Childminder in Kingston upon Hull

Inspection report for early years provision

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313299 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Cathryn Parry 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 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband in the residential area of Hull in East Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 11 children under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a rabbit, two cats and several budgies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into suitably clean and well kept premises where they have sufficient space to play. The childminder sets a good example as she encourages children to cover their mouths when they cough. They are developing a good awareness of their own personal hygiene as they follow daily routines and are encouraged to be independent. Clear records are kept in

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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 respect of accidents and medication and these are shared with parents and carers. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness. In addition, written permission is gained from parents and carers to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Consequently, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that her kitchen area is clean and hygienic, thus promoting the welfare of the children when preparing snacks. She actively manages a good balance of meeting parental wishes and encouraging healthy food options such as fresh fruit. Packed meals brought by the parents and carers are stored in the fridge to ensure food remains fresh. Consequently, children's well-being is promoted. Children often have drinks, which quenches their thirst and benefits their health. They enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and active play, which contributes to their overall good health. They develop and test their physical skills through stimulating daily experiences. These include using the wide range of outdoor equipment, playing football and flying kites. They are active or restful through choice and sleep in line with their individual needs and parents’ and carers’ wishes. All relevant documentation with regard to health,

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Helping children to be healthy

including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. They are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Windows in the living room and kitchen enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. They are able to explore safely using well maintained resources. These are bought from reputable suppliers and are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending. Routines which encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety regularly take place. Examples of this are where they tidy away toys from the floor so they do not trip, and wait for the green man to illuminate at the pedestrian crossing before crossing the road. As a result, children begin to understand the potential dangers and how to keep themselves safe. Those who go on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outings are safeguarded as the childminder supervises them closely and encourages good practices, such as holding hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes necessary steps to ensure their safety by, for example, keeping hazardous items out of reach. They are well protected as she uses simple explanation and encouragement with regard to staying safe. An example of this is where she discusses the need to sit still at the table so they do not fall off the chair. Children experience good levels of supervision and appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced. This includes smoke detectors, a fireguard and electrical socket protectors. Children are protected well as the childminder has attended child protection training and demonstrates a sound understanding of associated issues. All required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. They enjoy their time in the childminding environment and are happy to join in with the activities that are provided. These include sharing books, playing with the train and track and exploring the sand

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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 and water. Children find the resources fun and sufficiently challenging, which helps to develop appropriate levels of concentration. Free play is incorporated into each day, where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. They have excellent opportunities to socialise with others as they attend parent and toddler groups and sit together for meals and snacks. Effective use is made of the local area giving children a breadth of opportunities. Examples of this are where they visit museums with interactive experiences, the farm and the marina. The childminder regularly extends activities, for instance, the children visited the aquarium and then made goldfish out of paper plates. This inspires children to be creative and increases their knowledge of the natural world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good counting skills through a variety of activities and daily routines. An example of this is where they count the pieces of train track as they fit it together. They show an awareness of shape as they complete puzzles. Children delight in using their imagination as they play in homemade tents and manipulate the diggers and small world figures. Their communication skills are fostered resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. A variety of creative activities, including painting, cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Children are able to make their own choices and select their own materials and activities, which motivates them to learn and sustains their interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. A short induction period, including visits with parents and carers, enables children to settle into the new environment. Children respond well to the positive and caring approach taken by the childminder. She relates warmly to the children and builds their confidence by acknowledging their achievements and giving praise. The childminder’s confident approach to equal opportunities contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources. These include dolls, small world figures and books showing different cultures. Children also have opportunities to watch carefully chosen television programmes showing positive images of people with disabilities. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. However, she shows

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Helping children make a positive contribution

a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of information between the childminder and parents and carers. The childminder is keen for the parents and carers to be fully informed of the activities their children have participated in. They also have the option to text the childminder during the day to get regular updates on their child's day. This ensures they have peace of mind at all times. Good behaviour is actively encouraged through positive role modelling, meaningful praise and valuing good behaviour. Children are learning right from wrong and are starting to take responsibility for their own actions. They are encouraged to consider the consequences of their words and actions for themselves and others. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The provision is inadequate. Although the childminder has previously attended a first aid course she has not maintained a current first aid certificate, which is a breach of regulations.

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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 Consequently, children's well-being may be compromised. They do benefit from the knowledge gained by the childminder successfully completing a nursery nursing course. Their welfare is appropriately safeguarded as the childminder and other household members have had suitable checks completed. She is aware of her current registration requirements and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's well-being. Documentation for each child is organised well and stored confidentially. Consequently, their privacy is respected at all times.

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Organisation

Children’s play opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The good organisation of space and the favourable levels of support provided by the childminder allows children to move around safely and independently. This helps them to retain a balance of freedom within safe limits. The childminder makes good use of her time, and encourages the children to lead the play. The flexible approach employed enables the childminder to respond spontaneously to events. An example of this is where children took umbrellas outside to listen to the hail bounce on them. Toys and resources are well organised at the children's height so that they can independently select what they would like to play with. The childminder also rotates resources with another childminder. Consequently, children access a wider range of toys, which inspires them to play.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that Ofsted is notified of serious accidents. She was also asked to improve fire safety precautions by fitting a smoke alarm on the first floor. A request was made to seek advice from data protection regarding using a digital camera and computer to take and e-mail photographs. She has addressed all these positively, which has a positive impact on children's well-being.

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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 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 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: • develop and implement an action plan showing how an appropriate first aid course is to be completed.

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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 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

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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