Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321383 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Linda Cook 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two pet cats in Huntington, on the outskirts of York. She is registered for six children and is presently caring for seven children, all on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minding takes place mainly on the ground floor and the children use the upstairs bathroom. They do on occasions have supervised access to the main bedroom and spare bedroom. There is a secure back garden which is used for outside play. The childminder is willing to collect from local schools and she is a member of the local childminding network

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contributes to their good health. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. They have regular opportunities to be outdoors and take part in regular physical exercise, for example, as they play ball games in the

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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 field and enjoy visits to the local play park where they use the fixed play equipment to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. They are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines, for example, they wash their hands before meals and snacks and after attending to personal care needs. Effective procedures followed by the childminder result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. For example, children use liquid soap and are provided with individual means of drying their hands and faces. They know why it is important to wash their hands as they explain it is to stop germs getting in your tummy and making you sick. There are appropriate accident, sickness and medication procedures in place. The written consent of parents has been requested for seeking medical advice in an emergency and the childminder maintains a current first aid certificate. This means children's health needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of food as the childminder plans snacks that are varied and healthy. She works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met and ensures she is aware of any special dietary requirements. Discussions with the children ensure they begin to appreciate the benefits of a healthy diet, and which foods are good for you and which should be eaten in moderation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment which are safe and appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Toys appropriate for the children's individual needs and interests are easily accessible to them in storage boxes and a selection brought into the lounge for them to access independently. More are stored in the garage and rotated to maintain interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and safely. The childminder teaches children how to keep themselves safe, for example, as she teaches them how to cross roads safely and ensures all children are fully aware of the boundaries as they walk from school. The security of the premises is good as the front door is kept locked and the garden is secure. There are appropriate procedures in place to keep children safe in the event of an emergency. Fire safety equipment is in place and the children regularly practise emergency evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She has attended training and has the local procedures available. She has a sound awareness of the procedure to follow should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. The children are relaxed and confident in the company of adults and eager to share their experiences.

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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 The childminder provides a good variety of interesting activities. She involves the children in suggesting activities and there is an appropriate balance between planned activities and free play. Children enjoy art and craft activities, such as baking, and they decorated the house to celebrate Halloween. Activities outside of the home include trips out to the playing field to play ball, and trips to the local library and to visit museums in town. Children enjoy outdoor activities in the summer months when they garden and grow flowers. Communication skills are well promoted as the childminder talks to and listens to children during play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing high self-esteem as a result of the childminder encouraging, praising and valuing what they have to offer. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all-round development is promoted. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. The childminder shows genuine affection and interest as she discusses the children she cares for and their achievements great and small. As a result children are happy, settled and develop trusting relationships with her. She manages children's behaviour positively and the children respond well and are developing good manners. Children are encouraged to be respectful of the needs of others and are learning to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community through their regular trips out. They learn about the wider world through activities and discussions with the childminder. The childminder welcomes children with special educational needs and or disabilities. She has a positive approach to making adjustments and to working closely with parents to ensure their specific needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes and maintains positive relationships with parents. She encourages parents to make pre-start visits with their children and discusses in detail the children's needs and parents' wishes regarding the care of their children. Verbal information is exchanged daily at delivery and collection and the childminder ensures parents are kept well informed. She encourages parents to discuss any issues they may have regarding the care of their children and has a written complaints policy, however, the contact details for Ofsted are out of date. She provides continuity of care for children and parents. Many of the children she has minded have come to her as babies and have continued to be minded after school.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own play and learning. Adult-to-child ratios are maintained and the childminder organises her time so that children receive individual attention to meet their needs. The childminder has a positive approach to the inspection process and keeps her knowledge up-to-date by attending ongoing training; the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children.

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Organisation

There are satisfactory systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. All legally required documentation is in place, organised well

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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 and stored confidentially. 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 the childminder was asked to increase her awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and how it relates to early years, and to obtain the written consent of parents before administering medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended three short training courses to successfully increase her knowledge on disability and inclusion. The procedure for administering medication has been revised and the written consent of parents is obtained before medication is administered, further safeguarding 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 complaint 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 are provided with Ofsted's up-to-date contact details.

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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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