Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340531 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2007 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 husband and two children aged nine and six years, in Beverley. The childminder is close to a range of local facilities, such as the school and pre-school. The whole of the ground floor of the house and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an 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 five children at any one time. She currently has six children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The family has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. The childminder manages children's health and hygiene routines effectively to minimise cross infection. The appropriate facilities enable the older children to be independent in their personal care. Children are confident of why they need to keep their hands clean, 'to wash off the germs'. Nappy changing procedures ensure good practice continues, with the children having their own mat, wipes and creams. Details are in place to inform parents on the care of children when ill, in the childminder's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are offered snacks on a daily basis; packed lunches are provided by the parents. The childminder has details on the range of snacks which promote a healthy selection for the children. For example, there are fruit and raisons, breadsticks, as well carrot and cucumber sticks. There are drinks which the children can have throughout the day, such as sugar-free juices, milk and water. All the children's dietary needs are recorded as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to walk to the local nursery school on a daily basis, as well as additional visits in the local community. This ensures that the children have regular fresh air. There is a varied selection of toys and equipment for outside play, such as a trampoline, scooters and bikes. The children use the local park where there is additional access to large equipment and opportunities to have ball games. The childminder has a selection of smaller equipment and tools for children to manipulate and shape with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a clean and safe environment, which is managed effectively to cater for the ages and needs of the children attending. The children are able to move around freely and use the facilities and space effectively for their activities. The current range of toys, equipment and resources provides a suitable variety and balance, which supports children’s development and learning. These are in good condition and relevant to the ages of the children attending. The childminder has a put in place a 'wish list' of the resources to be extended and developed for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision for the children is safe and the childminder takes appropriate steps to prevent accidents both inside and outside. Safety equipment is provided, such as a fireguard and safety gates. Information on health and safety is shared with parents. Safety is discussed with the children particularly when outside and crossing the road. Children all walk together, hold hands and all cross together when safe and clear of traffic. However, the childminder has not yet established an evacuation procedure to practise with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being and safety are managed effectively by the childminder. The safeguarding children information and contact details are in place. The childminder has attended relevant training to develop her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children in her care.

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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 have a varied range of resources and activities offered, which support their play and learning effectively. The childminder provides a selection of play opportunities for the children each day and they are able to request other activities. The children's interest and motivation are encouraged and promote the children's thinking skills through the childminder's appropriate questioning, such as 'What happens next?' and 'Where does that fit?' Interaction is very good and children are able to express themselves confidently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is engaged with the children. They form positive relationships which support their skills and learning experiences. However, the childminder's use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework is not yet fully implemented. The children have games and creative activities as well as role play and small world resources. Children discuss colours and shapes around them and count and use numbers in their play. The children visit the local area for walks and other activities and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a policy in place that reflects her attitude and approach to equal opportunities within her childminding practice. This promotes a non discriminatory environment for the children and parents in meeting their individual needs. All the children have access to all the resources and activities provided. There are some images and resources that promote diversity but the childminder is to extend this through access to the toy library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed effectively by the childminder. Children respond well to the routines and expectations in place. The children on occasion need a gentle reminder to use their manners, but they manage this and share positively between themselves. Time is spent with the children to keep them occupied and interested in what they are doing. The childminder promotes a consistent and caring approach with the children who are happy and settled in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works positively with parents to ensure they are informed about the care and provision offered to their children. There are policies and procedures which are shared with parents through the welcome information pack which includes working in partnership with parents. Daily contact is established to ensure information is shared with them about their child's day and routines. This is extended for the younger children who have a daily diary. Contracts of agreements with parents are established along with the children's details as required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is suitably organised and efficient in her approach to her childminding. The services in place support the children's needs. The space provided enables the children to move

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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 around freely and access the activities and resources offered. The childminder has attended the 'Key to Quality' training and has details for additional training for the next six months.

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Organisation

There is a suitable selection of policies and procedures that are shared with parents. The childminder has developed action plans to ensure she continues to extend and develop her practice. All relevant documentation and records are in place and stored to ensure confidentiality and include additional parental consent details. 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): • provide an escape plan which is shared with the children • extend activities and resources which link to 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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