Baker Alison Carol

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY252048 Inspection date 25 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 has been registered since January 2003. She is currently minding a total of seven children both on a full and part time basis. She lives with her partner and their two children aged six and three years. The family live in a detached house in the village of Sherburn in Elmet on the outskirts of Leeds. Local amenities such as park, shops and school are within walking distance and utilised by the childminder. Minded children have access to the whole of the house with the exception of the

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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 master bedroom. The through lounge/dining room will be used as the main area for minding, with the addition of the conservatory. Toilet facilities are available on the first floor, along with the two children's bedrooms which may be used for sleeping purposes. There is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has completed a relevant childminding course in addition to holding a nursery nurse qualifications. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy diet, they are learning about healthy eating and are provided with a wide range of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder discusses the children's individual dietary needs with their parents and takes their wishes and the children's choices into account, to ensure children remain healthy. The children enjoy regular drinks throughout the day and make choices between, water, dilute juice. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. They know, for example, that it 'stops germs spreading' when they wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden and before eating. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, at home and on outings, which helps their general good health and contributes to their bodily control and development. They enjoy running, climbing, jumping, in addition to playing with the

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Helping children to be healthy

good selection of outdoor resources, which they can pull, push or ride on. This provides them with opportunities to develop their 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 because the childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards and has made her home safe for the children to play freely. 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 and they willingly follow the childminder's sensible procedures, when out in the community. Children receive a warm welcome to this child-friendly environment and are able to access an excellent selection of clean, well maintained and age appropriate toys, play equipment and activity resources. Children are well protected by the childminder, who has a clear understanding of child protection issues and periodically attends training, to update her knowledge of the procedures she should follow, if she has concerns about the children's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They relate to her particularly well and enjoy a wide range of activities, covering areas of play and learning. They take part in organised activities and also develop independence, by making choices for themselves. Children play very well together and understand the need to share and take turns. They enjoy using the good selection of resources available in the house and garden. During school holidays the children also enjoy a wide variety of outings to places of interest and during term-time the younger children look forward to socialising with other children at the local playgroup. Children particularly enjoy the diversity of art and craft activities provided and also enjoy making their own creations. Their achievements are recognised and celebrated by the childminder, which raises the children's self esteem. Children enjoy role play activities, which stimulate their imagination. They also benefit

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from the childminder's interaction, as she stimulates their language and mathematical thinking. All children join in enthusiastically, because the childminder has a good knowledge of child development and ensures the activities are appropriate. She knows the children very well and provides the required support for each child to try new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have some access to resources which promote a positive awareness of the wider world, such as books and dressing up clothes. However, limitations in these resources and their everyday use restricts children's learning in these areas. Children find out about the environment where they live, through stimulating visits to places of interest. The garden is well used to allow children to grow plants and look for ladybirds. The children show a good understanding of care and concern for each other. For example, they are encouraged to take turns and share resources. Positive behaviour and praise is well promoted with the children and the childminder acts as a good role model. For example, she encourages children by saying, 'thank you', 'please' and 'good girl'. This helps them to play harmoniously. Children behave well, in response to the childminder's clear and consistent guidance and their own input to the house

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Helping children make a positive contribution

rules. Children are recognised and valued for their individuality, the childminder knows them well. Children are happy in the childminder's care and they relate to her in a positive manner. They are happy, settled, confidently make themselves at home, and

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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 make decisions about what they want to do. Their individual needs are fully met, due to the daily sharing of information and close working partnership, between the childminder and their parents. They are well supported to help them feel secure, and are able to talk confidently about what they see and do.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children move around the well organised environment with ease and appear at home. This enables them to be confident and happy as they extend their own play and learning. Days are well planned to provide the children with good routines for home based activities, outings, meals and opportunities for relaxation. Parents are kept well informed about the service offered to their child, promoting their welfare and continuity of care. For example, the childminder's correct completing of registers and accident forms, and also the prospectus and parent's file she maintains. The childminder is satisfactorily aware of the legal requirements of the standards. For example, she notifies Ofsted of any changes to circumstance and completes most regulatory documentation. However, some medication records lack sufficient detail, which could adversely impact on the health needs of the children. Overall, the

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Organisation

provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed a first aid course for infants and young children and is now qualified to administer first aid. She has devised and implemented written agreements with parents which clearly set out expectations of care and details of the activities provided. A complaints procedure has also been devised and is available to parents in the parent's file. This training and implementation of documents ensures children are cared for in a safe environment with consistency of care.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Ensure children have regular access to a greater range of resources reflecting positive images of ethnicity, culture, disability and gender in everyday play situations. • Ensure all records of medication administered to children are signed by parents.

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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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