder. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: reduce the risk of cross infection during nappy changing; develop her knowledge of child protection issues; and improve the overall access to the toys and resources for the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her procedure when changing a nappy. There is a clean towel for each child to lay on and she ensures appropriate hand washing and disposal of the nappy is carried out effectively each time. The childminder has attended training to extend her knowledge of child protection issues. This is supported with an appropriate policy statement to ensure their ongoing welfare and safety. The children have access to all the toys and resources provided during the day and these are changed to ensure the interests of the children are maintained effectively.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the since 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

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): • extend the planning of home based activities for the younger children by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters framework • review and develop documentation including policies and procedures.

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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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