Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363234 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2008 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 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 2007. She lives with her husband and her adult daughter who works with her as a registered childminder. They live in a house in a village near Whitby. There is an enclosed garden to the rear and side of the property for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years when working on her own. When working with another childminder they can care for a maximum of six children under five years. There are currently 11 children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The car is used for childminding purposes. There is a cat and tortoise at the family home.

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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. Children are cared for in a clean and homely environment. There are clear routines in place that promote positive hygiene practices with the children. Facilities enable older children to use the bathroom independently and liquid soap and individual towels are in place. The childminder provides a gentle reminder where needed to ensure the children know the importance of having clean hands before they eat. Younger children have wipes provided for their personal needs. Good procedures are carried out when changing nappies and the childminder wears disposable gloves. However, parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and advice is not yet completed. All reasonable steps are taken to minimise cross-infection. Guidelines are provided for parents on the exclusion periods required when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily snacks provided. The parents provide their children's packed lunches. Children have a good selection of different fruits and these link to the seasons, such as the children growing tomatoes and strawberries which they eat. Regular drinks are in place and the children have fluids throughout the day, particularly when it is warm. Children learn about food through being in the garden and planting vegetables. There is additional information provided through leaflets and a poster which promote healthy nutritional foods. Dietary needs are verbally discussed with parents as part of the ongoing contact with them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children go out in the fresh air regularly and if the weather is cold the childminder ensures they are wrapped up warmly so they can enjoy the weather and the seasons. The children go on walks in the area and visit the woods and the ducks, as well as dropping into the local pre-school. The garden has a selection of larger more physical equipment for the children to experience, such as a slide, climbing frame as well as ball games. The children have space to run about and be energetic. Children use a range of smaller more malleable materials and tools which are effective in extending their smaller muscle skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises provide a welcoming environment for the children and parents. The space and provision in place supports the children's needs effectively. Children have suitable access to the varied resources and activities provided which enables them to see what they want to play with. These are relative to the children's development and are of good quality overall. There is provision for the children to rest and sleep comfortably.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety is managed very well by the childminder with the children, as she takes positive steps to prevent accidents occurring. Children engage in road safety through their regular walks and this is reinforced on a daily basis, which provides a positive example for the younger children. The childminder has updated her smoke alarms through seeking guidance from the local fire officer. Children take part in the fire evacuation procedure so they are aware of what they need to do when the smoke alarm goes off. The childminder provides additional safety equipment where required, such as a fireguard and safety gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and safety is managed effectively. The childminder has attended child protection training and has all the relevant information and contact details in relation to safeguarding children in her care.

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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 play happily together. The childminder works cooperatively with the co-childminder to ensure they engage with the children to promote their ongoing development and progress. The children have good opportunities to bake and to be involved in the garden where they plant and grow vegetables and help to water them, as well as planting cress seeds in egg shells. Interaction with the younger children is good and this promotes their language development effectively. The children are provided with other learning activities, such as helping to match the colours of the socks when hanging out the washing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a range of creative activities which involve different materials and mediums, such as collage and modelling. Older children have choices in what they want to do after school and they enjoy being with the younger children. Visits in the local area provide additional experiences for the children which includes nature through the seasons. They go and see the steam train and feed the ducks at the beck. Children enjoy making ice fruit lollies. The childminder provides other opportunities for the children to become familiar with shapes and numbers through their play. The children are developing their skills to be self-assured and skilful communicators.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive approach to promoting equal opportunities in what she provides for all the children. Children's individual needs are recognised and supported as they are discussed with parents to ensure these are met appropriately. This is reflected in the children's happy and settled attitude and close relationships with the childminder and co-childminder. There is a suitable selection of images, information and resources which are accessible to the children in their play and these continue to be developed to ensure they positively reflect the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well through the supportive routines and clear expectations in place. These enable them to be aware of sharing and taking turns which the younger children are developing through their activities. Children have good relationships with the childminder and the co-childminder which promotes a consistent approach with the children. The use of manners is well promoted and the older children provide good role models for the younger ones to follow. The children receive ongoing praise and are encouraged in what they do which enables them to be confident and secure in their relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good overall. The childminder discusses with parents on a daily basis their child's day, such as sleep times and what activities they have participated in. There are some policy statements provided which are shared with parents, but no additional information of the care and provision offered. The childminder has most of the consent details recorded from parents. However, not all contracts of agreement are completed and the children's current information is not sufficient in detail. The children's art work is well displayed in the playroom and there is a notice board and additional posters and leaflets on health and safety information accessible to parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers the children a suitably organised environment where their play and development is well supported. This is through the positive use of the space and provision in place. The childminder has attended training which has included safeguarding children. She works positively with her co-childminder and they share responsibilities for the care of the children and working with parents.

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Organisation

There is a suitable selection of records and documentation and most are completed appropriately. However, the recording of accidents and medication is not sufficient in ensuring all requirements are completed. There are some policy statements provided for parents, such as behaviour and health and safety matters. Information is stored appropriately to ensure these maintain confidentiality. 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 parental consent is sought for emergency medical advice and treatment • ensure the information provided for parents is extended, to provide more detail in relation to individual children's information and complete parent's contracts of agreement • provide a more detailed method to record medication and accidents.

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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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