Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286251 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date June Rice 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The childminder uses a dedicated outbuilding for childminding and the toilets are situated on the first floor of the childminder's home. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The care of the children is usually shared with the co-childminder. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone or with another childminder. There are currently six children on roll. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog, four cats, two guinea pigs and a hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements appropriate environmental health and hygiene procedures to ensure a good level of cleanliness and hygiene. For example, children

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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 use colour coded crockery and cutlery to reduced the risk of cross contamination. The premises, toys and equipment are cleaned regularly to ensure they are suitable for use and the childminder uses disposable gloves while changing nappies to help reduce the risk of cross infection. Children benefit from a clear sickness policy that ensures children with infectious illnesses are excluded in order to protect others. Children learn about healthy living and enjoy physical activity through their enjoyment of outside activities and lots of fresh air. They rest and sleep according to their needs with a routine they are familiar with. Children are well nourished and learn about healthy eating through a well balanced diet. They enjoy healthy snacks that include fresh and dried

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Helping children to be healthy

fruit, and wholemeal pitta bread with healthy fillings. They enjoy home cooked meals with fresh ingredients and are provided with fresh water throughout the day. Children benefit because the childminder is aware of allergies and specific dietary needs. The childminder demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of first aid procedures. However, she does not have an up to date first aid certificate and this is a breach of regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because premises are generally safe and they are constantly supervised. For example, the gate is secure while children are playing outside, and adequate measures are taken to protect them from the greenhouse. For example, children are restricted from the immediate area of the greenhouse. However, the greenhouse has not been safe and the outside area is not always secure. Children use suitable and safe equipment that meets BSEN safety standards and is checked regularly. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They learn how to use equipment safely, they sit down while eating and discuss stranger danger. During outings the childminder is suitably equipped for emergencies and children learn about road safety. However, children are not included in emergency evacuation practise. Therefore are not learning to understand the need to evacuate the premises quickly in an emergency. Children are protected

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practise when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder effectively plans and provides a good range of activities and play opportunities to help children learn through play. They enjoy drawing and painting days, and planned craft activities such as making Easter bonnets and mother's day cards. Children enjoy finger painting, model building and role play. They bake and grow cress, taking an interest in how things change. Children enjoy outside activities that develop their physical skills, such as hopscotch, ball games and riding bikes. They enjoy painting and chalking around each other on large paper, looking at their different heights. Children have developed secure relationships with the childminder and are developing good relationships with their peer group. Children benefit from trips to farms where they enjoy looking at animals and trips to soft play areas. Children respond with interest to the childminder's questions and their conversation

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills are encouraged as they enjoy talking about playing outside and the things they saw. For example, they talk about a caterpillar, how they change into butterflies and what colour it was.

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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 good. Children are settled, happy and very comfortable in their environment. They move about freely and interact well with other children. They are treated as individuals and are growing in independence. They are aware of their own needs and inform the childminder when they want a drink and when they want the toilet. However, children are unable to freely access to toilet as it is separate from the main play area. They independently access a wide variety of toys and equipment and benefit from the effective use of posters and displays that introduce them to different cultures that promote a positive attitude towards differences. They celebrate different festivals and enjoy books showing men and women in different roles. Children are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents to meet their individual needs. Children are well behaved, they are learning to work alongside each other, to share and take turns. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

given clear explanations why behaviour is unacceptable, they enjoy receiving stickers and lots of praise in recognition of their help in tidying up and saying please and thank you. Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit because clear information is shared, parents are kept informed of their progress by the work children take home, the work that is proudly displayed and photographs of children enjoying activities and play opportunities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder has a sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement. For example, training undertaken since the last inspection includes food hygiene, child protection, the 'Birth to three matters' framework and Early Years Foundation Stage awareness. However, she has not updated her first aid certificate. Children enjoy a varied day in an environment that is well set out, and organised effectively to ensure they experience a good balance of inside and outside opportunities. Children benefit because the childminder uses records effectively. All required documentation is in place and completed appropriately. Detailed policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they have a clear understanding of how the provision works. 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

Following the previous inspection recommendations were raised to develop knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. To obtain written permission from parents for minded children to have contact with the family pets and for the administration of all medication and to improve information provided to parents. Since the inspection the provider has improved her understanding of child protection procedures, obtained written permission from parents with regard to access to pets and administering medication. She has also improved the information to parents by providing them with the contact details of the registering body. This has had a positive impact on the safety, welfare and well-being of children, and improved the information for parents.

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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. 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): • ensure the greenhouse is made safe before children have access • ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised persons gaining admittance • practise an emergency escape plan and ensure children understand the need to evacuate quickly in an emergency • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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