Childminder in Kingston upon HullOfsted inspection, 7 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 313381 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Linda Phillips

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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 child minder has been registered since January 1997. She lives with her husband and adult son in a mid-terrace 2-storey house to the east of Kingston upon Hull. The city centre is approximately three miles away. In the immediate area is a wide selection of shops on the busy Holderness Road, a large public park and schools. Currently cared for are six children under eight years of age and two over eights on different days of the week and at different times.

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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 No over night care is provided. For childminding purposes only the ground floor of the house is used, namely the lounge, kitchen/dining room and toilet facilities. Children do not access the first floor. For outdoor play there is a well-maintained enclosed rear garden with a large wooden play room at the bottom. A very wide range of toys, play materials and resources are available for both indoor and outdoor use. The family have a cat and a dog which children have contact with. The child minder is a member of the Hull Childminding Network and also the National Child Minding Association. The child minder is a member of both the Hull Childcare Network and the National Childminding Association. She enjoys attending training courses and holds a number of childcare qualifications.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of outdoor and indoor activities which contribute to their good health. The fully enclosed rear garden has sectioned areas for both physical play and for sitting at the table for picnics and other outdoor activities. The large fully equipped playhouse at the bottom of the garden is used daily and in good weather the door is left open for children to freely access the garden, which helps them to understand the importance of outdoor activities and access to fresh air. Parents are aware of the child minder's sick children policy as it is included within individual contracts. As a result of this it enables parents to be aware of when children will and will not be accepted for care. A valid first aid certificate is displayed and the childminder is aware of steps to be taken should accidents occur. The child minder holds a current first aid certificate. Written records of accidents

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Helping children to be healthy

indicate the childminder is fully aware of observing for concussion should a child receive a head injury and parents are notified of this when they collect the child. It was agreed that in the future parents would be notified immediately and the course of action would be determined by them. Children are cared for within a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, and were seen to be encouraged and assisted with this. Each child has a basket in the bathroom containing individual hair and tooth brushes, nappies etc, and all have individual named hand towels to encourage hand washing further. The childminder has agreed the provision of food and drink with parents and as a result the children are offered healthy snacks but supply their own packed lunches. Children are seen to be encouraged to choose mid-morning snacks and drinks for

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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 themselves resulting in further independence being promoted. Parents wishes are respected, and any dietary needs are appropriately met through discussions with them.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. They use the playhouse on a daily basis in addition to the house and are able to use the space safely and independently. The childminder remains in close contact with the children whilst allowing them to choose activities for themselves. The child minder constantly reminds children of the importance of playing safely especially in the garden to ensure they come to no harm. Systems are in place for the childminder to check toys and resources for cleanliness and safety, which results in children having a wide range of quality items to play with. The well-set out storage of items are low-level within the playhouse which encourages the children to self-select, and they are reminded of the importance of tidying away to minimise accidents. The childminder has all the required polices, procedures and documents in place to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has attended an appropriate First Aid course and displays the certificate in the playhouse. The childminder has attended a number of child protection courses which enable her to increased knowledge and understanding of such issues, and of her responsibility to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered an extremely wide range of opportunities and activities both in and out of the home to encourage and enable them to become more independent through new experiences and challenges. Although activities are pre-planned each week these are very much subject to the needs and choices of the children. There are excellent systems in place for evidencing opportunities undertaken by way of many wall displays, photographs, themes etc. within the playhouse. An extensive range of toys, resources and play materials available within the well organised playhouse enables the children to experience role play, physical play, and art and craft work, in addition to having access to a wide range of books and DVDs. Children are able, and encouraged, to make independent choices regarding play, with the childminder making additional suggestions to broaden their opportunities and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is well-organised, calm and relaxed, and as a result is able to spend quality time with the children so they benefit from her full support and encouragement.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are taken into the wider community to attend various groups and places of interest. This enables them to have a wider range of activities and opportunities to promote a positive view and to increase their awareness within the local area. Parents are asked about daily routines which as far as possible are followed closely to enable children to have continuity, and to feel comfortable in their surroundings. The children behave well, and have both time together and to play alone being quieter. Behaviour problems rarely arise but if and when the child minder fully explains what is and is not acceptable and why, resulting in children learning right from wrong in a gentle and calm manner. Children are asked what they would like to do and are also guided by the childminder making additional suggestions to prompt them in decision making. Emphasis is placed upon them choosing for themselves in the main.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder cares for a child with additional needs and encourages participation with all activities and opportunities along with all the other children. As a result the child gains further independence and integrates well into the home. Prior to the inspection the childminder had supplied all parents with a scaled-down size of the Ofsted parent poster. In return they have supplied her with written letters and comments of commendation and all contained extremely positive and favourable messages.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is extremely well organised, especially within the playhouse where the children and childminder spend most of their time. The childminder presents herself in a professional yet fun way which enables parents to have confidence in her and for the children to learn, have fun and be happy. All records are available for inspection and maintained in a clear manner. Some minor adjustment to practice was agreed when reporting accidents to parents. Policies and procedures available are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. The childminders' detailed portfolio is shared with parents and they are kept fully informed about the service and their child's activities and opportunities. As a result of this they are happy to leave their children in the childminders care long-term in a number of cases. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend to a high standard.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 one recommendation made has been implemented, that of keeping a written record of any untoward incidents

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Complaints since the last inspection

On 17/02/2005 an anonymous complaint was received in relation to National Standard 2 regarding ratios. An Ofsted childcare inspector made an unannounced visit to the childminder on 24/03/2005. No action was needed. The child minder remains qualified for registration. A concern was raised under National Standard 1 - Suitable Person. Following an investigation by other agencies, Ofsted met with the provider to discuss the issues. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider is complying with the national standards. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • inform parents when accidents occur, especially when head injuries are involved.

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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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