Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335857 Unique Reference Number 13 December 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 2006. She lives with her family in Lealholm near to Whitby. The childminder is within walking distance of the local shops, school and other facilities. Children have the use of the whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and the rear bedroom on the first floor. There is a secure rear yard for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, including one child overnight. She currently has five children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder uses her car for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association

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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 childminder promotes a positive attitude to health and hygiene practices with the children. She positively encourages the children about the importance of hand washing and other good personal hygiene habits. This minimises cross infection effectively. Children are confident in using the facilities and in managing their personal care effectively; individual towels are provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the benefits of fresh air and exercise for children. She ensures they experience a good range of outdoor opportunities to promote their physical well-being and builds physical activity into each day. Children visit their local area which has a range of walks on the moors and in the local wood. The children have outings to other areas, which enhances their experiences and use of a variety of larger equipment. There is a good selection of smaller tools that promote children's manipulative skills effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals as provided because the childminder is well informed about the benefits of healthy eating. The food offered takes good account of children's preferences and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are met. There is a range of fruit which the children can select from and the childminder offers fresh, home grown vegetables and local meat. Drinks are always made freely available to children and they can access their own cups and feeders; all drinks are sugar free.

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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 secure and comfortable setting. They explore their surroundings in safety and with confidence because the childminder supervises them well. Children's sleep and rest areas are safe and comfortable. Children can help themselves from a range of safe and well maintained toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes very good practical safety precautions. This includes a clear and detailed fire evacuation plan that covers both day and night time. The children have a positive sense of keeping safe due to the rural area and the need for them to be aware of farm machinery and animals. The children have good road sense when using the local walks and lanes. The childminder has appropriate safety equipment in place, such as a fireguard and gates. The children travel in the car on occasion and all relevant safety belts and seats are in line with the latest guidelines, which the childminder shares with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The overall welfare of children is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection matters. There is up to date information and relevant contact details in place if there are any concerns about a child.

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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 benefit from the welcoming atmosphere created by the childminder. Children are well settled and the childminder has quickly become familiar with their individual needs. Routines are successfully adapted to meet those needs effectively. However, the extending of home based activities for younger children is not yet fully developed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported in their play because the childminder has a generally good understanding of how they learn and develop. She uses activities which enable the children to communicate and express themselves effectively, such as in their creative and role play. Children enjoy a range of resources which are easily accessible to them to make free and independent choices about what they wish to play with. The childminder ensures each day is varied and interesting for them. Outings form part of the daily routine and this offers the children excellent opportunities to explore their rural environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she gathers and records comprehensive information about individual needs. The childminder provides a well presented welcome pack for parents and a newsletter. There are some detailed and informed policies and procedures in place which the childminder continues to develop and share with parents. There are contracts of agreement established with parents. This offers parents a shared approach to the care of their children. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress on a daily basis and the childminder keeps a diary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages children to be well behaved and supportive towards one another. Behaviour is sensitively guided and children relate well together. Children respond positively to the routines and boundaries in place, which are appropriate and relate to the children's level of understanding. The children use their manners well and share and take turns with only a gentle reminder required. Children receive positive praise and encouragement, which promotes a sense of well-being effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have regular opportunities to learn about the wider community by visiting their local area and pre-school groups. The children's individual needs are valued and supported effectively. There are some resources and images which promote diversity, and the childminder has a positive understanding of providing a non-discriminatory environment for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space in the home is well set out and organised, with sufficient space for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding course and holds a relevant first aid certificate. Children benefit from the motivated approach by the childminder, who keeps herself informed about further training opportunities.

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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 The childminder is efficient in maintaining her documentation and record keeping. She is developing the range of policies and procedures to share with parents. All medication, accident and attendance records are in place and, where applicable, completed correctly and maintain confidentiality. 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

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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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen on request. The complaints 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 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): • continue to extend knowledge and skills in relation to play and development of younger children in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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