Y.G. Pontgarreg

Inspection report for early years provision

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400623 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Christine Tipple 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 outstanding. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a village between Malton and York. The ground floor only is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children under eight years. She currently has 10 children on roll, all of whom attend part time. Animals are cared for on site but these are outside in pens and not on the premises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has completed the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance Kitemark scheme, Gold Award.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment where they develop a high level of independence and understanding in relation to their personal care. The childminder

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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 spends time explaining to the children the importance of washing their hands and this is effectively carried through in their daily routines. Liquid soap and individual towels are provided and there is a hand dryer particularly for the older children to use. Younger children's nappies and creams are all provided by parents to ensure they are individual to their needs. Clear written and informed details are shared with parents on the care of children when ill. This ensures a shared approach in taking all positive steps to effectively minimise any cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities to develop and extend their physical skills and be in the fresh air. They have access to the garden and local walks throughout the year in most weathers. Children have their own waterproofs, which enables them the freedom to be active in their environment, such as collecting the wet leaves and playing in the sand pit. There is a range of good large equipment where the children can climb, use sit-and-rides, balance on logs and have the space to run and enjoy physical play. Children visit the local playgroup and this also offers them very good additional resources and activities. There is an excellent selection of resources indoors which provide the children with a variety of choices to manipulate and mould materials, to fix and build and to be confident in using a knife and fork at mealtimes. These opportunities are very effective in promoting the children's fine motor skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a wide range and choice of daily snacks and cooked meals provided by the childminder. This offers the children excellent, well prepared, home cooked food which is nutritionally balanced. The food is locally sourced and some is organic, particularly the vegetables. Children try a range of different foods, which encourages them to be adventurous in what they eat. They are sometimes involved in collecting apples for the pie or the eggs for baking. A menu board is displayed which is completed on a daily basis for parents to see what their children will eat that day. Drinks are offered regularly through the day to ensure the children have regular fluids. These consist of milk and water. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective and vigilant in her approach to the children's safety and wellbeing. The space and provision provide a warm and welcoming environment for the children which promotes a relaxed and fun time for them. There is good provision in place for the children to rest and sleep comfortably. The highly stimulating range and choice of resources, toys and equipment for the children are very effective in promoting their play and learning, and are of very good quality. Children have ongoing access to all the designated areas which they utilise well in their use of the resources and activities they are engaged in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play freely both indoors and outside due the childminder's highly effective approach to safety practices. This enables the children to have a level of risk taking in what they do within a safe and secure environment. There are clear and thorough risk assessments carried out in all areas where the children play and these are reviewed to ensure they remain relevant. Children go out and about on a regular basis and this provides excellent opportunities for the children to be aware of keeping safe on the country roads and to watch out for farm machinery. There is a clear evacuation plan in place which all the children participate in on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder, who has clear and robust information on the safeguarding of the children in her care. There is an informed policy statement which is shared with parents and this supports the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection issues and how to report concerns.

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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 outstanding. Children are very settled and happy at the childminder's house. Warm and caring relationships are established, which is reflected in the children's joy and eagerness to participate in the stimulating, interesting and fun activities provided on a daily basis. The use of the space enables the children to move around freely, to self-select and make choices in what they want to do, which engages and retains their ongoing interest. This provides a positive child-led approach and maximises the children's learning and development very effectively. In accessing the range of quality tools and equipment, the children have positive challenges through their play that allow them to experience and use their senses, particularly through their creative play and outdoors. Younger children have very good opportunities to be involved with all the activities at their level. They are self-assured and display a positive sense of self and belonging at the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction and communication between the childminder and the children are excellent, it is ongoing through the day and is highly effective in extending and developing children's language skills. The older children count and recognise shapes. Books and stories feature significantly with the children in developing their ideas and imagination, such as when out in the long grass in the field and this was a 'bear hunt'. Children have a wonderful time in the garden and when out and about in the local area. Children see the wildlife and seasons changing as they discuss the leaves and apples falling off the trees. Access to the local playgroup offers the children excellent opportunities in other experiences and develops their social skills. Photos and examples of the children's activities and creative work show the commitment, care and value the childminder places on what the children achieve each day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are highly valued and respected by the childminder, who celebrates diversity effectively. The policy on equal opportunities promotes the relationships with parents in respecting their traditions and beliefs. There is a very good range of resources provided and this is integrated into all areas of the children's play. Children take part in celebrations through the year and these include other cultures' celebrations. There are wonderful opportunities for the children to be part of their local community, which is highly effective in contributing to their learning experiences. The childminder has attended training to extend her skills in providing support and inclusion for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The routines provide the children with confidence to settle and then time is given to them by the childminder to work on expectations and boundaries which are relevant and age-appropriate. She is calm and consistent as well as very caring and sensitive to their needs. All the children use their manners well and older children provide positive role models for the younger ones. This is most evident in taking turns and sharing. The children respond very well to the childminder due to the lovely relationships established; time for cuddles and one-to-ones are managed very skilfully by the childminder. Positive encouragement and praise are used with the children, which are very effective in developing the children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships with the parents are excellent. The wealth of information provided is of a high quality and informative. The welcome leaflet is well presented and is a true reflection of what the childminder offers, through the pictures of the children who are involved in a range

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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 of activities. There is a settling-in policy to enable both the parents and children to have the time to attend the childminder's and build up the relationship and trust. Each of the younger children has a daily book, which records details of their day and provides parents with a very good insight into what their child has done and experienced. Parents are confident in the quality of care their children receive and this is reinforced through letters and cards. The policies and procedures enhance the information on the childminder's exceptional commitment to the children's play and learning and their safety and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very happy and engaged in all aspects of their care and learning. The childminder is highly organised and efficient in her management of her childminding service. She reviews her policies and procedures, which reflects her professional approach to ensuring the care she provides is of the highest standard. She attends ongoing training to ensure she is up to date and informed on childcare issues. The childminder has achieved the Gold Award in the North Yorkshire Quality Assurance scheme.

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Organisation

The range of documentation and records is very well presented and up to date; it is kept secure and retains confidentiality. The childminder evaluates and reflects on her practice to ensure she continues to improve and develop, for example, by extending the use of the outside play area for the children. The childminder's continuous commitment to her self-development to provide and deliver a highly successful service for the children in her care is exemplary. 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

The last care report recommended the childminder provide parents with details of the regulator.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has a detailed and informed policy in relation to complaints for parents and all relevant details of the regulator are included.

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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 can be seen 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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