Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363182 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Helen Dobson 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 November 2007. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 16 years. The family live in a semi-detached house in Selby. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and consists of a lounge, kitchen and conservatory. The main bedroom and bathroom on the first floor is also used. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are currently six children on roll, cared for on a full and part-time basis. The family have a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, being supported from a young age. For example, the childminder acts as a good role model, washing their hands and wiping their nose. Toys and equipment are regularly cleaned. Good procedures for children who are unwell and effective hand drying and washing facilities sustain good levels of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. For example, children use liquid soap and paper towels. There are clear procedures in place for administering medication and recording accidents and

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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 the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder has not obtained consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice for their children. The childminder shares her sickness procedures and exclusion periods, providing clear information about her practices and procedures for parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to develop awareness of healthy foods, as the childminder provides a suitable range of nutritious snacks, for example, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, and yoghurt. A sample menu is available of the variety provided. Children's awareness is also increased through participating in baking activities. The childminder liaises closely with parents ensuring children's dietary needs are met. Drinks are regularly provided and the childminder closely monitors younger children's fluid intake.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities and outings, which contribute to their health. Physical play opportunities are available through using the garden, walks to school and visits to the park. These opportunities provide plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. Children develop their large muscle skills indoors as they visit the local soft play areas. Children participate in quieter activities such as listening to stories and rest within their individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their play in a clean, secure and well maintained environment. They access a good range of age appropriate toys and equipment, such as books, puzzles, construction and role play, which are displayed on the floor in the play area. Equipment and resources are maintained to a high standard and are organised well to meet the interests and needs of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good priority is given to maintaining children's safety as the childminder carries out risk assessments on her home. Identified hazards have been very promptly acted upon, for instance, the stairs are fitted with a safety gate. Children are protected well from potential hazards. For example, doors are secure with keys accessible but out of the reach of children, cupboard locks and socket covers are used effectively throughout the home. The childminder has devised and written an evacuation plan, this details how children leave the home safely in an emergency and this is practised regularly with them. Clear records show times and dates of practises and those children involved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good procedures are in place to safeguard children on outings, as the childminder discusses and uses rules, such as finding a safe place to cross the road. She encourages young children's awareness of road safety by discussing this and acts as a good role model. The childminder's good practices include carrying emergency contact details and these are easily accessible. She uses good age-appropriate safety equipment, such as pushchair and car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She recognises that the well-being of the children is paramount and has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care. She has devised and shared with parents a detailed policy and has plans in place to attend a training course.

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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. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They have a close relationship with the childminder and sit next to her on the floor to access toys. The childminder is patient and kind to children, helping them to play and learn. The childminder knows the children in her care very well and she is very understanding of the children's individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children recognise their favourite toys, for example, those which make musical sounds and happily post the balls into the top and show excitement as the musical sounds are made. Children chatter along while they are playing and the childminder repeats what they say, encouraging their speech and language development. The childminder sits with the children and builds using appropriately aged construction toys. Younger children pass the bricks to the childminder, who talks to them about what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children encourage learning in the younger ones, as even the youngest children role play with the home corner equipment and pretend to make a cup of tea, using a spoon well to stir the drink. The childminder is beginning to gather photographic evidence of the children involved in varied activities such as baking, outdoor play and role play. Plans show the childminder is currently working on the alphabet with the children and they are involved in making a book of letters and pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children well and treats them all with equal respect. She has created strong bonds with the children and values them all as individuals. The childminder has plans in place to celebrate festivals with the children, such as Chinese New Year and Christmas. Children have access to books, dolls and puzzles which portray images and foster an understanding amongst the children about other cultures and positive gender roles. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She would be happy to do so, should the need arise. The childminder states she is happy to work with parents and outside agencies to ensure consistency in care and learning is achieved for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive praise and encouragement to promote children's good behaviour and celebrate achievements. Through discussion, she states she uses distraction methods and talks to children at their level to challenge any unwanted behaviour. The childminder has devised house rules and a detailed behaviour policy which she shares with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder communicates with parents daily and in addition, she completes a daily log to support the verbal communications. The daily log is a two way process and parents are able to write messages to the childminder. Parents are able to approach the childminder at anytime if they wish to discuss their child. Parents are well informed about how to contact the regulatory body and the process to follow should they have any concerns. However, the complaints log currently in place does not request sufficient detail should this be needed at any time.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and are at ease within the well organised environment. They are settled and familiar with both the routines and the home. The childminder ensures she remains

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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 within her ratio at all times and that her register is up-to-date and accurate. She knows her responsibility to ensure all adults living within the household are vetted and suitable to be around the children. The childminder has maintained an up-to-date paediatric first aid qualification. She demonstrates good forward thinking skills as she is aware of the expiry date and plans to book onto another first aid course before her existing qualification expires. This ensures there will not be a period of time when her qualification is not maintained. The childminder has planned to attend some other relevant childcare training sessions, such as child protection.

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Organisation

The childminder shares her good range of policies and procedures with parents from the start and keeps them well informed about the service and their child's activities. The documentation is organised well and maintains children's confidentiality. Most of the consents are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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 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 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 written permission is obtained from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • enhance the detail requested in the complaints log.

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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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