Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 314283 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 1987 and may care for six children in her home. She lives in part of a large detached house near the centre of the town of Market Weighton with her husband and their two children, while her father and step mother live in the other part of the house. The children use the smaller sitting room and the kitchen, also the large patio and lawn to the rear of the house. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice and is also a member of the local Childminding Network.

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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 There are no children with special needs being cared for at present. Some chickens and quail live at the bottom of the garden and cats in the house.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children enjoy a wide range of activities which support their good health. They use the garden to play with a range of large toys, which support their physical development and body control, as well as garden games. Walking to school and visits to the chickens in the rear part of the garden also ensure they get fresh air each day. Visits to the Play Zone and Big Fun provide more opportunities to develop their physical skills. The children are aware that activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. The childminder has a good understanding of the needs of the children, which gives them confidence to try new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they understand the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They know they must wash their hands after using the toilet; playing in the garden; or visiting the chickens to prevent

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Helping children to be healthy

the spread of germs. Children are starting to understand the need for a healthy diet. The childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and a home prepared meal in the evening, taking account of parents' wishes and the children's likes and dislikes, while ensuring it meets their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children, for example, while the renovation work is ongoing children do not have access to the playroom. They are able to move around safely, freely and independently in the rest of the ground floor of the house and the secure rear garden. The childminder gives high priority to helping the children learn how to keep themselves safe both in the house, garden and when off the premises. They enjoyed the Road Safety Workshop which taught them how to cross the road safely. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate. She has all the required procedures and documents in place to promote the children's welfare and safety, including a current first aid certificate and insurance, as well as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

her own written Health and Safety policy. She also has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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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 The children know they must use toys and resources safely and carefully, particularly those with small pieces when the baby is present. They share well, take turns and co-operate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise together and with other children, through regular attendance at the childminders' toddler group, playgroup and nursery. Children become independent as they choose from an appealing range of toys, books and activities. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development which could be developed further by the use, for example, of Birth to three matters for babies and the Foundation Stage for older children. The children enjoy the themed activities such as 'Growing', which encompassed planting sweet pea seeds; hatching chicks from eggs; and visiting Skidby Mill to see how flour was produced from grain, then bread making with the finished product. A photographic record is kept for parents to see, with comments written beneath the photographs by the older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits to the Railway Museum, Honeysuckle Farm, Hull Stadium and large gym equipment centres, as well as craft activities in the home, visits to the school or outings in the local town. They make models from Plaster of Paris, use musical instruments and bake.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase the children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children have enjoyed musical instruments from Africa. They also learn about their local community through visits to the farm, Skidby Mill and the Railway Museum as well as routine outings to the library and local parks. The children are treated as individuals. Their needs are met well and their daily routine followed after discussion with parents, to maintain continuity of care. The children show care and concern for each other and play well together, sharing, taking turns and co-operating. They confidently select resources, ask for, or help themselves to drinks and independently visit the toilet. They behave very well and are developing good manners.

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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 The organisation is good. The children are at home and settled in the well organised environment. They feel confident to choose activities and make suggestions to extend their play and learning. The childminder uses the policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them informed about her practice, which helps to maintain continuity of care. The childminder has comprehensive systems of recording permissions from parents to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. She maintains the conditions of her registration and undertakes training to further improve her practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has developed planning to ensure all children have opportunities for play in all areas. She has set up theme files with details of resources needed and activities to be undertaken.

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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): • support and widen knowledge of the care and development of small children, for example by the use of Birth to three matters.

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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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