Upson, Julie Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305893 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her partner and three children aged 7, 13 and 18 years old. The family have one pet cat and rabbit. They live in a house in a residential area of Yarm. The premises is situated within walking distance of Yarm High Street, the river, primary school and local shops. The childminder accesses these and other groups for under fives regularly. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding including toilet facilities. There is a large fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Child Minding Association. She is

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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 registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll under eight years, who attend on full and part time schedules. There are also two children attending aged nine and ten years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective procedures followed by the childminder results in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. The childminder has implemented clear, efficient hygiene routines to protect and promote children's good health. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas to ensure children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children's health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which also allow them to develop their independence. Children know to wash their hands before and after eating and after using the toilet with gentle assistance from the childminder. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills, for example as they ride on wheeled toys and use the climbing equipment at the local park and soft play

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Helping children to be healthy

area on outings. Younger children are also taken on trips to Baby gym. Older children walk to school each day. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet to encourage healthy eating habits. The childminder works closely with parents to develop children's ability to make healthy choices. Children enjoy fresh fruit. Regular drinks are offered and children's independence is promoted when the childminder gives them choices of what they would like to eat and drink.

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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 safe and secure environment minimising risk of accidents. The home is well-organised and children have very good access to various areas for different play purposes. This means that children can move freely around the space available and make independent choices about where and what the wish to engage in. An example of this is, the dining area used for messy activities, the conservatory for floor play. All children have good opportunities to choose their activities in a safe environment closely monitored by the childminder. She ensures that there is a good consistent balance between freedom and safe limits. Children are developing a good understanding of keeping themselves safe when on outings such as, when on a walk to school. The childminder stimulates this development by giving age appropriate advice and reinforcing safety practices through play for example, road safety, walking safely, and crossing the road rules.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards and include regular checks by the childminder. The materials

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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 are monitored at all times by the childminder to ensure that they are age appropriate for their stage of development. Children’s welfare is given high priority by the childminder and all appropriate and required documentation such as medication and accident records are in place and up to date. Children’s safety is further promoted as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. However relevant contact details and example of local Area Child Protection Committee guidance is not on hand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently choose from a range of well maintained equipment which is interesting to them. The childminder provides a stimulating and interesting programme of activities that promote children’s learning such as visits to the park, soft play, craft and creative experiences. Children are confident and fully engaged in the daily routine. They lead play ideas and work well alone or sharing with others. They have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local under five groups and playgroups. Younger children develop their confidence and self esteem well. Routines are flexible, which allow young children to pursue their interests. This reduces incidents of frustration and conflict. Older children often share responsibility for decisions about the provision, this contributes to them being interested in their environment and keen to do and find things out for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s development continues to be enhanced by the good quality interaction provided by the childminder. Children benefit from the childminders interest in what they say and do. She consistently talks and listens to them building their language skills, self-esteem, and confidence. She asks questions to make them think and responds enthusiastically giving praise and encouragement. All children enjoy their play and spend time purposefully engaged in activities. Children's global development is well fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and each other. They are valued and respected as individuals, promoted through a good partnership with parents. This ensures that children are happy, well settled and are making progress. Children are gaining a clear positive view of the wider world. They can access a varied range of activities and resources that increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. Children behave well and play together harmoniously; a good behaviour management strategy together with a stimulating range of experiences have a

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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 significant positive impact on behaviour. Children develop their understanding of sharing and taking turns, they are given good support by the childminder. Younger children develop confidence as the childminder effectively responds to their cues. She sensitively supports them as they develop their personalities and individuality. Older children develop good self esteem as the childminder ensures they feel valued and important as she effectively encourages them be 'helpers' for example when clearing the table or tidying toys away. All children are effectively gaining skills related to independence and managing their own personal needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment This means they are confident and can initiate their own learning. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. the childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Most legally required documentation which contributes to children's safety and well-being is in place. However the full vetting procedure is incomplete for all household members over 16 years. Clear systems are in place to keep children safe and enable them to make progress in all areas of their development. The provision effectively meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; provide more resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability; improve the system for obtaining written permission from parents before administering medication. Prior written parental consent is in place for the seeking of emergency treatment plus prior consent before administering medication. Resources which reflect diversity are now readily available for all children including posters, dolls, books, dressing up clothes and activities which celebrate different festivals. The childminder regularly updates these resources by accessing the toy resource library.

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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 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 the full vetting procedure is completed for all household members over the age of 16 years • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection including local ACPC procedures.

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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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