Childminder in York

Inspection report for early years provision

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321333 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Rosemary Beyer 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house close to the centre of the city of York. The lounge, dining room and dining kitchen on the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are available for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Parks, shops, nurseries and school are all within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on ro, who are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder has a nursery nurse qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes healthy eating very effectively through the provision of a well balanced, home prepared diet. Fruit and vegetables are included each day to support the children's

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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 well-being. The children learn about the source of the food they eat through visits to local farm outlets to buy the vegetables and fruit they will later eat. All food is discussed with parents to ensure any special dietary requirements and allergies are considered. A chart is used to monitor likes and dislikes and children try new things on a regular basis, usually developing a liking for foods they previously refused.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have fresh air each day going to school or nursery and weather permitting they visit the local park or play in the garden. They use a good range of resources and are developing good control or their bodies when moving around. When inside the children are learning to use implements and tools successfully, such as scissors which they use under supervision. They also like to make glue pictures and use play dough and paint.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for on clean and well maintained premises, where good hygiene practice is implemented effectively to prevent the spread of infection. They learn to protect themselves by washing their hands after personal care and before food.

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Helping children to be healthy

A written sick child policy is in place which is made available to parents to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and illnesses. The childminder keeps a written record of medication, with parents signing before and after the administration. She also has an accident book which is completed appropriately. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box, which is regularly checked to ensure the materials are suitable for use. Any out of date materials, such as bandages, are used by the children to play doctors and nurses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are secure so children are unable to leave unsupervised and the rear garden is securely fenced and gated. The childminder takes her responsibility for safety very seriously and regularly checks the premises and toys to ensure they are well maintained and safe for the children to use. A risk assessment has been completed for the construction of the new conservatory and a gate installed to prevent access to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire precautions are in place, including a fireguard, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Children practise the fire drill every three months to ensure they are familiar with the procedure. The childminder has installed a carbon monoxide detector as an additional precaution. Although a fireguard is in place the hearth is not protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children also learn to protect themselves when out in the community by implementing good road safety practice. They know they must take care near the road and ensure they are safe when crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguard by the childminder's excellent knowledge of child protection. She has attended training to enable her to recognise and deal with any concerns. Her written policy and procedure has been updated to take account of the changes and she has included contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board. There is a written procedure to follow if allegations are made against her. There are also procedures in place for lost or uncollected children, including that Ofsted must be notified.

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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. The children are settled and comfortable with the childminder, keen to visit her and happy to try new things.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of both the Foundation Stage and the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses them to support the activities she provides. She has a good understanding of child development and plans the programme to help children progress. It is flexible to take account of unexpected learning opportunities which may arise or variations in the weather. Work children complete is collected in a file for them to take home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for in a very encouraging environment where they are able to enjoy a wide range of activities and resources. They help themselves from boxes or shelves, with different things available to prevent boredom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During their time with the childminder, the children learn about other countries through craft activities, food and stories. She helps the children develop their vocabulary through discussion and questions, encouraging them to think and listen. They also like to listen to stories and sing simple songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy craft activities when using paint and glue and are learning to use scissors safely with good supervision. They produce some very imaginative art work. They also use play dough and like to bake, sometimes creating meals in line with their country topic, such as burgers when learning about the USA or Chinese food when celebrating Chinese New Year..

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has written an equal opportunities policy which includes children of any race, culture or belief. She provides care tailored to children's and their families' needs, including those with English as an additional language. All the children are treated as individuals and with respect and equal concern. Children use a good range of resources which reflect the multi cultural society in which they live and which give positive images of those often discriminated against.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy celebrating different festivals and learning about customs and cultures in other countries. They choose a festival or country for a week long programme of activities. During the Chinese New Year they made dragons, lucky red envelopes and also tried Chinese food with chopsticks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome in the setting. The childminder is willing to undertake training to support the children and to work with parents to ensure their needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear well written behaviour policy is made available to parents. Children are cared for in a well organised happy environment where they feel valued. Their behaviour is managed positively and they have appropriate limits to teach them how to behave in society. The childminder keeps up to date with the latest behaviour management issues. She discusses behaviour management with parents when they come to visit and records any significant incidents to share with them. She expects parents to keep her informed of anything which may affect the way children behave while in her care.

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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 The childminder builds good relationships with parents through the regular exchange of information. She produces a record of the child's first weeks in her care so the parents are familiar with the day's routine and the activities and outings children enjoy. The evidence is provided by photographs, pieces of work and diary entries. A daily diary is maintained for the younger children to keep parents informed about sleep, nappies, food and activities and to exchange messages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a copy of the policies and procedures which govern the childminder's practice and they provide her with the necessary written permissions for her to care for the children. They also have access to the complaints procedure which includes the Ofsted contact details

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has an excellent set of policies and procedures which she uses very effectively to manage the care she provides. She ensures they are regularly updated to take account of any changes. She also maintains very good recording and permission forms in order to care for children in line with parents' wishes. Contracts and information sheets ensure they are clear about the service to be provided.

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Organisation

As an experienced childcare worker the childminder understands the importance of ongoing training. She has a current first aid certificate and has attended courses to support her knowledge of health and safety. She uses courses and the internet to get information and ideas for activities, ensuring that her celebrations of festivals are explained simply and correctly to the children.

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Organisation

The childminder displays her certificate and maintains the conditions of her registration. She notifies Ofsted of any significant events or changes, such as the proposed new conservatory. 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 provider was asked to continue enhancing the resources available to support the care and education she provides. She has obtained new toys and is still developing activities to meet the children's individual needs.

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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 record of complaints 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 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): • take steps to prevent children having access to the fire hearth.

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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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