Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297785 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Cynthia Walker

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and five years. They live in a semi- detached house in the village of Sutton. She is within walking distance of the local park and shops. She uses the lounge, dining room and toilet on the ground floor for childminding. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children; two are under five years. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder visits the local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the 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 satisfactory. Children are mainly well nourished. They enjoy a variety of good nutritious meals and snacks which include fruit and vegetables. Although children are offered a choice of drinks, an appropriate selection is not offered and there is no opportunity for children to access drinks independently. Children's dietary needs are suitably recorded. The childminder is implementing appropriate hygiene practices highlighted when changing babies nappies. Children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene by washing their hands after toileting and before meals. however, suitable hand- drying resources are not available. The childminder is effectively managing children's accidents and giving sufficient information to parents. There is a broad range of resources in the outdoor area including swings, wheeled toys, and slides which effectively promotes their physical development. This is

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Helping children to be healthy

supported by trips to the local park and a variety of local toddler groups. Reasonable arrangements are made for the children to obtain appropriate rest and sleep. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of procedures in the care of sick children. Younger children are developing emotional security and trust from positive responses from the childminder.

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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 is effectively supporting children's safety with a clear emergency plan which includes fire safety. Children's understanding of safety is reinforced by discussions around the use of helmets, including riding bikes. All risks have been identified within the home. However, to allow children to play safely however the fence in the outdoor area still remains partially unprotected. Good use of the dining area supports children's creativity. However, the presentation of other play areas and resources inhibits children's involvement in a wider range of activities. There is a sufficient range of toys and resources, but not enough are readily available. Although the childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities around child protection, including an awareness of possible signs of abuse or neglect, she is unsure of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

correct procedures to follow to report an incident.

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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 Children enjoy being with the childminder and have developed good relationships with her. They are beginning to show respect for others which includes sharing resources. Children are confident communicators and the childminder responds effectively to their questions, giving appropriate explanations. Learning is actively supported by the childminder's effective questioning, highlighted in her inclusion of letter recognition and the mixing of colours. They are enthusiastic in their involvement in a painting activity and demonstrate good imagination when involving both the younger child and the childminder in 'being the big bad wolf'. However children's interest in a broad range of activities and resources to support learning is not sufficiently encouraged and children lack consistent stimulation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The younger child is being encouraged to experiment and explore by using sounds, and access to the painting activity stimulates creative skills. However, there is not sufficient attention to the individual needs of the younger child by the inclusion of age appropriate resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are responding appropriately to the childminder's clear explanations and suitable intervention to promote positive behaviour. She reinforces the simple rules of the home sufficiently and encourages children to be polite. The parents receive a useful information pack about the childminder's care supported by informal sharing of information on a daily basis. Children's individual needs are appropriately met through the recording of relevant information as they begin their care. However, limitations in the resources and activities that reflect positive images do not allow children to develop sufficient awareness of the world around them. Children under two enjoy the company of others and feel safe and secure in their relationships with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Although the childminder maintains effective organisation in most areas; she has not maintained the required adult-child ratios, to work within her registered numbers. Therefore overall, the provision does not meet the needs of all children who attend. The childminder is demonstrating a positive attitude to training and since registration has attended the required courses and has attended training in 'Birth to 3 matters'. All appropriate documentation is in place to support the welfare, care and education of the children. The childminder manages her time effectively and organises her space and resources reasonably to meet most of the children's needs.

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Improvements 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • Adhere to the maximum registered numbers as shown on the current registration certificate. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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