Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269630 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2007 Inspection date Shirley Maynard 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 has been registered since November 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and seven years. They live in a detached house in a quiet residential area in Ripon, which is close to shops and within walking distance of local parks. The whole of the ground floor, with toilet and hand washing facilities, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for five children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder has an appropriate level 3 qualification in childcare and is a member of the National Childminding Association and is currently working towards the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands and follows appropriate hygiene practices. They learn to wash their hands when finished in the bathroom and their understanding

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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 is enhanced by the childminder talking to them about being clean. Children are provided with liquid soap and individual hand towels. Furthermore, the childminder encourages children to cover their mouth when they cough and blow their nose, therefore limiting the risk of cross-infection. Arrangements for medication meet the requirements and protect children as details are accurately recorded and signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished satisfactory, they are provided with a mostly healthy diet as the childminder encourages them to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Children's individual dietary needs are agreed with parents. The children thoroughly enjoy a snack of fresh oranges and juice. Children can also access fresh drinking water from the water cooler, therefore they are able to monitor their own needs for a drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy activities which promote their physical development as they take part in regular walks and use the outdoor play equipment which includes a small trampoline, wheeled vehicles and a climbing frame.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming home which is clean and appropriately maintained. They make choices from a range of sufficient equipment which is stored in the conservatory in low-level storage boxes. The toys and equipment are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children attending and include role play, construction and craft materials.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept generally safe as most required safety features are in place, for example, a fire blanket, gas detector and plug covers. The childminder recognises the need for close supervision so the children can play safely and explore the environment. This is enhanced by some detailed policies and procedures which sufficiently support their safety. However, an emergency evacuation procedure has not yet been established. As a result, children are unfamiliar of what to do in an emergency and so their safety is compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is protected as the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is fully aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is confident of the action to take should an issue arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a broad range of activities which meet their needs because the childminder has an informal and flexible plan which follows children's individual lead. They delight as they make chocolate crispy cakes, listen to stories and mark make. Older children are given the opportunity to relax after school. They are also able to watch a little television, complete homework or help themselves to other resources which include age appropriate books and games. Regular visits to the toy library ensure the children have assess to new and interesting toys. During the holidays, the childminder plans focused activities which include regular outings and games, including using the parachute, to develop their understanding of sharing resources and working together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a strong understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to support the children's learning. The younger children remain interested and occupied with the interactive toys and thoroughly enjoy listening to stories including a favourite titled

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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 'Good Night'. Their language development is further promoted as they act out real life situations with the role play equipment, for example, using the dressing up clothes and pretending to be mummy. The childminder gets down on the floor to support them with activities, for example, helping children to complete jigsaws and encouraging them to count the pieces.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are developing their confidence and self esteem by having positive relationships with the childminder whose interaction is very beneficial to them. Children have a caring relationship which includes cuddles and soothing discussions as the childminder talks to them about their play. They take part in activities outside the home as they go to the park and attend the local playgroup, where they can make new friends and experience new environments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment where parents are fully included to ensure individual needs are met. The childminder demonstrates a positive understanding of equal opportunity for all children and anti-discriminatory practice and has appropriate strategies in place to support this. She uses effective distraction and occasional time out as she talks to them about acceptable and non acceptable behaviour to enable them to understand the reasons why. The older children were involved in establishing 'house tips' which focus on what children can do and not the things they cannot, for example, tell a grown up if you are sad, ask for help, share resources and tidy up when you have finished. Furthermore, the childminder actively encourages children to attend if they have a learning difficulty or difficulty. She works in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children learn about diversity from a range of resources including fuzzy felts, books, dolls and dressing up clothes. The children recently learned about Thanksgiving and thoroughly enjoyed a traditional celebratory meal of roast turkey. However, children do not have sufficient access to play resources which reflect disability and therefore, their knowledge and understanding is not fully developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters good relationships with parents, providing written and verbal information regarding her practice. She shares all the policies and procedures with them prior to the children starting at the setting. Parents of younger children have a daily diary and the childminder allows time at the end of the day to discuss the child's time with her. This ensures parents are fully informed of what their children have been doing whilst in her care. Furthermore, the childminder has a strong understanding of her role if she received any complaints. She has recently established a complaints log which is available to parents at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates that she makes effective use of the time, space and resources by ensuring children have room to move freely and can make decisions about their play. Daily routines are in place to respond to children's individual needs, for example, visits to playgroup, school runs and free play activities. The childminder has also maintained her first aid certificate to provide for children's medical needs.

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Organisation

Children positively benefit from the childminder's commitment to her own development, such as recently gaining a level 3 qualification in childcare. She researches information from books and the internet to assist in planning and meeting children's individual needs. This ensures her

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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 knowledge is up to date and she understands the children's individual stage of development and interests.

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Organisation

The childminder has clear documentation which is accurately maintained and securely stored. Policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children generally healthy and safeguarding their welfare. Parents are well informed about their child's care and progress. All documentation is stored confidentially. 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

The childminder has improved her knowledge of childcare by accessing training that is appropriate to the ages and stage of development of the children she is currently caring for. She has recently completed a level 3 childcare qualification and is currently working towards the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance scheme. Consequently, the welfare, care and learning of children are maximised.

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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 children are familiar with emergency evacuation procedures and practise these regularly • continue to develop resources to promote positive images of disability.

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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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