Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286004 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Christine Anne Rice 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, who lives with her daughter, has been registered since 2003. They live in a semi detached house in Harrogate, within walking distance of local schools, shops, and parks. The rooms which are used for childminding are the sitting room, kitchen/dining room, and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children attending the setting. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder promotes good personal hygiene by encouraging them to wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before and after eating, after toileting and after going to the park. Cross infection is reduced as the children use individual towels to dry their hands. Furthermore, the childminder adopts good nappy changing routines, as the

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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 children have their own separate changing mats with soiled nappies being placed in sealed bags and disposed of immediately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health is additionally protected as the childminder has thorough policies and procedures in place to minimise the spread of infection and to ensure that the children are safe and well cared for if they are ill or need medication. If the children were to suffer any minor injuries, the childminder is well prepared with her current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder prepares healthy, nutritious food for the children, such as pitta bread and tuna pasta for lunch. Snacks consist of predominantly fruit, including apple, banana and kiwi, plus yogurt and bread sticks. Particular dietary needs, such as vegetarian, are catered for and the childminder accommodates parental preferences so that children may bring along their own food if they wish. Children stay refreshed and hydrated as drinks are continually available in individual beakers, which the childminder keeps replenished. The children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they usually walk to school and go on frequent nature walks and trips to the park, where they develop physical skills on the play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming environment where examples of their work, such as brightly coloured pictures and craft work dragons are displayed. Space is organised well with messy activities, such as water play, being assigned to the kitchen, whilst children build a train track in the lounge where they can freely spread out the track. Children know exactly what they want to play with, being familiar with the resources, as they develop independence by choosing their own activities. Children's all-round development is fostered by the age appropriate equipment, such as the high chair, low chair and booster steps. A travel cot is available for babies, who rest according to their individual needs and parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally well safeguarded by some good safety measures. For example, there is a safety gate at the foot of the stairs, and cleaning materials and sharp knives are kept out of the reach of children. The garden is securely enclosed and outer doors are kept locked to prevent strangers entering unannounced and children leaving unattended. However, there are some sockets which are uncovered in the lounge. Children learn to contribute to their own safety through the monthly practising of the fire escape plan and through the childminder teaching them about road safety when they are out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder having a good understanding of child protection matters, including the procedures to follow in the event of a concern. The childminder has completed a relevant online training course and has information resources relating to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled in the warm, sensitive care of the childminder. The childminder constantly interacts with the children, helping them to gain maximum value from their activities and reach their potential. When, for instance, the children are playing with water, the childminder adds interesting shaped pasta so that the children can experiment, discovering that the pasta goes soft when it is soaked in the water. As well as the texture, the children discuss the shape of the pasta, describing it as, 'twirly, wurly'.

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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 The childminder asks questions to make the children think, so that they gain an understanding of the concept of size, as the children work out which shapes are big and which are small. Children approach the childminder easily, asking her to blow bubbles in the water with a straw. They smile gleefully as the water froths and huge bubbles form, then they try and copy her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are child-led. Consequently, a walk on a wet day when the children jump in the puddles prompts their water play and the childminder encourages the children's interest in trains by using the train to travel to local towns. The children enjoy many interesting outings to various places, such as tropical animal parks. The children develop independence as they help to make their own sandwiches for lunch and enjoy fun activities, such as making vegetable faces. Children have good opportunities for socialising as they attend a weekly toddler group and meet with other childminders and minded children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the positive relationships they have with the childminder. They are completely at ease, singing happily to themselves as they build the train track. The childminder sits on the floor with the children, supporting them in their play and making a train noise as the children push the train around the track. The children enjoy developing their creativity as they use paint and pasta to make colourful patterns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values each child as an individual, tailoring their care according to their particular needs. Children develop an awareness of the diversity of the world through using a good range of resources, such as books, jigsaws and toys, which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. In addition, they celebrate a range of festivals, such as Chinese New Year and learn about similarities and differences through discussions with the childminder when they are out in the community. When caring for children who speak English as a an additional language, the childminder learns words which are familiar to the children to assist communication.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a receptive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, which includes gathering as much information as possible and working in conjunction with parents and professionals. Children learn appropriate boundaries and good behaviour as the childminder is consistent and acts as a positive role model. The childminder teaches the children good manners and praises positive behaviour. As a result, children are polite and well behaved. Parents build strong and trusting relationships with the childminder. There are good exchanges of information from the outset, and subsequently with daily verbal feedback and written diaries for the younger children. The childminder has a gradual settling procedure and is flexible to accommodate the needs of the parents and the children, as she continues to care for the children according to their individual routines. Consequently, parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are appreciative and children are settled, remaining in the care of the childminder from infancy through to starting school.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well-organised, making good use of her time and resources. Relevant information, such as the certificate of registration, is prominently displayed in the kitchen for parents to view. The comprehensive policies and procedures which she has written are testament to her commitment to childminding and the children in her care. Having completed a Level 3

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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 qualification as well as the Introduction to Childminding Practice, the childminder is suitably qualified. She keeps her knowledge updated by regularly attending short courses, such as the new Early Years Foundation Stage and the use of empathy dolls.

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Organisation

In the interests of protecting children, the childminder has set up appropriate recording systems for accidents and complaints. The childminder has a keen awareness of the need to protect children and does not allow the children to be left unsupervised with anyone who has not been properly vetted. All the required documentation is in place, including the register, which includes the times of attendance.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good working knowledge of the National Standards so that the required adult-child ratios are met, and the good levels of care and supervision which she provides serve to support the children well. Children respond to the warmth of the childminder and thoroughly enjoy the time and experiences they share with her. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to improve the resources reflecting positive images of disability, to ensure the garden is secure and to make the fire blanket more accessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased the resources which reflect positive images of disability, improved the security of the garden and fitted the fire blanket to the kitchen wall. These changes impact positively on the children's safety and ability to make a positive contribution.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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 that electric sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with covers.

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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 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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