Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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314460 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Jackie Phillips 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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and teenage son in Anlaby Common, close to Hull. The kitchen, conservatory and lounge are used for childminding purposes. These rooms and toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the property. There is an enclosed area available for outside play. The home is close to local transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. Currently there are 14 children on roll, of these five are under eight and nine are over eight years of age. Children mostly attend for part time, flexible sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder offers a before and after school service. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from a local network of childminders and the Local Authority. The family have a pet cat.

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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 learn about keeping fit and healthy in a number of ways. For example, they use a secure, very attractive and well maintained garden for fresh air and outdoor physical play opportunities. Activities include the use of a varied range of outdoor toys and equipment and during good weather, being involved in organised sports events. In addition, children use a nearby park and participate in walks within the local area, for example, to take older children to and from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand about effective personal care procedures that involve hand washing or the regular use of disposable wipes, for instance, before eating. Procedures to prevent the risk of cross infection are mostly consistently applied. Oral hygiene is introduced to enable children to understand the importance of keeping their mouths clean and healthy. Good procedures are in place and shared well with parents regarding arrangements when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Home produced nutritious meals support children's healthy lifestyle. Breakfast, lunch and tea are varied and good attention is given to ensure children receive regular amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Healthy options, such as fish and pasta are included in the weekly menu. Children easily and independently access drinks throughout the day to ensure they keep refreshed and hydrated. Special dietary requirements are able to be met, including reliable attention paid to those children with food allergies. This ensures children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Care is provided for children in a cosy, comfortable, family environment. The ground floor of the property, used for childminding purposes, is very clean and maintained to a high standard. Space is used very well and children move freely between the lounge and conservatory as they play. They are confident within their surroundings and make independent choices of the resources and play equipment provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A child sized table and chairs means children sit safely and comfortably when eating or playing. Toys are presented at floor level or on low storage areas which assists in children's decision making. The resources are varied, interesting, clean and of good quality. A range of books are available in a basket which helps to stimulate even the youngest children to self select and read. Equipment is available to support the care of babies, such as a range of buggies and a highchair. Toys are regularly rotated in order to challenge and provide interest. The variety meets the needs of all children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures are established to keep children safe and well protected from harm. For example, they are involved in the practising of the emergency evacuation procedure. The property is secure to prevent children leaving unsupervised or unauthorised access. Children's attendance is accurately documented and details of any accidents, including those sustained away from the setting, are recorded and information shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through training, the childminder is aware of child protection procedures and has in place written information to support her knowledge. Emergency care is sometimes provided by registered childminders who live close by. Children are familiar with these adults, which supports

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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 continuity of care. Although parents are verbally made aware of this practice, written permission is not obtained to effectively substantiate their consent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. An interesting day is planned for children in advance. This means the childminder is well prepared and helps to ensure children are actively engaged, occupied and play is purposeful. A flexible programme of events is organised that includes focused activities within the home and those that take place away from the setting. For instance, children attend local groups and participate in trips and outings to places of interest. For example, they visit museums, activity centres, outdoor areas and farms. This provides children with extensive opportunities for them to learn and develop from rich experiences. It also supports their social skills as they meet other children and develop new relationships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The diverse range of toys and equipment provided within the home enables children to learn a broad variety of skills. For example, they read good quality books and listen to stimulating stories. They sing songs and rhymes, dress up, play imaginatively and construct using a wide variety of resources. Opportunities are provided for children to be creative, for instance using coloured pencils to draw or collage materials to make interesting pictures. Under three's are confident to make their specific needs known, such as asking for a particular colour of pencil and confirming the correct colour of another when asked. Children learn to recognise their written name, thread small items onto a lace, complete puzzles, count, sort and match and competently use a range of small one handed tools, such as glue sticks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very proud of their achievements and those with a particular interest confidently share their knowledge with others. They learn to take responsibility, for example, making decisions regarding play experiences and tidying away after themselves. Children respond when spoken to and enthusiastically participate in story times and singing activities. Language skills are enhanced as the childminder frequently asks children open ended questions to encourage them to think for themselves and share their knowledge and ideas. Children's development is well documented through written assessment and photographic evidence. Progress is evaluated and shared effectively with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play very well together. They share the toys and equipment and learn to take turns when involved in games. Behaviour is good because children are very well occupied and presented with sufficient challenge to keep them active, stimulated and engaged. Older children have been involved in setting the house rules. This helps them to understand and appreciate the boundaries. Children are treated fairly and with respect. They have their individual needs met and learn to acknowledge the needs of others. For example, they use a varied range of play materials, such as pretend food, books and small world figures to raise their understanding of cultural diversity and disability. Interesting posters of positive images are displayed to aid children's understanding and be a focus for discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through a broad range of written and displayed information, parents are kept well informed. A notice board in a prominent position exhibits interesting features that parents find useful and interesting. Parents are asked for their written consent for the majority of procedures that take place. A diary system is established where the days events are recorded and parents are

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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 encouraged to add their own written comments. This provides a useful tool to keep adults informed and able to meet the individual needs of children. Parents have felt inspired to write complementary cards and letters confirming their gratitude and appreciation for the high quality of child care service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A good variety of written policies and procedures are established that effectively supports the overall operation and management of the provision. A broad range of supportive literature is in place for referral and guidance. The childminder attends regular training opportunities and is qualified to level three. This means children benefit from good child care practice and adult access to relevant and valid information.

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Organisation

The routine for children is well organised to meet their needs and is flexible to take account of spontaneous events that children find interesting. For example, a change of weather condition, such as snow. Opportunities are provided for children to engage in activities that take place inside and out, meaning they can socialise and learn about the wider community. Their awareness of celebrations associated with different cultures is raised, such as learning about Chinese New Year.

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Organisation

Children are secure within their environment and benefit from making informed choices and decisions. Their development is monitored to assess their progression and aid planning for the next stages of learning. Children benefit from the two way communication that exists between adults. 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 previous care inspection, three recommendations were raised. These referred to the improved sharing of written information about the setting, the development of children's medicine records and maintaining a record of children's existing injuries.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Parents now have better access to the setting's range of written policies and procedures and have been issued with a pack for their personal retention. Medicine records now ensure that written parental consent is clearly established. The childminder and parents now share information that relate to injuries and accidents that children sustain away from the setting and details are recorded. This action has made satisfactory improvement to the health, safety and welfare of children.

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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): • obtain written parental consent for setting's emergency care arrangements.

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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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