Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 321197 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Christine Tipple

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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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14, 12 and 6 years old. They live in a semi-detached house in the Acomb area of York. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding, which consists of the dining/ playroom and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available at the rear of the premises for outside play. The childminder is within walking distance of a range of amenities, which include pre-school facilities and primary school where she takes and collects children from. She uses her car for childminding purposes.

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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 She is registered to take a maximum of five children under eight years old. She is presently caring for six children, they attend both full and part time. The family has a budgie. The childminder is a member of the local Childminder and Early Years Partnership group and network. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association and has childcare qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are provided with a very good range of activities both in the home and outside that promotes their well being. There are daily activities that support and develop the children's physical needs. For example, they have access to larger equipment, swing, slide, music and movement and regular opportunities to visit the local area. Younger children have space to develop their walking skills and pull themselves up and use sit on ride toys. Children are made aware of positive hygiene practices through the effective hygiene routines and facilities provided. They have access to individual towels and younger children have their own wipes. There is ongoing monitoring of equipment and toys to ensure they are kept clean, especially with the younger children. There are clear details in the care and exclusion of sick and ill children to prevent cross infection. Children have regular drinks they are aware of the importance of drinking, and have

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Helping children to be healthy

access to their own cups. The childminder offers a variety of regular healthy snacks for the children. This takes into account individual children's dietary needs and parents requests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The children are cared for in an environment which offers a well planned area with excellent facilities to actively meet the children's needs very well. The childminder has an very good understanding of safety both in the home and outside. She takes all positive steps with the children to promote safety and prevent accidents in their play, through safe access to the resources. The children have a good awareness of the safety limits, which ensure they have freedom to take risks whilst learning effectively of dangers and ways to protect themselves. Children are encouraged to develop their independence through accessing the toys, activities and exploring their surroundings. Risks are carefully assessed to reduce potential hazards and relevant precautions taken. For example, a clear and effective fire evacuation plan is shared with the children, and regular checks on smoke alarms

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are recorded. The quality and range of toys and equipment is extremely good and appropriate to the ages and levels of children's development.

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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 Children are extremely well protected by the childminder who has a good understanding of child protection. There are detailed procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is paramount at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and relaxed and they thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and her family. The children relate well to each other and they are able to extend their social, physical and learning skills through regular visits to groups in the community and further a field. For example, they visit the beach and Dalby forest. These provide the children with an excellent range of experiences and challenges in interesting settings. The children are eager to participate. The childminder is sensitive to their individual needs and offers a flexible child-led approach to the activities and resources they want to access. She skilfully adapts what she offers to ensure all the children take part. This enables the younger children to be involved in a variety of creative resources, for example water, sand, paints, playdough and experience tactile and sensory materials. Children sit with the childminder and share a book, which fosters

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their listening skills and helps them recognise things that are familiar to them. There are positive caring relationships established, which promotes children's confidence and communication skills. Children develop a strong sense of self, which is particularly evident with the toddlers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder offers the children a range of meaningful resources and activities that promote a positive insight of the wider world, and an awareness of differences. Children have regular access to the community which supports her approach. The childminder takes account of all the children's individual needs and this is shared with parents to ensure they are continually met. Behaviour is managed in a caring and sensitive way, which ensures the children have a good awareness of the boundaries in place as the childminder is consistent in her approach. The children learn to negotiate and take responsibility for their behaviour especially the older children. Children share and take turns and care for each other by ensuring the toys they play with are safe and suitable. The children are encouraged to make choices in their play and develop their independence. There are good relationships with parents which contribute to the children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well-being. Parents views are valued and they are encouraged to visit the childminder before the child starts, so that they can make an informed choice in the care offered. Daily diaries are used with parents to share information regularly and effectively. There are some policies and procedures in place which extend the information on the

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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 support and care provided. Contracts of agreements are used effectively and reviewed regularly.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and efficient in all aspects of her provision. The children are welcomed into a safe and well resourced environment that benefits greatly their well-being. This enables the children to be confident and happy, to initiate their play and learning and to develop accordingly. There are policies and procedures in place that support the quality of the childminding offered, all documents and records are stored securely and maintain confidentiality. The childminder has consistently attended training to enhance her skills and knowledge in most areas of childcare. She has commenced the National Childminding Association Quality First Accreditation scheme. She maintains a professional approach to her role as a childminder. She is active in her community as a representative of early years childcare provision. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved an aspect of safety. She has purchased a timer to ensure that children sleeping outside are checked regularly, this is now carried out at ten minute intervals.

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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):

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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 • continue to develop knowledge and skills in early years, for example, through the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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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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