Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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502963 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Catherine Julie Stainthorpe 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 in a village, which is located near to Goole. The whole of the ground floor, with the exception of the sun room, of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder drives and walks to school to take and collect children. The family have a pet dog. She attends the local toddler group and play group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a full time and part time basis.

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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 satisfactory. Children begin to learn about good health because the childminder implements simple but effective procedures into her daily routines. For example, when children have coughs and colds, she helps them to wipe their nose and reminds them to cover their mouth if they cough. Used tissues are removed and disposed off promptly and this helps reduce the spread of infection. Parents are informed by the basic information provided in the sickness policy, of the arrangements if their child becomes ill whilst in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder agrees the arrangements for children's food with their parents. She has experience of catering for children who have specific food intolerances. The childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious snacks and lunches, which include salads, ham, cheese, tuna or egg sandwiches, fruit and yogurt. Drinks are readily available throughout the day. Children are asked to say or write down what food they like or dislike. The childminder uses tasting sessions to broaden children's experiences of food. She provides dishes, such as lasagne, spaghetti bolognaise and a variety of fish dishes for children to try.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities within agreed daily routine to rest, sleep or take part in physical play activities. Younger children sleep comfortably in their buggy, within close proximity of the childminder or rest on the settee. Children have regular access to fresh air and play outdoors. They enjoy walks to the park to play ball games or use the large play equipment in the garden. These activities help children learn how to control and use their bodies as they run and stretch for the ball or climb and balance on the slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, caring environment. The childminder has everyday systems in place to help ensure all areas used by the children are suitable and safe. A selection of toys, equipment and resources are set out each day. These are well maintained, clean, age appropriate and suitable to meet the developmental needs of the children. The childminder ensures that very young children are not at risk of accidental injury by choking from access to small pieces of a toy. For example, very young children use duplo bricks in place of the smaller lego bricks which are removed out of their reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has implemented a number of safety measures in the home which contribute towards children's safety. For example, a fire guard is fitted and fixed to the wall in the living room, safety gates are fixed to the bottom and top of the stairs, plastic electrical socket covers are in place, locks are fitted to low level cupboard doors and exterior doors are secured with an additional safety chain. The childminder restricts children's access to the ground floor sun room as she has identified this area for safety improvements. Children learn about fire safety because the childminder talks to them about what to do in the event of a fire. However, there is no clear fire escape plan in place and fire practice is done only intermittently. Outdoors, the childminder has secure boundaries to the garden. The garden pond has a substantial fence

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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 erected around it and the boundary gate is secured with a padlock. However, the large pond is not fitted with a secure cover and therefore children who are able to climb up and over the fence are at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder seeks parental consent to allow her to take their children off the childminding premises either on foot or by car. Children begin to learn about road safety on a daily basis during walks to school or to the park. The childminder has simple and effective 'rules' in place which contribute to children's safety. For example, children know they must hold hands, walk and not run, and learn to look left and right before crossing the road safely. Younger children are safely restrained in the buggy with an appropriate harness or walking reins are used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the procedures for safeguarding children. She has relevant contact information and information about what to do should she become concerned about a child in her care. However, it is unclear as to the extent that parents are informed about the childminder's role in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and comfortable with the childminder because she is warm and welcoming and meets children's needs in a sensitive and caring manner. Children respond well to her and demonstrate self-esteem and growing confidence. The childminder communicates and regularly exchanges information with parents, which helps ensure that children's care and play needs are met effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. For example, children enjoy a baking activity. They help weigh the flour and sugar to make the buns. They take turns to mix the ingredients and scoop it into the bun cases and when the buns are baked they decorate them to take home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a basic knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and sometimes uses this as a source of reference when caring and providing for children under three. She is responsive to the needs of younger children and ensures she has time to talk, listen and play with them. For example, children playing with the wooden farm buildings show and talk about the names of the different animals on the farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a range of books which are readily accessible to the children. Children and the childminder sit together comfortably and share the chosen story books. The children point out the familiar characters and know what comes next. They sing and engage enthusiastically in action rhymes such as 'the wheels on the bus'. These activities help develop children's imagination and creativity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are involved in planning outings and activities during the school holidays. They enjoy visits to the park and walks out into the country to see the horses and deer. They collect leaves, grass and examine bugs and insects. They use the leaves, grass and mud to create

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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 pictures and make 'Creepy crawly crunch cake'. These activities help develop children's appreciation of nature and the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents to provide suitable care for their children. She exchanges information with them through regular and daily discussions and keeps them informed about their children's activities, progress and achievements. Children's personal records, agreements and consent forms are completed at the start of new placements. This helps ensure that the childminder is looking after children according to parents wishes and that the expectations of both parties are agreed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder takes account of children's individuality. This positive approach helps ensure children's needs are met in a way which promotes their growing confidence and feelings of good self-esteem. For example, children who have special dietary needs enjoy the same foods as children with an 'ordinary' diet or vice versa where possible. This provides an inclusive approach and promotes children's sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder is a positive role model and manages children's behaviour in a calm and sensitive manner. She has an understanding of child development and can identify factors which contribute to how a child will react and respond in a certain way. For example, when young children begin to squabble over who has a particular cup, she quickly and calmly intervenes and ensures both children have their needs met. Older children are active participants in agreeing behaviour boundaries. The childminder describes how she holds meetings to encourage children to discuss 'house rules' or to solve any behaviour issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and supporting criteria. She understands how to interpret them in the best interests of the children she cares for, especially with regard to children's safety inside the setting. However, she does not pay enough attention to the additional guidance, which informs of any new or recent requirements. For example, how parents are informed about the complaints procedure. Children's personal records are accessible and kept in a confidential manner and these are regularly updated. Some basic policies and procedures contribute to the safe running of the setting and promote the care and welfare of the children. Parents are made aware of these through discussion. However, written information for parents is minimal and therefore it is difficult to assess how well parents are kept informed of important policy and procedural information, such as methods for behaviour

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Organisation

management, child protection, emergency procedures and access to family pets.

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Organisation

The childminder has recently moved area and has settled into a new house. She has taken positive steps to complete risk assessments of all the areas of the home which children use. She has taken appropriate action to provide a generally safe and secure environment for the

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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 children. Space and resources allow children to move around freely and play comfortably. 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 was asked to improve in the areas of being healthy and organisation. She has improved the outcomes for children because she has written permission from parents to seek medical advice and assistance in an emergency. She has improved the organisation of records relating to childminding activities by filing information in a confidential manner and records are readily available for inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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 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 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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the fenced garden pond and take further action to minimise these • develop policies and procedures which support the efficient and safe management of the provision and promote the care and welfare of children, and improve the information given to parents about childminding routines, including policies and procedures • improve the plans for fire safety and emergency evacuation.

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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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