Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363255 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her parents in the family home and she works with her mother who is also a registered childminder. They live in a village near the town of Whitby. There is an enclosed garden to the rear and side of the property for outdoor play. The childminder uses the ground floor and the bathroom only on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 on the premises 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 childminder uses her car to transport children. 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 supported in their personal care with clear and appropriate routines and facilities. Older children are supported to use the bathroom independently. There are individual towels and liquid soap in place for their use. The childminder provides a reminder when required to ensure the children know the importance of washing their hands, particularly before having food. Information is shared with parents on the care of children when ill and the appropriate exclusion periods required. However, parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is not yet completed. The childminder uses disposable gloves when changing nappies and uses anti-bacterial gel to minimise cross-infection occurring.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily healthy snacks provided by the childminder, and parents provide their children's packed lunches. There is a selection of fruit offered each day, such as bananas, oranges and grapes. The children grow strawberries and tomatoes in the summer which they eat. They also help in the garden to grow a variety of vegetables so they are involved with food and this encourages them to eat healthily. Drinks are mainly water which is offered throughout the day to ensure children have regular fluids. Children's dietary needs are verbally discussed with parents as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the opportunity to be outside on a daily basis and this provides them with regular fresh air throughout the year. The children experience the seasons and enjoyed being in the snow. They have walks in the local area, such as the woods and joining in the pre-school session. The garden offers the children space to run about in and to use a selection of larger equipment which develops their larger physical skills, such as the climbing frame, sit and rides and ball games. Children have access to a range of smaller tools and equipment which promotes their finer muscle skills effectively. The younger children have space and provision to move around and extend their mobility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in welcoming surroundings which support their ongoing needs effectively. The space and provision in place enables the children good access overall to the varied range of activities offered. The toys, equipment and resources enable the children to develop their learning through play and these are of good quality. Children have provision in place to sleep, rest and eat comfortably.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety is managed effectively by the childminder with the children. She takes positive steps to minimise accidents occurring through her approach and attitude. The children have regular opportunities to use the 'Green Cross Code' when they are out on their walks. Time is given for the children to understand the importance of being safe when crossing the road. Children are transported in the car and the children know to keep their seat belts on until they reach their destination. Information is sought through the local fire officer in relation to the installation of the smoke alarms. Children practise the evacuation procedure together and this enables them to know what they should do in an emergency situation.

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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 The childminder promotes the children's safety and welfare effectively. She has attended training to maintain her knowledge in relation to safeguarding the children in her care. All relevant information and contact details are provided and are up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities and resources which offer them a variety of experiences that promote their confidence and self-development effectively. Children are happily engaged in what they do and have a good selection of resources which they can choose from. Younger children have access to some natural resources and the childminder is developing the range through treasure baskets. Interaction and communication with the children is positive and this promotes their language skills effectively. The childminder and the co-childminder work well together to promote children's confidence and self-assurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children bake and have positive experiences in the garden through growing and nurturing what they have helped to plant, such as vegetables. Children enjoy books and story time and have a selection of small world and role play resources which develop the children's imaginary skills. They have regular access to creative materials and this is reflected in the children's displays. Children take part in outdoor activities throughout the year, such as walks in the area and visits to the local pre-school which enhances the children's social interactions. They enjoy songs and singing and this is supported with musical instruments. Children are well supported to extend their skills and make meaning to their environment through their play and learning experiences.

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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. There is a suitable selection of images and information and some resources which reflect the wider world and these are accessible to the children in their play. 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 sense of security and assurance due to the close relationships they have with the childminder and co-childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively by the childminder. Children are settled and secure in their relationships. The childminder and co-childminder work well together to ensure they are consistent in their approach. The younger children are developing their skills in sharing and this is well supported through the activities provided. The use of manners is emphasised and promoted, and the older children provide a positive role model for the younger ones. Children are encouraged and praised in what they do and this builds their confidence and self-esteem effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationship with parents is good overall. The childminder spends time each day to discuss with parents their child's day, such as sleep times and what they have eaten. There are some policy statements which are shared with parents at registration, but no additional information of the care and provision offered. Most of the required consent information is completed by parents. However, not all the parents contract of agreement are completed and the children's information is not sufficient in the details recorded. There is a good range of the children's art work displayed in the playroom and there is a notice board and additional posters and leaflets provided on health and safety information for 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. Children are cared for in safe and suitably organised surroundings. The use of the space, facilities and the range of resources and activities support the children's ongoing learning and development. The childminder and co-childminder share all aspects of the care and provision and this works well. The childminder is actively involved in training to develop her knowledge and skills in childcare and has a level 2 childcare qualification.

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Organisation

There is a satisfactory range of records and documentation in place. These are stored appropriately to ensure they are secure and maintain confidentiality. A selection of policy statements are provided which are shared with parents, such as confidentiality and health and safety. However, the accident and medication records are not sufficiently detailed to ensure all information is recorded appropriately. 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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