Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY136496 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Christine Snowdon

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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 was registered in April 2003. The family live in Selby, North Yorkshire. There are two children in the household aged five and six. Their home is within walking distance of the schools, shops and local amenities. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there are toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, and is currently minding one child full time, and three for part time care. She walks to

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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 the local school to take and collect children. 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 warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene practice and personal care. They know to wash their hands thoroughly before meals and after toileting. This is promoted well by the use of notices and reminders from the childminder to wash their hands. Children are well nourished and benefit from the healthy and nutritious diet provided by the childminder. They drink fresh water, milk or fruit juice regularly throughout the day. Lunches and snacks are freshly prepared and appeal to children. For example, they have wholemeal wraps or pitta breads with various fillings, followed by fresh fruit or yoghurt. They learn about healthy eating from the pictures and displays promoting the "5 portions a day" campaign. The childminder is flexible and takes account of parent's preferences and children's choices. All children enjoy the very effective range of activities that promote high levels of

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Helping children to be healthy

physical health and well being. They have excellent opportunities for developing bodily control and physical skills. They jump and bounce on the inflatable castle, balance, climb and run at the park. Their coordination and strength are used to fly kites and use the parachute game. They benefit from the fresh air and child orientated environment as they enjoy the free flow access to the garden.

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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 very safe and secure environment. The childminder carries out regular checks of the premises and equipment to ensure any risks are identified and minimised. As a result children move around the areas safely, freely and independently. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe whilst inside and outside the home. They learn how to evacuate the premises when practising the fire drill and follow safe routines whilst walking to and from school. Children independently select activities from an excellent range of good quality toys and equipment. All resources are in a very clean condition and meet the safety standards. Children choose their own toys easily and safely, due to the childminders effective organisation and layout of the very child orientated play areas. Documentation is in place and procedures are mostly followed to promote children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

care and welfare. For example the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. She has completed first aid training in the past, however, this is now out of date and requires renewing to ensure she can respond effectively to children's needs.

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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 very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's welcoming and wonderfully child orientated home. They are highly motivated and stimulated through the excellent range of toys and activities provided. They particularly benefit from the easy access to resources and free-flow between indoors and the garden. As a result, they consistently make independent choices and instigate their own play. They receive high levels of interaction and excellent support from the childminder, and they respond warmly to her. She spends her time effectively talking to them, sharing experiences and helping them to learn. Whilst making jigsaws or looking at books with her they count, recognise colours and talk about what they see. Children's experiences are effectively enhanced through the wide range of planned visits and outings. They learn about wildlife, insects and science on trips to the local

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

nature reserves. Later, using references books, they identify what they see and draw pictures. Flying kites and visiting the corn maize are exciting and fun experiences. Children particularly enjoy travelling by train and double-decker bus, as they make trips and outing much more fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a very good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and diversity. This increases children's awareness and understanding of differences and individuality. They look at books together, celebrate festivals other than their own, and get out and about in the local and wider community. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met very well as the daily routine reflects that of home. Parents are kept well informed and up to date with their children's progress and activities. For example, they receive regular verbal feedback from the childminder and enjoy the creative work their children take home. Children are very happy and settled in their surroundings and confidently choose their own resources and instigate their own play. They have a close and caring relationship with the childminder and respond positively to her praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouragement. Children behave very well, they show care and consideration for one another as they share equipment, take turns and play together harmoniously.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is very child orientated and well organised to meet their needs. Children feel welcome and at home, confidently initiating their own play and learning. The childminder continues to develop her own practice through regular training. She uses her time, skills and knowledge in an effective way to enhance the children's

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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 care. Most of the required documentation is in place and used appropriately to support her practice. However, permission to seek medical advice in an emergency has yet to be obtained from the parents. Information is shared regularly with the parents to keep them informed about the care their children receive and the activities they take part in. There are contracts in place setting out agreements with most parents whose children attend. However, they are not in place for those children being cared for on a temporary basis. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended more than the required training. Her documentation has been developed to promote consistency of care for children. Accidents are clearly recorded, and written permission has been obtained so that the children can travel in the childminder's car. Children's attendance is recorded clearly to show the ratios and standards are met.

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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): • obtain written permission to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency • ensure there are written agreements in place for all minded children • ensure an appropriate first aid course which includes first aid for children is completed.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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