Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321396 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock 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 a registered childminder since February 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and nine, in a detached house, situated in the Clifton area of York. The house is within walking distance of the local primary school and a large retail park. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor of the house, with toilet facilities provided within this area. Sleep facilities and additional toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed outdoor area at the rear of the house with a supply of play equipment for outdoor use.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a Certificate in Childminding Practice which is a level 3 qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is a member of an accredited childminder network. She is registered to work with an assistant and is currently caring for eight children under eight years and four children over eight years. Children attend for various sessions.

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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 effectively learning about being healthy in their daily care and routines. Older children are independent when managing personal care skills. The childminder gives them explanations and reads them stories to help raise their awareness of the importance of good hygiene routines. Good levels of cleanliness in all childminding areas help to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children's everyday health needs are met well because the childminder has a first aid qualification and a clear procedure for dealing with sickness and infectious diseases. She has good arrangements for dealing with accidents and medication. She completes all required records and ensures this information is shared fully with parents to safeguard children's welfare. Daily opportunities for active, physical play contribute to the children's good health. They are developing strong, healthy bodies as they go for walks, play in the garden and the

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Helping children to be healthy

park and use soft play equipment. They enjoy dancing and movement to music and happily join in the 'Dingle, Dangle Scarecrow' and 'Heads shoulders, knees and toes'. Activities and outings, such as trips to soft play centres and to the farm to pick strawberries, contribute to children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals, snacks and drinks during the day. Menus are clearly displayed for children's and parents' attention. Food is varied and nutritious and includes fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and pasta.

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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 warm, welcoming and homely environment. Space is well organised so children have freedom to move around independently and make choices about what they want to do and play with. An excellent range of good quality, interesting and stimulating resources are easily accessible and the childminder ensures that these remain safe and suitable for use with regular checking and thorough cleaning routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's good awareness of safety protects children well. She regularly checks and replaces play equipment as needed. She uses books to help raise children's awareness of keeping themselves safe, for example, when out walking and when in the car. Most hazards in the home have been identified and steps are taken to keep children safe, however, some hazardous substances are potentially accessible to children and the glass in the patio doors has not been identified to them. Good attention is paid to fire safety as emergency evacuation procedures are practised and discussed with the children. Effective arrangements are made for children to be cared for by another registered childminder who the children and their parents know, should an emergency situation occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected. The childminder fully understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put local procedures into practice if ever necessary. She demonstrates a good understanding of the different areas of abuse and of possible signs and has completed training. A written child protection procedure is in place and safeguarding children information is made available to parents.

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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 outstanding. Children are extremely settled and happy in the childminder's care. They are cared for in a relaxed, very friendly atmosphere. They are very much 'at home' and obviously enjoy their time at the childminder's home. Warm relationships have been developed and the children approach the childminder and her assistant confidently and with real affection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy using an excellent range of interesting resources, such as puzzles, games, creative materials, books and role play equipment, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, effectively supported by the childminder. The childminder is very knowledgeable about the 'Birth to three matters' framework and successfully uses this to support children in their earliest years. Activities are exciting and planned using the aspects and components of the framework. For example, activities using the 'Me Myself and I' enable children to gain a realisation of their own individuality. They thoroughly enjoy using mirrors and looking at photographs of themselves and their favourite things. Detailed records are kept of their progress and achievements, which allows the childminder to plan for the next steps in their learning and development. The childminder builds on what

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children already know, and extends what they have learnt at home, school and pre-school using both the framework and the Foundation Stage guidance. For example, with parents' permission, she liaises with children's key workers in pre-school so all are working together to promote learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities for older children are very much child led. The childminder fully consults them about what they want to do and seeks their views by talking to them and by asking them to complete questionnaires. Their imagination and designing and making skills are developing extremely well as they play with the spaceship tent, hold puppet shows and play extensively with the 'house' they have made out of a large cardboard box. They go on many exciting outings to places such as Monk Park farm, the railway museum and the bowling arcade. They tackle the 'maize maze' and play crazy golf. All of which keeps children fully occupied and means they have lots of fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued very much as individuals. They are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and cared for in a friendly, family atmosphere which gives them a strong sense of belonging. The childminder helps to raise children's awareness of the importance of anti-discriminatory practice by being a positive role model and explaining differences to children. They access resources which reflect positive images of diversity on a daily basis, such as books and figures, and also enjoy using the 'around the world box' which they share with members of the childminding group. This includes musical instruments such as castanets and bamboo rain sticks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well as a result of the childminder's positive approach. She uses praise, encouragement and diversion to reinforce good behaviour. The children show a sense of belonging and are secure in their knowledge of daily routines. They are growing in independence and self-assurance as they have choices of activities and contribute to discussions, knowing that their opinions are valued.

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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 The childminder works closely with parents. She provides them with a comprehensive pack, including written policies, giving a clear insight into the service offered. The good partnerships between the childminder and parents ensures that they fully discuss children's needs and ways to encourage their development. Scrapbooks, photographs and daily diaries provide parents with a record of their child's activities and care. Parent questionnaires indicate that they are very happy with the care provided for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit positively from the childminder's clear sense of purpose and the fact that she continually strives to improve the service she provides. She attends extensive training with the local authority, has completed a level 3 childcare qualification and is the childminding representative at Early Years Partnership meetings. She is highly experienced and has cared for a wide age range of children throughout her childminding career. She demonstrates a high regard for the well-being of all children in her care and successfully promotes a very caring atmosphere. She is very aware of differing developmental needs, organises her time extremely well and plans relevant activities very successfully to cater effectively for all children in her care.

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Organisation

Documentation is of high quality and is very well organised. All necessary formats for recording details are in place and are clear and updated to safeguard children's welfare. Children have their own individual files to fully maintain confidentiality. Detailed written policies and procedures are shared regularly with parents to keep them fully informed about the service, the activities and the care provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has requested written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This safeguards children's welfare.

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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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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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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): • ensure all harmful substances are inaccessible to children and make sure the glass in the patio doors is identified to them.

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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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