Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

321321 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2007 Inspection date Linda Filewood Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her family in Acomb, a village on the outskirts of York. There is a designated playroom used for childminding purposes and to the rear of the house there is a garden suitable for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis and one child full time. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends the local childminding group. The family has fish.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children play in a healthy environment as the childminder implements good hygiene procedures. She ensures that cross contamination between children is fully considered. They

p.2

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 use paper towels for drying their hands on and tissues are immediately disposed of after blowing their noses. Older children are encouraged to become independent in their self-care in preparation for attending school. They know that germs on their hands could make them ill if they are not washed off. Children are well cared for if they are ill or have an accident. The childminder has maintained a current paediatric first aid certificate and regularly checks the contents of her first aid box. Parents are made aware of the childminder's sickness policy and all necessary permissions, such as for seeking emergency treatment if necessary, are in place to support the children's safety.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children bring packed lunches from home for their meals and the childminder supports their understanding of healthy eating by providing a selection of fruit and drinks throughout the day. Older children have a clear awareness of food that is good for them. Details of children's dietary needs are obtained from parents at the time of placement. Mealtimes are well planned so that children have time to enjoy their meal and they sit together at the table to promote their social skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children have a healthy lifestyle and develop a positive attitude to exercise. They have easy access to an enclosed outdoor play area and walk to and from school whenever possible. Local amenities, such as the park and soft play centres, are used well to increase the children's enjoyment of more vigorous play. Children also have time for quieter activities and the childminder plans her day to incorporate younger children's home routine for sleep and rest.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that children play safely by having all appropriate safety equipment in place. For instance, a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen and all plug sockets are covered. They practice the fire drill regularly so that children are aware of what to do in the event of an evacuation and written procedures are in place. Children's safety on outings is well considered. Appropriate seats are used when travelling by car and older children are very clear what they are looking out for when they cross a road on the way to school. The childminder gives good support to the children's understanding of keeping themselves safe. She gives clear explanations, for example, as to why children should be careful on the kitchen floor when wearing their socks so that they do not slip.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move confidently around the childminder's home accessing different areas for play. Sleeping children are carefully monitored by the childminder. Resources are clean, suitable for the development of the children and are well presented. Storage is good and children are easily able to access them safely from low units and boxes which support their independence and choice of play. The childminder supplements her resources from the toy bus and other childminders to offer children good variety in their play equipment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded competently as the childminder has attended further training to update her understanding of child protection. She is fully aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns and uses effective systems to ensure children are only collected by those adults authorised by their parents.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder offers children a good range of resources and play opportunities that cover all areas of learning. These are organised to enable children to make their own choices, they know what is available to them and where to find their chosen toy. Children's play is supported well by the childminder who is fully aware of the learning development of individual children. Games, such as number dominoes and a sounds and letters matching game, are used skilfully to extend children's learning. They learn to recognise number patterns and develop early reading skills whilst also improving their concentration levels. Craft activities are readily available and older children sit comfortably at the kitchen table to colour. They are proud of their work, happily explain the colours they have chosen and by making a collage after a visit to the park their enjoyment of the outing is enhanced.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Relationships between the childminder and children are very good. Children are settled, confident and talkative, both to each other and to other adults. The childminder supports younger children's speech and language development, as well as their learning of colours and numbers, skilfully through her conversations with them. Children enjoy stories and a wide range of books, some which include puppets, which increases their interest in the written word. Their social skills are developing well as the childminder includes visits to local childminding groups which help children learn to play alongside others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder recognises the children are individuals and obtains sufficient information from parents before children start. This ensures that any extra care required is considered and home routines are followed. The childminder treats all children with equal concern and gives them equal attention. As a result, they feel secure and confident with the childminder who provides them with good quality interactions significantly enhancing their development. An improved range of resources supports the children's understanding of similarities, differences and the world about them. Children enjoy craft activities, such as making Divali lanterns and sweets, which help them learn about other cultures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good; they are polite and older children are reminded to care for younger ones. The childminder supports children's understanding of sharing and taking turns. Behaviour management is clearly understood by the childminder. This helps children learn to understand boundaries and right from wrong.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed very good, well presented, written information for the parents, including policies and procedures on many of the National Standards. However, the written complaints procedure does not clearly state Ofsted's role in the procedure so parents are unaware of when to approach the regulatory body. A good partnership with parents is in place and information is readily exchanged about the children so parents are kept well informed about their child's day. The childminder is respectful of parent's wishes and actively seeks out their views on her service through questionnaires. These, together with letters from parents, show that parents have a very high opinion of the childminder and the service and care she offers.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder uses the space in her home to create a comfortable, child friendly environment where children are able to move safely and freely from one area to another. Routines are well incorporated into the day to give children time to enjoy activities and meals whilst also fitting around school runs. Children are settled and their needs are met efficiently as the childminder works well with parents and school to ensure a smooth transition into new experiences, such as starting reception class.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder's comprehensive file of policies and procedures shows a clear understanding of the National Standards and these have a positive impact of the children's health, safety and welfare. She shows good commitment to extending her knowledge of childcare and attends a broad variety of training to support this. Documentation is very organised; all required records, registers and parental permissions are in place and accurately maintained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure records of incidents were recorded appropriately and extend her range of activities and resources that promoted ethnic and cultural diversity. Both of these recommendations have been met. All incidents which give the childminder any concern are recorded and children now have extended play opportunities which raise their awareness of similarities and differences.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that parents are informed of Ofsted's role in the complaints procedure.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6