Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345349 Unique Reference Number 15 June 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 six and four, in the city of York. The childminder is close to a range of local amenities including the primary school and playgroup. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has four children on roll and all attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminder network group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Health and hygiene practices and routines are very effective and ensure children are confident to access all the facilities provided. The childminder takes all steps to minimise cross infection. She provides details on the care of children when ill and the exclusion periods required before they can return. The children are well supported to wash their hands and understand the reasons

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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 for this after playing and going to the bathroom. The children have individual towels provided and the younger children's nappies, wipes and creams are in their own individual baskets. The childminder is very informed about protecting children when in the sun, ensuring they have sun screen and appropriate clothing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have positive and regular opportunities to use and develop their physical skills, they walk on a daily basis to and from school and they have good access to the garden which provides the children with daily fresh air. There is a range of good quality larger equipment for the children to use, such as a slide, trampoline and swings. Inside, the range of tools and smaller equipment enable the children to develop their smaller muscle skills effectively. They have regular visits in the area which enables them to use other equipment, participate in group activities and extend their physical experiences.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with daily snacks and meals by the childminder. These offer a range of healthy options that promote a nutritious balance. The childminder prepares the food which is fresh and homemade. For example, chicken, fish, vegetables and pasta dishes. The snacks also ensure the children have a variety of fresh and dried fruits, yogurt and cheese. The menu provides the details of the range and selection the children have each week which is shared with parents. Drinks are offered throughout the day and these consist of a choice of water, milk or juice. The childminder ensures she has all the children's dietary needs recorded.

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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 a well organised, highly effective and safe environment by the childminder. Premises are warm, clean and are friendly and welcoming to the children and their parents. The furniture, equipment and resources are of a high quality which promotes children's development and welfare and the childminder ensures these are well maintained through regular recorded checks. The use of the space and the very good facilities provide the children with excellent opportunities to move around freely and to access the resources and activities provided throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety is managed to a high level through the childminder's vigilant approach. There are excellent, detailed and informed risk assessments of the premises which are reviewed and these also extend to outings taken by the childminder with the children. There is a comprehensive evacuation procedure and this is discussed on a regular basis with the older children. The children have a positive awareness of their personal safety, this is managed on a daily basis. For example, when the children cross the road, they all know to concentrate and listen and to walk across together. There are a range of safety books provided for the children to extend their knowledge as well as posters about keeping safe. Written regular checks are carried out on the smoke alarms on the property. The childminder is well informed on the current requirements on car and booster seats for the children she transports in her car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is knowledgeable about safeguarding children. She has attended training to ensure she has a sound understanding of child protection issues which is supported with up to date information and contact details and a policy statement which is shared with parents.

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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. The children are happy and settled at the childminder's. Warm and caring relationships are formed between the children and the childminder. This contributes to the children's trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder provides the children with a range of play and learning experiences which are supported with topics and ideas to ensure she retains the children's ongoing interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time playing with the children, listening and talking to them, whilst extending their learning. They enjoy using a wide range of interesting resources, such as puzzles, books, role play and creative materials. These provide the children with a very suitable range for their age and stage of development. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate, resulting in children being motivated and interested. However, the childminder has not yet fully extended her knowledge in relation to the younger children, such as linking to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The children enjoy many exciting outings, such as to the local farm and park. The children are able to extend their social interaction by attending the childminder network sessions which enable the children to get together and have activities as a group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in children feeling positive about themselves. Children's individual needs are recognised and valued by the childminder in her attitude and approach and are identified in her policy statement. There is a suitable selection of resources in place which reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages behaviour very well, adopting a range of entirely appropriate strategies to suit the individual child; these include distraction and explanations. The children are aware of the boundaries and expectations in place and are confident in their attitude and approach. Children are happy and relaxed with the childminder. The children are praised and encouraged which promotes their confidence and self-esteem very positively. The children are actively encouraged to share and take turns which promotes a positive approach to being kind and thoughtful to each other. The childminder promotes a consistent approach with the children to ensure they feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are established with parents. These are formed with trust and confidence in the quality of care their children receive. The childminder ensures that she has a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of the individual children in her care. She shares information effectively on a daily basis, the younger children have a daily diary, the older children have their own scrapbook of what they have done. A parent pack is provided which has all the details in relation to the childminder's practice and this is supported with informed policy statements. A noticeboard provides the parents with additional information on training attended by the childminder and contact details of the regulator. Contracts of agreement with the parents are established and reviewed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a well organised and efficient environment. The childminder ensures the space and facilities meet the children's needs effectively. The childminder has a very good understanding of the importance of keeping her personal development ongoing through attending a variety of training. She has attended the Introduction to Childminding course and has a relevant first aid certificate.

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Organisation

All the required documentation for the safe management of the childminding service is well organised and available and maintains confidentiality. The children receive good support and their needs are being met very effectively. Records, policies and procedures are provided which effectively link to her ongoing practice. All records and written information is shared regularly with parents to keep them fully informed of their child's care. This is effective in contributing to the children's well-being and parents trust in the range of provision and care their children receive. 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): • continue to develop skills and knowledge in relation to younger children, for example, in line with 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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