Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 500799 Inspection date 28 June 2005 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 1997 and works part time with his mother. He is registered to care for six children under eight years when working alone, and up to ten children when working with his mother. Childminding takes place in his mother's home, a large detached farmhouse in open countryside near Holme upon Spalding Moor. Children have access to the ground floor of the house, apart from the office and the family sitting room, and two rooms upstairs for sleeping. They use the kitchen, sitting room and play room. Outside a secure yard and grassed area are available.

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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 Children with special needs are minded and the childminder works with parents/carers and outside agencies to support the children and promote their development. Twenty two children are currently cared for on a part time basis, including seven children under five years of age. They are able to attend the local schools, playgroups and nurseries. Some children stay overnight. The childminder is a member of the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are able to play and learn in a well maintained, clean and warm environment. Effective cleaning procedures used ensure high standards of cleanliness are maintained through out the home. Good nappy changing procedures used by the childminder and clear hygiene practice for the children help prevent the spread of infection. Written hand washing procedures are available. Towels, bibs, sheets and flannels are washed after use. The written sick child policy is available to parents to ensure they know their children cannot attend when they are ill. The necessary parental written permissions, and recording, are in place for emergency help, medication, accidents and attendance for medical appointments. The childminder has an appropriate current first aid certificate and the first aid box is well stocked. Children benefit from a healthy home prepared diet, which is well balanced and

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Helping children to be healthy

nutritious and complies with parents wishes, children's likes and dislikes, and individual dietary needs. The children learn about the importance of healthy eating through their topics and on going conversation. Meal times are a social time for the children, sometimes including baking they have made. Older children help themselves to drinks or make their own sandwiches, and the childminder ensures the younger children do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move through the ground floor of the house safely, independently and freely. The childminder has attended training to ensure his knowledge of health and safety issues is up to date and a range of equipment is in place to keep the children safe. Resources and toys are checked regularly. Children access toys easily and safely. They use toys carefully, ensuring younger children do have access to small pieces. Appropriate safety features are in place to ensure the premises are secure to prevent children leaving unsupervised. A written lost or not collected child policy is available

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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 to parents. The children know the emergency evacuation procedure and where the collection point is located. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance and has undertaken training to keep his knowledge up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which effectively promote their learning. They are developing good social skills with the childminder and her family, the minded children and also through visits to the local playgroups or nurseries. They relate well together, take turns and co operate when playing. Children access resources independently and safely, with an extensive selection available to meet the needs of all the children who attend. Themed activities are used to address particular needs such as the colour board with items selected to reinforce knowledge. The children are becoming creative using a wide range of craft materials to produce puppets, models and pictures. They also enjoy baking, singing, role play and stories, using the books correctly and participating in the telling of familiar stories. The older children enjoy helping themselves to craft materials and produce some very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sophisticated work. Children's knowledge of the countryside is developing well, with walks to watch the birds and animals a popular feature of the day. They enjoy visits to see the horses, ducks and chickens, which were hatched from eggs on the farm. The childminder has started to use Birth to three matters to support the care provided for younger children and is to attend further training to increase familiarity with the framework. Younger children can participate with support or activities are amended to meet their needs. The use of the Foundation Stage, or similar guidance, would ensure children's development continues to be appropriately supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The children are very settled and extremely comfortable in the home, leaving parents confidently. They are developing very positive inclusive attitudes to all. They value and support each other, take turns and co-operate well. Their manners and behaviour are excellent, the older children teaching the younger ones by example and parents consulted should it be necessary. They all know the clear house rules. All the children are included, whatever their ability or development stage, with most older children able to communicate effectively with Makaton. Outside agencies are consulted to ensure children with special needs are supported appropriately to help them progress and develop. Children are developing a very good awareness of other cultures and customs through the resources available and the celebration of festivals, customs and

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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 cultures. They particularly enjoy trying different foods and festival related craft activities. The written policy file is available for parents. Contracts and information sheets are completed to ensure their wishes are known, respected and the children receive continuity of care. Initial interviews give parents the opportunity to see the premises and meet the family. The wide range of activities undertaken is recorded in a large selection of photographs. All the parents responded to the questionnaires sent out by the childminder, with very positive comments about the setting. They value the care received by their children, to help them become 'polite, caring and well-behaved' and like the close liaison and communication with him. The children regard it as their second home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures he keeps to the conditions of registration. He is appropriately qualified and undertakes on-going training to update his knowledge and further improve his practice. All the necessary paperwork is in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Contracts and information sheets are completed and kept up to date to support continuity of care. Children are cared for in line with parents' wishes and they receive daily feedback to give them information about their child's day. Records are stored securely and confidentiality respected. The effective use of the childminding policies and procedures promotes the welfare of the children. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain information about the Foundation Stage to support development after Birth to three matters.

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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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