Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299384 Inspection date 25 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 December 2004. She lives with her husband who is approved to work as her assistant and their two children aged six and four years. Their home is in Selby, North Yorkshire and is within walking distance of the schools, shops and local amenities. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house 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 two children under five years. Both children attend for

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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 part-time care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She 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 very clean, warm home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are taught to wash their hands after toileting and before meals or snacks. Babies nappies are changed regularly, using a changing mat and following good hygiene practice. These procedures, along with the childminder's exclusion and sickness policy reduce the risk of cross infection. Babies benefit from the nutritious meals that parents provide. These, along with additional fruit and healthy snacks provided by the childminder ensures they receive a well balanced healthy diet. Mealtimes are a sociable and enjoyable time. The children sit together to eat their meals with the baby alongside them in the highchair. Babies enjoy their milk from a feeding bottle whilst sat on the childminder's knee in a cosy and comfortable position. Drinks are offered regularly throughout the day to

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure they do not become thirsty. The childminder is well informed of their dietary needs and takes account of parent's wishes to ensure children's individual needs are met effectively. Children's physical health is developing well due to the activities provided. Older children enjoy their morning walk to school on a daily basis. Babies are developing good co-ordination and physical skills. They clap their hands together and do "so big", they reach out for toys, pick them up and examine them using their hands and mouth. They enjoy the fresh air when taken out and about in the pushchair. Babies sleep and rest patterns meet their individual needs well and reflects their home routine.

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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 has all the necessary safety equipment in place and uses it effectively to minimise risks. As a result children can move around the areas safely and independently. Babies are well protected by the correct use of safety straps in the highchair and pushchair. The childminder carefully monitors all the toys given to the babies to ensure they are safe, suitable and age appropriate. Older children are reminded of this as they play alongside them. Children can independently select activities from a wide range of good, quality toys and equipment which meet the safety standards. Children learn about the dangers of traffic on their daily walk to school. The childminder has clear boundaries when out walking to ensure children are kept safe and free from harm. Indoors there is a written fire evacuation plan in place and the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder explains the procedure to the older children. The childminder has most of

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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 required procedures in place to promote the children's care and welfare. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's home, her warm and friendly approach makes them feel welcome and part of the family. Babies show high levels of interest and enjoyment in what they see and hear around them. They communicate eagerly through sounds and gestures and enjoy the positive interaction with the childminder and older children. They laugh and chuckle when doing "clap a penny" together, enjoying the positive response and encouragement they receive. The childminder organises her time effectively. She provides a good variety of interesting activities and purposeful play opportunities for all ages. Babies respond with high levels of curiosity and interest to new creative experiences. For example, when they are given play dough for the first time they squeeze and pat the dough, making noises and smiling at the childminder in response. With assistance from the childminder they hold the paint brush and make marks on the paper. They enjoy the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sound the paper makes as they shake and scrunch it in their hands. The childminder lets them enjoy the experience, whilst explaining that they must not put the paper into their mouths.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is a good role model for children and she has a calm and positive manner. Children develop good levels of self-esteem and confidence through the positive praise and encouragement they receive. They know when they have done well and show high levels of pleasure at their achievements. They are very happy and settled and have a very close relationship with the childminder. They learn to share, take turns and respect one another. Older children have a good understanding of the babies needs and show care and consideration for them. They observe and learn about their local community as they go out and about for walks and to the local school. There is a range of books and resources which are used appropriately to promote their understanding of the wider world and diversity. Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationship with the parents. She discusses all childcare issues with parents prior to childminding. Her information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

folder containing a range of policies and procedures is used effectively, as a result parents have a clear understanding of her practice. Verbal discussions take place on arrival and collection, this keeps parents informed of the child's daily routine and development.

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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 satisfactory. The children feel very welcome and at home in the well organised environment. As a result they settle easily and are confident in their surroundings. Most of the documentation is in place and used appropriately. However, so far parents have only given verbal consent for their children to travel in the childminder's car. Permission for the childminder to seek medical advice in an emergency has been obtained from some of the parents, but not all. There are good systems in place for the sharing of information with parents, for example, the parent file contains clear details about her policies, procedures and the activities that children will take part in. Her registration certificate is currently stored within the file and not openly displayed. Overall the

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Organisation

provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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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 parental consent to seek medical advice in an emergency and for children to be transported in the childminder's car • ensure the registration certificate is displayed.

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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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