Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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314535 Unique Reference Number 19 February 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two grown-up children in Hessle, within the East Riding of Yorkshire. With the exception of the back lounge, the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden available for children's outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. Children are taken to local groups and places of interest within the area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children frequently access fresh air and physical exercise. They use an enclosed rear garden with an interesting range of outdoor equipment. For example, they learn to ride bikes, use

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 mobile toys and develop hand–eye coordination as they play with bats, balls and hoops. Regular walks that take place within the community mean children are aware of local places of interest, for instance shops and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn effective personal hygiene measures. They are provided with good access to ground floor toilet facilities. Disposable paper towels and liquid soap reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children are involved in frequent hand washing routines to promote good health and hygiene, for example after using the toilet and before eating. Children are very well supported as they are sensitively introduced to toilet training procedures. Praise and encouragement provided raise children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children to be healthy

To support their health and well-being, children have independent access to drinks. Beakers of fluids are readily available, preventing children from becoming thirsty or dehydrated. Children's food is generally supplied by parents. The childminder provides healthy options between meals, such as fresh fruit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. A well maintained and comfortable family environment is provided for children. They have use of a room at the front of the property, known as the playroom. This is a welcoming and attractive area for children. Colourful posters and examples of children's work are well displayed on the walls. A low cupboard with drawers stores some of the toys, which children are able to access and make their own choices. Other areas of the property are used, for example, the study for story times or the kitchen for creative activities, such as painting or baking. This means children benefit from a change of surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children know what to do in an emergency because they are familiar with the setting's evacuation procedure. They have been involved in drawing pictures to help them remember the process. The setting is secure, preventing unauthorised adult access and children leaving unsupervised. Accidents are recorded and details are shared with parents. The childminder has established emergency care arrangements and parents are made aware of this. However, their written consent is not yet in place to confirm they fully understand and agree.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe at the setting because effective arrangements are established to ensure collection takes place only by authorised adults. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm and is currently attending up-to-date training on child protection procedures. Local and national written guidance is in place for referral.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play with a broad selection of toys and resources. These are clean and in good condition. The range includes books, games, puzzles, role play equipment, musical instruments and materials to build and construct. A good variety of items is provided for children to create, such as paints, play dough, colouring pencils, stencils and collage materials. Pre-recorded music is used to encourage children to dance, and some contain educational material.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities that are planned for children are varied and interesting. For instance, children thread using laces and colourful bobbins, and investigate interactive resources seated at a child-sized table and chairs. They are able to sit for long periods of time at activities that interest them.

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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 This means they are able to focus and concentrate. Their learning is very well supported by the childminder, who asks open-ended questions to help them think and share ideas. They are encouraged to count and recognise colours. Stimulating posters displayed on the walls persuade children to consider their emotions and express their feelings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to take a very active role in many activities, for example they bake buns and biscuits. First they visit the shops to purchase the ingredients and then get involved in the measuring and mixing. This makes effective links in children's learning. The childminder is skilful at introducing fresh activities and resources when children show signs of becoming bored or disinterested. This provides new challenges and aids behaviour management.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Sometimes resources are borrowed to supplement supplies. These particularly include those to raise children's awareness of diversity, including disability, for example, books, photograph cards and small world figures. The range of resources successfully meets the needs of the age range of children attending. Resources for children who are currently not on roll, for example babies, are safely stored away. Children demonstrate they feel confident, happy and content at the setting by spontaneously singing rhymes as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about other cultures from books or the television, for example. Programmes are used by the childminder as points for discussion to help children understand and develop their knowledge. Good attention is paid to ensure that they see pictures of positive images. This action raises awareness of equality and diversity. The childminder knows the children in her care well. She shares information and welcomes the opportunity to learn from parents and professionals to develop her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's additional needs are well supported. This includes provision for individual routines, such as sleep requisites. Children are helped to understand between right and wrong and learn social manners. Techniques applied by the childminder include distraction and explanation to help support children's behaviour. They learn about sharing and taking turns and their efforts are acknowledged and congratulated, raising self-worth and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept well informed in a variety of ways. They have good access to the setting's range of written policies and procedures. Verbal information is exchanged frequently and photographs and a written daily diary are made available, containing details of events and activities that have taken place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A flexible routine is provided for children. This includes activities within and outside of the home, walks to local places of interest and attendance at groups. This provides children with the opportunity to socialise, learn about the wider community and play within a safe, stimulating environment. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to training to develop her knowledge, understanding and professional practice.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and parents are asked to provide their written consent for most operational procedures. The range of written documentation effectively supports the

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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 smooth and efficient operation and management of the setting. 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 an action was raised with regard to medicine records. Documents showing required, relevant details are now in place and shared effectively with parents. Written parental consent is also obtained prior to children's medication being administered. This means medicine records have been successfully developed, improving the health and safety 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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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 parents provide their written consent to confirm their acceptance of 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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