Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321364 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2008 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since May 1999. She lives with her husband and four children aged 13, 10, four and two years in a semi-detached house in the Acomb area of York. The house is within walking distance of the local primary school and shops. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the house with a supply of play equipment for outdoor use. The family has a cat, two rabbits and several fish kept both indoors and in a covered pond in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently four children under eight years on roll. The childminder also cares for two children over eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder actively promotes appropriate hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. For example, she gives children explanations as to why they must wash their hands

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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 before eating, and provides them with anti-bacterial soap and paper towels. First aid training has been completed to protect children's welfare should an incident occur. Children benefit from fresh air as they walk home from school and play outdoors in the childminder's garden. They occasionally go on walks in the local community, and enjoy experiencing all types of weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered varied snacks during the day and on their return home from school. Parents provide a packed lunch and food is stored appropriately. Children are encouraged to eat healthily and fruit is available as a healthy snack. Drinks of water and juice are available at all times to ensure they are not thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. There is a good range of toys and resources which are stored where children can access them easily to promote their independence. They are of good quality and checked regularly for cleanliness and damage to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder identifies and minimises risks and takes appropriate steps to keep children safe, such as preventing children access to the kitchen, electrical sockets and harmful substances. However, the lock on the cloakroom door is at an accessible height to them which presents a possible risk to their safety. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children, but a record of these is not kept, so the childminder cannot be sure that these are practised frequently enough, or that all children have been involved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection and is aware of the signs and indicators of abuse. Although the childminder has some information regarding safeguarding children, she is unsure if this is sufficiently up-to-date to ensure she is able to report concerns promptly to the relevant authorities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They develop confidence as the childminder gets to know them very well and finds out about what they enjoy doing. They enjoy a variety of activities and the childminder involves the older children in suggesting their own ideas. Although the childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she is not using this to help her support children in their earliest years.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with the toys provided, supported and warmly encouraged by the childminder. They use a variety of resources, such as construction blocks, puzzles, games, creative materials and books, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, adequately supported by the childminder. Children enjoy outings to places, such as the local parks and the railway museum. Younger children's social development is promoted when they play with other children at toddler groups, soft play areas and when meeting with other childminders and their children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children are valued as individuals and are treated fairly and with equal concern. They have an adequate range of opportunities to learn about the wider world and their local community as they participate in walks and trips. There are some resources to help raise children's awareness of diversity, such as books and figures, which reflect positive images.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder praises children and gives lots of encouragement so they feel good about themselves. They have an understanding of the expected behaviour, such as being kind to each other, sharing toys, and complying with the house rules, for example, eating at the table.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis. Although agreed verbally, the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents for children to play on the trampoline. Written policies are in place and are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has experience of caring for a wide age-range of children. She has completed mandatory training to enhance the quality of childcare. Suitable arrangements are in place to protect children from persons who are not vetted. The childminder has failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event that affects the conditions of her registration regarding numbers of children. Although this is a breach of regulations, she has maintained the correct ratios for children under five years to provide appropriate care.

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Organisation

Documentation is satisfactorily organised and most is kept appropriately. Confidentiality is maintained to safeguard children's welfare. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. All building equipment has been removed from the outdoor area. This helps to safeguard children's welfare.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • keep a record of emergency evacuation practices, and ensure up-to-date information regarding local safeguarding procedures is available • use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support children in their earliest years • ensure Ofsted is informed of all significant events.

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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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