Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279336 Unique Reference Number 29 June 2007 Inspection date Linda Cook 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 2004. She lives with her husband and young son in a house in Sowerby. The property is within walking distance of local schools, nursery and Thirsk town centre. She is registered to care for five children under eight years and is currently caring for three children under five years, all part time. Minded children have access to the whole of the property and the enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines as the childminder ensures they wash their hands before and after eating, after playing outdoors and after attending to personal care needs. The children's health is protected through the childminder's understanding of how to prevent cross infection and this is reflected in her daily routines and sick child policy.

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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 enjoy daily opportunities to take part in physical activities. They like to accompany the childminder to do the shopping in town and visit the local park where they can develop their climbing skills on the fixed play equipment. Children also develop their physical skills using a wide variety of play resources in the secure outdoor play area. These include, wheeled toys, bats, balls and a sandpit. Indoors they enjoy dancing and moving to music. The childminder ensures babies have clear space as they learn to crawl and develop their walking skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. Parents provide most meals, snacks and drinks, however, the childminder is willing to supplement these if necessary. The childminder provides a cooked meal when children are cared for over teatime. These are home cooked using fresh ingredients. The childminder discusses with parents their children's dietary requirements and any specific needs are recorded and catered for. Children begin to learn the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder encourages them to have snacks of fruit and discourages too many sweet or fatty foods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children independently select activities from a broad range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises activities and toys to ensure they are safe, clean and appropriate for their use and the children's age and abilities. As a result, children are able to develop in an environment which is child centred and encourages individual choice while ensuring their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment where risks are identified and minimised. Indoors the childminder provides safety equipment, such as carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, a fire blanket, cupboard locks and socket covers. Outdoors there is a secure play area. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place, however, children are not provided with opportunities to practise this which means they are not fully aware of what to do in an emergency. Children are taught to cross roads safely on their trips out and the childminder ensures they are aware of the boundaries which are in place. As a result children are able to move around safely, freely and begin to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well promoted by the childminder. She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and relevant information is kept on file for reference, should she have concerns about a child in her care. She also maintains a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and relaxed in the childminder's house. The are confident in their surroundings and very much at home. The childminder is very attentive to their individual needs and offers a broad range of activities for the children in her care. The children develop their independence as they select resources and choose what to do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates she is able to meet the varying needs of the children she cares for. She is interested in what the children say and do and spends her time involved in their play and offering support and encouragement. She delights in and praises all their achievements, great and small. The children are interested and motivated; they enjoy art and craft activities and baking. They talk about the things they see when they are out, they identify everyday

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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 objects, learn to count and recognise colours, ensuring all children build on what they know and can do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children begin to learn about cultural diversity through the range of resources provided by the childminder. These include books, puzzles and dressing-up clothes. They learn about their local community on their trips out and regular walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are highly valued as individuals. They are very happy, settled and confident in their surroundings. They develop close and caring relationships with the childminder, constantly chatting to her. Children are very well behaved. They play co-operatively together learning to share and to show respect for one another. This is encouraged by the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management and consistent boundaries. The children respond well to her clear guidance and praise and willingly help to tidy up when asked.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are discussed in detail with parents before minding starts and reflected in the daily routines. Parents are kept well informed of their children's achievements through verbal discussion at delivery and collection and daily diaries are also completed for each child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease in the well organised environment and regular routines. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning and are able to develop their independence as they are able to access resources and attend to their personal care needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed all required training and has a positive attitude to her own continuing development. She limits the number of children she minds to ensure all children benefit from the individual time she is able to spend with them as well as the opportunity to play together.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of the legal requirements of the National Standards for documentation and record keeping. Most requirements are met effectively, however, parents are not routinely made aware of Ofsted's contact details. Paperwork is organised well to be easily accessible while maintaining confidentiality.

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Organisation

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 agreed to continue to expand the range of resources available for children over five years of age.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased the range of board games and small world resources available and provided an electronic games console, ensuring older children have a suitable range of resources to choose from which are age appropriate and appeal to their interests.

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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

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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 complaint 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): • provide opportunities for children to practise the emergency evacuation procedure • ensure parents are made aware of Ofsted's contact details.

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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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