Jones, Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219510 Inspection date 27 April 2005 Inspector Christine Snowdon

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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 satisfactory. 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 2001. The family live in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire and there are four teenage children in the household. They live within walking distance of the local school and amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently minding five children of whom three are under five years. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder

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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 has two cats and a rabbit. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in early years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which effectively promote their physical health. They independently access the garden area and spend a lot of time out of doors. They run, climb and use the wide range of wheeled equipment provided. This contributes well to their good health and physical skills. They are aware of how physical activity and warm weather affects their bodies, taking off their jumpers and coming indoors for a drink. Children are well nourished and understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They enjoy fruit as a healthy alternative at snack time and between meals. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet the children's dietary needs very well. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home and there are some good hygiene routines in place. For example, children wash their hands after toileting and painting.

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Helping children to be healthy

However they do not always wash their hands before meals. This reduces their overall understanding of good personal hygiene. The childminder's documentation for the administration of medication and recording of accidents is insufficient. There is no written acknowledgement from parents, and permission to seek medical advice in an emergency has not been obtained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This includes the new conservatory which is risk assessed by the childminder and is safe to use. As a result children move around safely, freely and independently both indoors and in the garden area. Children understand the importance of keeping themselves safe both within the home and on outings. They hold hands and following safe practice when walking to and from school. They use appropriate safety restraints when travelling by car. They know what to do in the event of a fire following discussion with the childminder. Children use the play equipment safely and appropriately to avoid injury to themselves and others. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality, age appropriate resources which meet the safety standard. The childminder supervises and monitors the children's play and equipment to ensure they are safe and suitable

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

for use. Documentation and procedures are in place to ensure children's welfare is

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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 safeguarded and promoted, these include training in first aid and child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house, freely moving around and choosing from a wide range of toys. Equipment and activities are easily accessible, which promotes their free-choice and independence very well. Children make their own decisions and instigate their own play, both independently and with their peers. When painting they put on their own aprons, choose what colour to use and concentrate well. They enjoy exploring with texture and colour by using brushes or their hands. Children are pleased and happy with their creative achievements and enjoy taking them home to show their parents. Through the childminder's effective questioning and discussion, children can recognise a wide range of colours. All children are encouraged to take part in the creative activities and the very young sit on booster seats at the table to join in the fun. The childminder spends her time effectively with the children. They enjoy sitting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

together and relaxing with a story after a busy morning at nursery. They choose the book themselves, concentrate well and listen to the story as she reads to them. They enjoy each others company and play very well together. They are very confident and have good interactive skills with other children. This is promoted well through the regular attendance of toddler and childminder groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an appropriate range of resources and activities to promote a positive awareness of the wider world, these include books and dolls of different genders and cultures. They learn about the local community when out for walks and enjoy trips to local parks and days at the coast. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Their individual needs are met well and they have a close and caring relationship with her. Children are very caring and considerate towards one another, taking turns, sharing equipment, and playing harmoniously together. They behave very well in the happy atmosphere. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure the daily routine reflects that of home. Children enjoy taking home their pictures and art work. This enables parents to see and appreciate their children's learning and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are well settled and made to feel at home and welcome in the childminders care. As a result they are confident to initiate and extend their own play

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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 and learning. Parents are generally kept well informed about the service offered to their children and the progress they make. There are contracts with parents and the registration system is kept up to date. This contributes well to their continuity of care. However written permission from parents has not been obtained for the children to be transported in the childminder's car. Ofsted had not been informed of the conservatory extension, as a result children are cared for in an area that whilst safe, had not been approved prior to use. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has extended her own knowledge of childminding by completing the pre-registration course. Children can now play safely in the garden area following her improvements to the gate. Whilst she originally had agreements with parents for the consent of emergency treatment, this was not in place for all children at the inspection visit. Therefore this has been raised again as a recommendation.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve hygiene procedures for children at mealtimes. • obtain full written consent from parents for, administering medication and to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. • obtain parents signatures on all medicine and accident records. • ensure Ofsted is informed of all significant changes. • obtain written permission from parents to allow children to be transported in the childminders car.

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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 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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