Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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314291 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Patricia Walter 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and three adult children and one of their partners, in the village of Wilberfoss, which is near York, in the East Riding area of Yorkshire. Toilet facilities on the first floor and the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and the childminder is currently minding 15 children aged between one and 10 years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school, nursery and playgroup to take and collect children. She co-runs a local church toddler group and regularly attends various other local carer and toddler clubs. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of an approved childminding network and 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 stay very healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. An extremely good sickness policy is in place, which includes excellent arrangements if children become ill in her setting. For example, in addition to information, such as prior written consent from parents for emergency advice and treatment, emergency contact numbers and a brief history of child’s health is obtained. There is a 48 hour exclusion for those who have sickness and diarrhoea, parents are given their own copies of the sickness policy as well as a written copy of childhood diseases and their exclusion periods. In addition, the childminder reminds them of this policy through regular newsletters. A first aid kit is readily available and when accidents occur parents are given a copy of the record, which helps to ensure consistency in the children's care. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

are also able to receive medication very safely as a result of details regarding previous dosages being collected, and parents signing the records both before and after the medication has been administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a very good awareness and understanding of simple good health and hygiene practice. They engage in theme activities where they discuss the importance of good hygiene and as a result, the more able children know why they must wash hands after using the toilet and before their meals. In addition to this, children walk to their school or nursery and engage in stimulating activities, such as preparing some of their own food, which in turn develops their understanding of a healthy diet and the importance of exercise. Younger children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs and all children have good opportunities to enjoy and develop their gross motor skills. They access the garden in good weather and enjoy equipment, such as bikes, cars and rockers. In addition they go for lots of walks in the community and enjoy exercising in dance and movement sessions in the town of Pocklinton, as well as at

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through the childminder and parents working effectively together providing healthy and nutritious food. The childminder provides a healthy and balanced diet, which covers all meals for older children. For example, children can choose their cereals at breakfast time and enjoy a variety of fruit for their snacks. Parents provide ingredients for their babies milk, which the childminder then makes up as directed. However, although children have access to drinks, such as milk or water at snack and meal times, drinking water is not easily accessible at all times for the younger children. Dietary needs are fully taken account of as a result of the childminder working well with parents. For example, she ensures she discusses issues and makes notes on any likes, dislikes, religious requirements and allergies and she works with parents in meeting their needs when required. In addition to this, she has recently

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Helping children to be healthy

completed food hygiene training and implements good procedures, which means that children can eat their meals safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has very good knowledge of child protection issues. She is fully aware of the signs and symptoms in all areas of abuse as a result of her updating her knowledge and understanding in a training course held in September 2007. She is confident in knowing the procedures to follow if concerns are raised regarding children in her care and knows to contact

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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 Social Services and Ofsted in the event of allegations made against anyone in the setting. Relevant guidance and contact numbers are easily available and as a result, children's welfare is safeguarded well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted extremely well in this welcoming and secure environment. The childminder takes all positive steps both inside and outside her home, such as keeping external doors locked with safety chains attached and ensuring low glass is made safe through the fitting of safety film. Children are kept very safe when on outings. For example, safety restraints are used to protect younger children in buggies and risk assessments are completed on venues, such as the park where the childminder is vigilant in monitoring broken glass. The childminder is also exceedingly vigilant in monitoring and ensuring children's safety when taking part in activities in her home. For example, she sits next to young children when participating in gluing activities at the dining room table and helps them negotiate getting down and around the chairs safely. She also completes written risk assessments on dangerous activities, such as when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the children make candles. Toys and activities are organised effectively into age appropriate activities and as a result, children can safely and freely access rooms and all areas of play. They are protected extremely well from fire as a result of emergency evacuation drills taking place with the children on a regular basis, with different exit routes being accessed and days being alternated so all children, including the babies can take part.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing a very good understanding and learning in keeping themselves safe. They have access to books that teach them about issues, such as 'stranger danger' and participate in themed activities, where they learn about people who help keep them safe. For example, the Police. In addition to this, they discuss with the childminder wide ranging issues, such as road safety and the danger that other dogs may bring as opposed to the family dog in her setting,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing good confidence, independence and self-esteem. They have a good sense of belonging in this warm and welcoming accommodation, they know where equipment is and confidently select resources from a range of low-level cupboards and boxes. They are interested and inquisitive in their activities. For example, they focus for long periods of time on gluing and cutting activities, discuss what coloured cards they are going to use and what they are going to make, then when finding shiny sequins they enjoy sharing their findings with both the childminder and their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides basic written plans that help to ensure children acquire new knowledge and skills through a wide range of stimulating activities. In addition to this, children have access to a wealth of stimulating toys and resources, which cover all areas of learning and play and also includes outings. For example, they go for lots of walks in the community sometimes collecting leaves and listening to sounds, they enjoy baking activities, such as making biscuits and decorating them with different coloured icing and cherries. They are also able to participate in making finger puppets, which they design with happy or sad faces. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and uses this well to challenge and extend children's learning. She follows the children's interests encouraging them to talk about what they are making For example, when they see a laptop computer and then want to make one,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

she encourages discussion on what they can use to make this. She also completes written assessments on the children's learning, which reflects the 'Birth to three matters' framework and then shares these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 very positive relationships with the childminder and their peers. More able children are confident enough to share their dreams with the childminder and she encourages them to use talk to develop their imagination. They confidently discuss their wants with the childminder and talk with affection about their friends. For example, when seeing them on photographs, which are displayed in the setting they discuss with pride how they have the same tee shirt.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are strong, professional partnerships with parents in place and as a result, children's overall care and learning greatly benefits. Children are cared for very well by the childminder who works effectively with parents to meet their individual needs. For example, detailed information is collected on the child and their families, which includes any learning difficulties or disabilities, their likes, dislikes and routines. The childminder values and respects parents and encourages them to be involved in their children's learning. For example, they are invited to bring in artefacts that relate to themes and topics that the children take part in. Information on the setting and children's development and learning is shared extremely well. For example, each parent is given a written copy of all policies and procedures, which includes the policy regarding the pet dog in her home and they sign to say they have read them. Newsletters are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

regularly sent out, which includes information on themes and topics, and parents receive photographs of their children's play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a very good understanding of responsible and positive behaviour through the childminders very good use of age appropriate strategies. For example, she discusses her general house rules with the children and encourages them to work harmoniously with others by taking turns with games and equipment. For example, children are aware that they can bring their own toys to the setting and they have the choice of sharing these with others or leaving them on a shelf so they cannot be accessed. They are able to further develop their understanding of care and respect of others by enjoying stories that reinforce kind and friendly behaviour. The childminder also promotes positive behaviour well through the use of lots of praise for both effort and achievement. She demonstrates respectful and good social behaviour. For example, by using please and thank you and acknowledging kind deeds when they are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

completed by children. As a result, children are very well-behaved, polite and play well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have very good opportunities to learn about the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. For example, they play with cultural dolls and enjoy dressing up in clothes to reflect other cultures. They also have access to puzzles, books, small world resources and art and craft activities that reflect different cultures, religions and disabilities. Children are able to develop a good sense of belonging in their community and awareness of their local environment through visits to several local toddlers clubs and visits to the local park, which in turn helps them to further develop their social skills.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is meticulous in ensuring vetting procedures are completed to enable children to be fully protected and cared for. For example, in addition to adults that currently live in the setting, she conducts criminal record checks on visitors that spend a significant time in her home. Her knowledge and understanding of child development is very good and as a result,

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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 children's overall care and development benefits considerably. For example, in addition to completing the required pre-registration qualifications, the childminder has also completed the Developing Childminding Practice course and is currently working toward the Extending Childminding Practice qualification.

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Organisation

The childminder has an extremely high regard for the well-being of all children. She has completed a wealth of further training. For example, regarding Autism, Epilepsy, Child Protection and Food Hygiene. In addition to this, she evaluates her practice and provision by completing her own self- evaluation form. She has also successfully completed the East Riding Childminding Network's Quality Assurance Scheme. This in turn, positively enhances the children's care and learning.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures are both annually reviewed and reviewed when changes occur. They work effectively in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. All required documentation is held, maintained, stored and presented very professionally, as well as being easy to access. This helps to ensure clarity, continuity and consistency in the children's overall care and development is fully upheld.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensure details relating to child protection are available, and includes procedures to be followed. As a result of this, the childminder has successfully improved on children's safety, by obtaining guidance, information and contact numbers relating to child protection and has made them easily available in the setting. She has also completed recent training on child protection and is fully confident in the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made against her or others on the premises.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times.

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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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