Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277650 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Sandra Davies 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 March 2004. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder, and her own children aged three and one year old. They live in an established residential area of Acomb, west of York, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor, plus two bedrooms and the bathroom at first floor level, are used for minding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and the childminder is currently minding four children under eight years on a part-time basis. Children are minded over night. Registration includes overnight minding for two children. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to parks, the library and a farm.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. The childminder promotes the good health of children well, takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill. Children are cared for in warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of well-being. Their awareness of good hygiene practices is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following hygiene routines and by setting a good example. There are accident, medication and sickness procedures in place and written consent has been obtained from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and has taken a paediatric first aid course. Comprehensive procedures are in place to promote children's overall health, including an exclusion policy for children who are ill or infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food is properly prepared and nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements. Children are well nourished as the childminder provides healthy well balanced meals. Fruit is always available. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion with the childminder and her good example. The childminder works well with parents to meet each child’s individual needs. She ensures she is aware of any special dietary requirements, ensuring children remain healthy. Drinks are offered to the children regularly to ensure they are not thirsty. Mealtimes are treat as a social occasion where children sit with their peers and the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular outdoor activities on outings, encouraging their physical development. They visit the park and sometimes walk to the local school. There are opportunities for fresh air and exercise on a regular basis. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs and children who stay overnight are made comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and secure environment which offers access to a range of play equipment and resources. Risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are not using the rear garden whilst work is being carried out to transform it into a child-orientated, secure area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The furniture, toys and equipment provided are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of a suitable design and condition and are well maintained. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Equipment is made available at child level which allows them make choices for themselves and direct their own play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting and on outings and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, promoting road safety when walking and carrying out fire drills with the children. Children are kept safe when being transported and appropriate consents are held.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. All required information and contact numbers are to hand.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children. This increases children’s sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children settle and are happy in the setting. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. For example, a star chart is used to highlight good deeds and actions. They are able to socialise with each other, the childminder's own children and through visits which have included the beach, a forest and a farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They have been involved in topics on space ships and the moon, food and 'everybody is different'. Craft activities have included Halloween masks, drawings of different nationalities and flags and making collages out of magazine cuttings. The work that children have produced is displayed, giving them a sense of worth and an incentive to produce more. Communication skills are well supported through quality adult-child interaction and children are encouraged to learn some French words.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children play with a good range of resources and take part in activities which promote diversity, for example, celebrating Diwali and the Chinese New Year. Play resources include positive images of culture and ethnicity. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through sensitive discussions with the childminder who also acts as a positive role model. Children learn about the local community as they take part in outings. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. She is willing to work with other agencies to help children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are given clear boundaries for behaviour and the childminder uses her experience well to provide a positive calm atmosphere in which children can feel relaxed and secure. This helps children to learn to understand good behaviour and play harmoniously together. The effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel happy and confident. Parents are made aware of the behaviour management methods and a list of house rules is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's wellbeing, development and progress. Verbal information about their child's stay and activities is passed on after each visit. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs. Information on the setting is available on the dedicated web site and parents are provided with a copy of the Ofsted poster. Parents are directed to the childminder's own web site to access the inspection report.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The children feel at home and at ease in the childcare environment. This means they are confident and can initiate their own play and learning. The childminder meets the required adult-child ratios, and space and resources are organised to meet the children’s needs effectively.

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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 The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and a high regard for the wellbeing of the children. She demonstrates commitment to continual improvement and has completed several relevant training courses, including food hygiene, infection control and Top Tots, a children's exercise programme. This has increased her knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice.

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Organisation

The registration certificate is displayed. However, this is inaccurate as the registered number has not been changed since the birth of the childminder's own two children. Ofsted were not informed. This is a breach of regulation. The childminder stated that she has taken her own two children into account and does not exceed the total number of four children that she can care for. Records and procedures, which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are maintained. Information is shared with parents on a daily basis. This contributes well to the continuity in the children’s care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet 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 develop the rear garden to provide a more effective play area for children. The childminder is in the process of developing a child-orientated, secure area which will offer children a range of play and learning experiences.

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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 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of significant events. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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 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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