Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231025 Inspection date 03 May 2005 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 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 1999. She works from her parents home, in a village, which is between Pickering and Malton. She works with her mother and sister who are also registered childminders and they employ an assistant. She has a baby of her own. Children are cared for on the ground floor of the cottage and in the single storey purpose built playhouse in the garden. There is an enclosed garden area for outside play. She is registered for five children under 8 years, however, when she is working with a

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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 co childminder or an assistant additional children may be cared for. The childminder cares for the under 5's only and there are 18 children on the register, 16 of which attend part time. There are pre-schools and parent and toddler groups in the area and she is willing to take and collect children. She uses her car for childminding purposes and children travel with the written consent of parents. Family pets include a dog, fish, chinchilla's and a lizard. The childminder has a childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical play outdoors. They access the wide range of outdoor resources which help them develop control of their bodies, for example they play on ride on toys and climbing apparatus. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. They follow good hygiene routines with regular hand washing and are reminded to use tissues to wipe their noses, helping them to learn to keep themselves safe from infection. Children benefit home cooked meals which are varied and nutritious. They help themselves to drinks throughout the day which are readily available to them in their own mugs. The childminders ensures any specific dietary requirements the children may have are catered for and a food diary is completed for each child and shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for mainly in a purpose built playroom in the garden of the childminders home with its own kitchenette and toilet facilities. Children develop their independence as they attend to their own personal needs safely. Children are cared for in an environment where any risk to their safety are assessed and minimised, high fencing and an electronic entry system on the gate ensures children are safe when playing outdoors. Children independently select from an extensive range of toys and resources which are clean, well maintained and stored to be easily accessible. Children have regular opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedure which is written and displayed. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has attended child protection training. However; the local Child Protection Procedures need to be kept where they are readily accessible at all times, to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children deemed at risk are protected effectively.

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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 outstanding. The children enjoy and participate with enthusiasm in a very wide range of activities which are interesting and fun this includes time for free play as well as more structured activities. They play happily independently as well as playing co-operatively with each other. They are settled and relaxed and approach the adults with confidence. The childminder is starting to implement the birth to frame work and has attend relevant training, ensuring the younger children are very well stimulated and have many opportunities to build on what they know and can do. The children use their imagination well in role play activities and develop their creativity through painting, drawing and play dough. They enjoy books and listening to stories, the older children handle books well, turning pages and following print across the page. Children are developing excellent language skills and enjoy talking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the childminder who is very attentive to their needs, the children respond well to her involvement in their play. Children have access to an extensive range of age appropriate toys and resources which are stimulating and provide sufficient challenge for all ages, they develop independence as they self select and make choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and are learning to share and take turns. They show concern for each other and their immediate surroundings. They develop positive self esteem, respond well to the childminder's clear guidance and praise and happily help to tidy up. Children's individual needs are met well and their individuality valued, the childminder knows the children well through regular ongoing discussions with parents. This enables her to strengthen the links with home by discussing with the children other members of their family and home interests. Children develop a sense of belonging and feel valued. The regular exchange of information and regular discussions with parents ensures they are kept well informed of their child's achievements and children benefit from the continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at ease with the daily routines and well organised environment. Written policies and procedures are in place and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children.

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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 The childminder shows a commitment to updating her knowledge and skills by attending regular training, ensuring the children continue to receive good quality care. Overall the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has provided multicultural dolls, small world figures, posters and extended her range of books, this ensures children's awareness of cultural diversity is increased. She has produced a welcome booklet for parents and developed a range of written policies to ensure parents are fully informed of the service she provides for children and their families.

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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): • ensure the Area Child Protection Procedures are readily available at all times.

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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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