Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321245 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Patricia Walter 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Acomb, which is an area of York, in North Yorkshire. The toilet facilities on the first floor and the whole of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 10 children aged between two and 10 years of age, on a part-time basis. The childminder drives or walks to the local school, nursery and playgroup to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler club regularly.

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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. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, she has a first aid kit that is appropriately stocked as a result of her checking the contents with professionals from the training course she recently attended. A suitable sickness policy has been devised, written up and shared with parents, which prevents the spread of infection and includes good arrangements, such as not caring for children who have infectious conditions and contacting parents to collect children that become ill whilst in her setting. In addition to this, she obtains prior written consent from parents for emergency advice and treatment and collects and stores confidential information, such as emergency contact numbers and a history of the children's health. This ensures that children have appropriate access to emergency advice and treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a good awareness and understanding of simple good health and hygiene practice. Older children know why they need to wipe their hands before eating and the childminder encourages everyday good practice with younger children, such as washing their hands before preparing and eating food and after using the toilet. Younger children are also able to develop understanding through the childminder explaining to them why they need to follow good practice. For example, whilst helping them, she tells them that germs will be spread if they do not wipe their noses. They also have good opportunities to they learn about healthy living through the encouragement of choosing and eating healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables at mealtimes, and through themed activities that capture their interest. For example, older children use templates from a magazine and cut out parts of the body and the foods that

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through the childminder and parents working together in providing healthy and nutritious food. For example, parents on occasion provide snacks and baby formula when required and the childminder provides all meals, such as home-cooked beef and vegetable hot pot and chicken pasta. Their individual health and special dietary requirements are very successfully met due to the childminder working closely alongside the parents and following consistently changing requirements. Children have regular access to drinks through being offered these at snack and mealtimes and the childminder takes some steps to encourage children to ask for extra drinks. For example, by leaving their cups on the kitchen breakfast bar. She also encourages them to drink more on hot days by providing drinks in the garden. However, when drinking cups are left on the breakfast bar, they are out of the sight and reach

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Helping children to be healthy

of the younger and smaller children and this means they are unlikely to see and be reminded that drinks are available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for well in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder takes lots of positive steps both inside and outside her home to reduce the risks of accidents and injury to children. For example, she has fitted a board to her landing banister so children are

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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 unable to climb it, she has removed a low locking devise from her bathroom door, and she ensures all external doors kept locked, with keys hanging nearby but in positions that children cannot reach. Toys and activities are kept organised and safe for children to use. For example, they are sorted into age-appropriate resources in toy boxes and are set out before children arrive. As a result, children are able to freely, safely and independently use all areas of the home and extend their play and learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder implements very good fire safety procedures, such as fitting heat sensors throughout her home in addition to a smoke detector in her hallway. She has devised a written emergency evacuation plan, which has been checked by the fire authority and is displayed in her kitchen, where children and parents can read and understand it. She also conducts regular drills of the plan with the children and records when these are completed. As a result, children are very well protected and are learning how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child protection. She is aware of signs and symptoms in all four areas of abuse. For example, she is aware of possible signs, such as a child being withdrawn or demonstrating major changes in their usual behaviour. She is familiar with the procedures to follow if concerns are raised but is aware that some things may have changed since she attended her last training course, and is therefore awaiting news of a training course that she can attend, arranged through the local childminding network. In the meantime she has obtained up to date written guidance and telephone contact numbers should any concerns arise. This means that children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing good confidence and self-esteem through being praised for both effort and achievement. For example, the childminder consistently praises children for achievement and effort, such as for mixing bun making ingredients well, for demonstrating and trying hard with counting skills, and for eating all their food up at mealtimes. The childminder and children have very warm, trusting, responsive relationships and, as a result, children are very happy and very settled. The childminder is aware that young children need a predictable environment and takes time to explain any changes. For example, when visitors attend, which in turn encourages the children to feel safe and develop their confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently use all registered areas of the home. They are able to use their initiative well and are able to independently select resources from a wide and stimulating range of toys, play materials and activities, which are rotated to stimulate their interest, both inside and outside the home. Children are self-motivated and interested in their activities. For example, they focus for quite a long period of time when completing puzzles; they request that the childminder read stories to them and join in enthusiastically when given the opportunities to predict the storylines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and engages in good quality interaction. She plays down at their level, encourages them to explore through their senses and uses their interests and everyday play to help them focus and learn. For example, children are asked to count how many eggs are being used in baking activities; they are introduced to

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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 new words and equipment, such as sieves; and they are encouraged to note and discuss the texture of ingredients when mixed together. As a result, children are stimulated, challenged effectively and continually acquire new knowledge and skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for well by the childminder who works strongly and closely with parents to meet individual children's needs. She is flexible in meeting individual needs, and offers services, such as emergency collections from school. Good information is collected on the children and their families including individual routines, such as when naps usually take place. Information on the children's development and learning is shared appropriately. For example, children take all their work home and the childminder engages in conversations with parents both before and after care. She also offers a diary system to record this information should parents require this. Information on the setting is shared well and there are professional relationships in place. For example, parents are invited for initial meetings and visits to help settle the children in and to give the childminder the opportunity to discuss the setting. She also offers them the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

opportunity to read her written policies and procedures, which helps to ensure consistency and clarity in the children's overall care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have very good opportunities to learn about the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that are made available to them. For example, they have opportunities to be come aware of different cultures through the childminder making available themed boxes that have artefacts and materials in, such as chopsticks and dressing-up clothes that reflect positive images of various countries. They also have access to puzzles and books, which they read and discuss together, and participate in some art and craft activities. For example, they make Chinese lanterns in celebration of the Chinese New Year and cards for Mother's Day and Father's Day. In addition to this, they are able to discuss and value individual differences. For example, they discuss and learn about the different homework which they receive from the schools they attend, and participate in activities, such as charity walks

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which highlight awareness of those who live in different circumstances. Children are also able to develop good social skills, a sense of belonging and an awareness of their local environment through shopping trips and regularly attending playgroups sessions and childminder groups, where they meet other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a very good understanding of responsible and positive behaviour through the childminder's use of clear and consistent age-appropriate methods. She has high expectations and clearly informs the children of what is expected of them and their role and responsibilities. She talks to older children whilst down at their level and takes time to explain what is not acceptable and why. She then ensures they understand by asking them questions and then reassures the children that it is the behaviour that is not acceptable not themselves. As a result, children are beginning to know the difference between right and wrong. The childminder uses distraction with younger children. For example, she suggests ideas for other toys when children argue over resources and she promotes positive behaviour by using consistent praise for both effort and achievement.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Recruitment and vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for. For example, the childminder has ensured all checks have been completed on all adults within the home and she ensures children are not left alone with any other adults whilst in her care.

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Organisation

Knowledge and understanding of child development is good and the childminder demonstrates a high regard for the well-being of all children and in improving the service she provides. Children benefit from the completion of a wealth of training. For example, the childminder has completed 'Business success for childminders', 'Behaviour management', 'An introduction to the Birth to three framework', fire safety training and 'Developing outdoor play'. In addition to this, she evaluates her practice by asking parents to complete questionnaires on occasions.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Documentation is detailed and all the necessary documentation is held, maintained and stored appropriately, which underpins the overall care and development of children.

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Organisation

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 it was recommended that the childminder: ensures that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; practises the emergency evacuation plan; and ensures the patio doors are made safe or inaccessible to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of this, the childminder has improved the safety of children by fitting a lock to the patio door and now also ensures that she regularly practises the emergency evacuation procedure. She has also successfully provided opportunities for children to develop knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice by purchasing books and puzzles that reflect positive images, and by using a childminding network's toy-lending services to obtain other resources, such as culturally themed boxes, which incorporate various artefacts and equipment that reflect various cultures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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 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): • devise and implement opportunities for children to become aware that drinks are available to them at all times

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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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