TLG Hull

Inspection report for early years provision

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147791 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Katie Dempster 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged over 16 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a three bedroom house in Harrow close to the train station and local schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently minding five children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome in a warm and caring environment. Children are starting to learn about the importance of hygiene when they talk about germs and why they wash their hands at toilet and meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from cross infection or harmful bacteria by the good standards of hygiene practised, for example, regular cleaning of the home and during nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill. Appropriate written consent and accident and medication records are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and dinners. The childminder offers a range of fruit including strawberries and melon. Raisins and soft cheese dips are also provided as snacks. Hot meals include roast dinners and jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings. The childminder works with both children and parents to discuss dietary requirements, likes and dislikes, and adapts menus accordingly. Children sit and eat comfortably on appropriately sized tables and chairs, where they are able to talk to one another in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is being promoted as they enjoy regular outside activities, for example, going to local parks and trips to other toddler groups.

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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, clean and well equipped environment with plenty of space for children to play and explore freely. There is a separate play room where children enjoy spending time playing. A range of equipment, such as travel cots, high chairs, age appropriate car seats, buggies and safety gates, is available to meet care needs of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are made safe around the home, as possible hazards have been minimised. For example, a stair gate has been fitted to the living room door to ensure children cannot enter the kitchen or go near stairs when the childminder is out the room. The front door is kept locked when not in use, and the key is kept out of reach of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children are safe on outings as they are taught road safety and not to talk to strangers. When visiting the park, grassed areas are checked for broken glass and dog faeces, and children are told to stay within the gated areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has sound knowledge of her role and responsibility in child protection. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the procedure to follow. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has other specific first aid courses planned.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the close relationship they have with the childminder. Children are happy to go off and play and are confident to return to the childminder if they need to, sometimes just for a cuddle. The childminder offers lots of praise and encouragement, as a result, children are content and relaxed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular outings to child friendly settings, such as local parks, toddler groups and walks to the shops. This provides many good learning experiences for children and develops their physical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a play room with a large selection of toys and resources to choose from. Most are at low level to enable children to choose an activity independently. There are small tables and chairs for children to sit comfortably if they want to do a puzzle or art activity. Children have access to a wide variety of recourses which supports all areas of their development, such as interactive toys and touchy feely books. They are developing early writing skills as they draw, paint and colour. They are learning about shape and space as they play with shape sorters and use construction bricks. This enables them to develop mathematical skills. Children investigate with a variety of materials as they stick tissue paper and fabric. Children have opportunities to develop their vocabulary because the childminder chats to them warmly throughout the day and during daily routines, for example, while changing their nappies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts with the children during play and they receive appropriate attention. This enables them to extend their learning experiences, in a supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and appreciated. They benefit from a sense of belonging as the childminder ensures positive relationships with parents. Written policies and procedures are in place which are discussed with parents and carers. Parents are clear what is expected of the childminder and of them. There is a daily exchange of information between the childminder and parents to talk about their children and their routines. Parents have the opportunity to talk to the childminder when they need to. This ensures children receive consistent care and their sense of security is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well. They learn right from wrong and the childminder uses age appropriate management strategies. The childminder sets out house rules which children are aware of and older children are encouraged to be gentle with the littler ones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated equally and feel confident with continued praise. Children have equal access to all age appropriate toys and activities. They enjoy watching cartoons in a different language that other children have brought in to show. However, there is a limited selection of play materials promoting positive images of diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play safely as the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards in the home. All relevant documentation is stored securely, written policies and procedures are in place,

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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 promoting children’s health and well-being. The childminder is aware that records must be maintained if complaints are received.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example, attending regular update courses in different areas of care.

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Organisation

Children are content in a warm and friendly environment. They benefit from the childminder's experience and sound knowledge of caring for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of children with learning difficulties and disabilities • ensure children have access to resources to promote their awareness of diversity and the wider community

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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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