Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY299882 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2006 Inspection date Jackie Phillips 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged three and six years, in Anlaby, close to the Hull boundary. The childminder's husband is registered to work as an assistant. Children access the whole of the ground floor of the property with use of the bathroom on the first floor when necessary. Outdoor play is provided in the rear enclosed garden of the home. The family have a tank of goldfish and a giant African snail.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years. Currently there are six children on roll, all under eight. Support is provided for children with learning difficulties. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the East Riding Network.

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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 outstanding. Children are aware of secure procedures that contribute to their good health and well-being. For example, they use a very clean and well organised area for toilet and nappy changing routines. Equipment, such as liquid soap and individual hand towels, are available to help children understand the importance of good hand washing practises. Younger children's nappies are changed effectively to minimise the spread of infection and ensure that soiled items are securely and safely disposed of. Children know where to hang their coats and personal belongings because low pegs are provided. They develop an understanding of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle because play and learning activities are provided to support this. For instance, as part of a themed range of activities children learn about oral hygiene and the importance of brushing their teeth. They discuss healthy food and create pictures of fruit and vegetables they are

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Helping children to be healthy

familiar with to support their good health. They understand the need for fresh air and physical exercise. This is because they use the exceptionally well maintained and interesting garden area regularly. They also take part in fun activities. For instance, those that support a charity and provide opportunities for them to join other children as part of a group, such as the 'Childline Pedal Push'.

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Helping children to be healthy

During the day children are able to access drinks as they wish. They also have fresh fruit or other healthy options between meals. Information is provided for parents to inform them of the well balanced and nutritious menu that is available. This includes food for children that is fresh and home cooked. Through the topic approach, children are introduced to the '5 a day' incentive to raise their awareness of healthy foods to be included into their diet on a daily basis. In the garden area they grow strawberries to pick, wash and eat when they are ripe.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a good balance of activities for children that take place inside and out. For example, they attend various toddler and play groups where they can meet other children and socialise. This also provides the opportunity for additional physical play, such as using equipment in a hall or outdoor park. They visit local places of interest and others that raise their understanding and potential learning through first hand experiences of the wider community. For example, they visit farms, the seaside, soft play groups, city centres and museums.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a well maintained, extremely clean and hygienic environment. They are familiar with areas where they can rest or relax or where they can create using paints and the diverse range of art and craft resources. Parents are well informed of the arrangements for when their children are ill and need to stay away from the setting. The childminder has a valid first aid qualification in place so is able to deal with children's accidents and injuries. She has ensured that she has requested consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for children should this be necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children move confidently between kitchen, toilet area and lounge. Their safety is promoted by the use of preventative equipment, such as a fireguard around the hearth and a gate to restrict access to the cooking area of the kitchen. They are not able to leave the premises unattended or uninvited persons enter the home because it is secure. Children are well supervised and consistently within the sight and sound of the adult to maintain their safety. When using the enclosed rear garden younger children are protected from harm by an all weather, safety covering to the ground where some of their resources are available. Children are familiar with the layout of the setting and where they can find their toys and play materials. They are enabled to feel part of a family group because they have good access to their resources, their pictures are well displayed and they are made to feel comfortable and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good range of documentation is in place that fully supports children's safety. For example, an attendance register is accurately maintained. Parents are aware of any accidents children have because they are kept well informed and asked to sign the record log. A thorough assessment system is clearly well established to alert the childminder to areas of potential risk for children. When children go on outings the 'going out bag' is taken that includes everything that might be required in an emergency or to keep children safe. For instance, contact numbers and a first aid box are readily available for use should this be necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are made aware of their own personal safety and that of others. For example, they regularly practise the emergency evacuation of the home and are aware that toys and games with small pieces must be played with out of the reach of younger children. Secure arrangements are in place for when emergency or additional care is required. This is provided by a local registered childminder and the childminder's husband who is an assistant and may be left in the sole charge of children with prior written consent obtained from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a strong emphasis to maintain the protection of children. A written child protection policy is in place that is shared with parents. Supportive guidance, contact details and a knowledge gained from training and the reading of relevant literature, means that children are kept safe. This is because the childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibility to protect children from harm. Details of new regulations when children are taken out in a vehicle, are available. This informs adults of new requirements for transporting children safely to maintain adequate and emergency protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. All children take part in a diverse and stimulating range of activities. They design and create using recyclable materials, such as boxes, cardboard tubes and an interesting collection of collage materials. They are able to dress up and play imaginary games using domestic equipment, dolls, and pretend play food. They can construct, use shape sorters, complete puzzles, manipulate and investigate because the range is broad, diverse and supplies are plentiful. They have a very good range of books to select from, many of which provide positive images and raise awareness

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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 of other cultures. They use small world people with varying needs to enable them to begin to understand about disability and the additional requirements of others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The equipment and resources that children use are very easily accessed by good storage arrangements. For example, the majority of toys are at low level or on shelves easily reached by children. This system fully supports the decision making skills of children and helps them to be independent and selective in their choice of activity or learning. Because they have the opportunity to be fully involved and experience first hand learning in a number of ways, this highly effective approach contributes to developing children's interest, motivation and self worth. The older children have a clear purpose in mind when involved in a craft activity. They are able to explain what they are making and its intended use. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and activities required to support early leaning. This positively impacts on the younger children who have lots of opportunities to be able to practice and refine

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills and make swift progression. The theme or topic approach enables children to make links and connections in their learning. For example, different activities to help them fully understand about a healthy lifestyle. The introduction of the Birth to three framework for the younger children has made a positive impact on the learning outcomes of children under the age of three. For example, they independently use a range of resources, they are confident communicators, and have the opportunity to be skilful, competent and active learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are enabled to manage their behaviour in positive ways and to respect the needs of others. For example, they play well either alone, in pairs or as a small group. A reward system is in place that helps children to understand between right and wrong. However, because the children are exceptionally well occupied, motivated and interested in the activities and play materials available, their behaviour is very good. Even the younger children are able to share, take turns and are beginning to understand the needs of others. There are some shared resources aimed specifically for children who require extra stimulus and support with their learning. Because there is a full inclusion policy, the children share the toys whilst being aware that others do have additional needs. They show care and concern as they describe the needs of the family's tank of fish and in particular, the giant pet African snail. On occasions the pets of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

friends are cared for in the garden. Because of the variety of resources available that promote children's understanding of a multi-cultural society, they are able to accept the beliefs and traditions of others. A colourful dragon and a food tasting session helped children to understand events related to a different culture, associated with the Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a strong partnership with parents. Effective and consistent communication and an emphasis to keep parents very well informed are successful contributors. For example, they have copies of the range of policies and procedures which clarifies the operation and management of the setting. Verbal feedback, displayed notices, leaflets, written information and records of children's routines and progression are all established. They have a designated information board that includes details of how to they can contact Ofsted, the regulator. Parents have access to the development file of their child at any time. They send cards and letters of thanks to show their appreciation. They quickly make arrangements for the care of new born

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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 siblings with the childminder, to ensure that continuity of care is maintained for children of the family.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are provided with an organised routine that is well balanced and flexible to meet their needs. Activities take place inside and outside of the home and there are opportunities for children to attend local groups to socialise and develop friendships. The childminder supports children well through high levels of interaction and supervision. She has experience of other childcare settings and uses her skills, knowledge and expertise to care for children in a home environment to an exceptionally high standard. She uses record keeping, training materials, information from parents, details downloaded from the internet, books and other supportive literature to support the quality of care she provides. A commitment to enhance her qualification level and embrace new initiatives for children. For example, the Birth to three matters framework, which allows her to progress personally and professionally. She pays high attention to the

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Organisation

secure and confidential storage of records. All documentation that supports the safe, effective and efficient management of the setting are in place. There is a clear complaints procedure in place that requires some development. Also, a complaints log is to be established which parents may access if they wish. Documentation is produced to a very high standard and provides clear, concise information. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other that 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):

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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 • develop the setting's written complaints procedure in line with new requirements and establish a complaints record log.

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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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