Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339908 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Jackie Phillips Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged four years and three months in the village of Anlaby, East Riding of Yorkshire. Registration is for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years. There are local shops, a primary school, nurseries and playgroups within easy walking distance of the property. Children have access to the rear garden area for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

At the time of the inspection no children were present and currently none are on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Evidence suggests that children will learn about effective personal hygiene routines as they are provided with tissues, individual hand drying towels and liquid soap. The childminder

p.2

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 demonstrates through discussion that children will understand about regular hand washing practices within the daily routine. For example, before eating or after using the toilet. Tissues are readily available for children to access. A written sick child policy explains to parents the arrangements for when children are ill or infectious. It includes how emergency medical advice or treatment will be sought if required. However, written parental consent is yet to be obtained. A record log is in place to ensure written medication details are available, although the procedure to obtain prior written consent from parents before medication is to be administered is not clearly robust.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Regular walks are planned for children within the daily routine. They have use of an enclosed garden area to the rear of the property, which has grassed and paved areas. A selection of toys is in place for children to use outside, although the range is currently limited. A well-balanced menu is established for children's meals that contains healthy options, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinks will be easily accessed by children in suitable, age-appropriate beakers. This maintains children's fluid intake to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A comfortable, family environment that is secure and welcoming is provided. Children have access to all of the ground floor of the property, which includes a lounge/diner, kitchen and bathroom. Their equipment and resources are easily accessible. For example, books are attractively presented, and a low toy box means that children can make choices and decisions regarding their play materials.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are record log books to record children's accidents and incidents and to maintain an accurate recording of their attendance. An emergency evacuation procedure of the property is in place, although it has yet to be practised to ensure its effectiveness. Parents provide their written permission for children to be taken on outings, including those where public transport may be used. The childminder is aware of some signs and symptoms that suggest a child is possibly at risk. She has devised a written child protection policy, although this is not up to date with recent information. She has written national guidance in place and has attended child protection training some time ago.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. No children were present during the inspection, although close and loving relationships are clearly evident between the childminder and her own two children. She explains how she ensures she provides a suitable range of activities for children under eight. This includes puzzles, role play, construction, and art and craft activities. Equipment, such as baby swings and floor play mats, is provided for the youngest children. Cooking activities are occasionally planned for children, for instance, baking buns. A suitable selection of books is available, some that raise children's awareness of other cultures. The range of equipment and activities to fully extend children's understanding of diversity is currently limited.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is mindful to plan and prepare for children's play experiences in advance. For example, she has written plans of activities she intends to introduce, although plans are flexible according to children's needs. A written daily routine is in place that includes various activities within the home and walks within the local community, for instance, to school to collect older children. The childminder has investigated local groups that she may suggest to parents for

p.3

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 to attend under her supervision, for example, toddler groups. This will enable children to socialise and benefit from experiences gained at other settings.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through a written policy the childminder makes clear to parents how children's differences and their individuality will be accepted and promoted and that all children will be fully included. She has in place a document to use with parents to find out children's previous routines and their dislikes and preferences. This exchange of information is useful to enable the childminder to plan to meet children's individual needs effectively.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to manage children's behaviour. She has experience of working in other private settings so is familiar with supporting children in full day care of different ages. She can adequately explain how she will manage unwanted behaviour and adapt her methods to meet the varying ages of children, such as toddlers and older children. Through positive strategies, such as providing praise and a sticker reward system, she enables children to understand the difference between right and wrong.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops a positive partnership with parents through sharing information. She has developed an interesting information file that contains a range of written policies and procedures. This enables parents to understand the operation and management of the setting. The registration certificate is displayed for parents to see and public liability insurance is in place. Additional information is shared with parents either verbally or by a written daily diary recording system that provides parents with further details of their child's day. Pictures and other creative work provide some evidence of activities children have been involved with. The childminder has yet to fully devise a system to deal with parents' concerns that relate to the National Standards. This includes establishing a record of complaints that will be shared with parents at their request.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder holds a valid first aid qualification. She has received professional training in the hygienic preparation of food and also in children's nutrition and health with successful results. She holds a recognised childcare qualification to level 3. She regularly networks with other local registered childminders who also provide emergency backup care for her minded children.

p.4

Organisation

Good consideration is shown for future professional development. This is included in her positive contribution action plan where the childminder has identified areas for potential development in the near future. A comprehensive outcomes file is established, which provides a valuable reference tool relating to a variety of topics associated with the care of children. The childminder has ensured she has kept Ofsted informed of changes to circumstances. Some policy and procedural development is necessary to ensure children are safe and not at risk. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.5

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 written parental permission is obtained for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure clear procedures are established to ensure that parents provide prior written permission for medication to be administered to children • practise the emergency evacuation procedure that is in place to ensure its effectiveness • attend up to date training in the protection of children which complies with the Local Safeguarding Children Board • provide a log book to record any complaints made by parents, which they can see on request.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5