Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243498 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2005 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in September 2002 to care for four minded children. She currently has five children on roll, attending on a part time basis and some after school only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her son aged 6 years and daughter aged 9 years and a household cat. The premises are semi-detached and situated in the Ripon area of North Yorkshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to a lounge area, dining/kitchen, bathroom and rear bedroom upstairs and a secure rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes the children she cares for to a local toddler group, local parks, libraries and places of interest on a regular basis. She has a first aid certificate and has attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice course. She 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 outstanding. Children are extremely healthy as the childminder follows excellent policies and procedures relating to children's care and well being. There are very detailed medication and accident records and a current First Aid certificate. Emergency consent from parents is in place, allowing for children to be taken to hospital if necessary. Children are well protected from any infection because the childminder has detailed sickness and exclusion procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

The premises are very clean and hygienic. Children use liquid soap and disposable towels, they understand the importance of hand washing after outdoor play, after the toilet and before food. These procedures are followed in conjunction with the school's health programme and through activities and work sheets from the British Heart Foundation. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and this is discussed and agreed in partnership with parents. Older children have opportunities to relax and can sit on the sofa, reading and playing card games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thoroughly enjoy daily exercise and outings. They are taken out to local toddler groups, walks in the local area to feed the ducks, visits to the library and local places of interest. Children have excellent opportunities to exercise in the home environment if the weather is not suitable. For example, they have music and movement and discover and learn about their bodies through sensory experiences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished and they know about healthy eating. They have access to cooled water throughout the day. Children are provided with a range of home grown and home cooked foods and participate in activities that extends their knowledge of healthy eating. For example, children go to the family allotment and pick vegetables; they have grown cress and made some soup from a pumpkin. Children really enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to help with preparing meals and snacks. Children are members of various healthy eating activity groups, through the Internet and the childminder extends their interests as they complete activities and quizzes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely and safely as they access a very well organised, secure and safe environment. Children play, eat and rest comfortably in space that has been creatively organised to meet the needs of the children attending. Children are motivated and interested in a range of resources and equipment that is safe and suitable for the varying needs. Toys are checked for any damage and the children help to wash equipment as part of an activity. Children are not exposed to hazards as all necessary safety equipment and procedures are followed. For example, the childminder carries out risk assessments of the premises and equipment, a fireguard, socket covers, safety gates, catches are in place in the kitchen and there are smoke alarms and a fire blanket in place.

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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 Children are very safe and secure both inside and outside the premises. The childminder has written checks for all gas and electrical equipment, there are written procedures in place in the event of an emergency or if children become lost or are not collected. Exits in the premises are clear and locked with the keys accessible in the event of a fire. Children are secure in the rear garden as this is fenced and gates are locked. Children are safe on outings; they know how to cross the road as the childminder asks them to look both ways. Children are taken on trips in the car; documentation is available, including consent from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder follows the local child protection guidelines. She is aware of recording and referral procedures and is sensitive to the changes in behaviour and the physical signs of abuse. There is a child protection policy in place that includes all relevant details for parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and they are very settled and happy. The childminder praises children and does not dwell on any negative issues. Children show keen interest in what they are doing as the child present at the visit played purposefully on the floor with a wide range of activity toys. For example, a play garage and play people, musical and pop up toys and a telephone to extend her investigative skills. Children acquire new skills and knowledge as the childminder encourages the children to make decisions, they sort out lists for shopping when they are going to do a baking activity or prepare a meal or snack.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships as they have opportunities to work and negotiate together during board games and craft activities when working on a large project. Children have their individual needs met and are familiar with routines. For example, the child present was able to express when she needed a drink and when it was snack time and after her snack went to sleep in her pram.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to challenges, during craft activities the childminder provides the children with materials and resources so they can think and plan for themselves. They create their own interpretations of models and objects, by using their observations from a finished product. Children have been designing the rear garden as a project; they have used CD's, made hanging mobiles and developed their creative skills. Children enjoy a variety of experiences both inside and outside the home, evidence of this is detailed in the photograph album.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are fully included in all aspects of the setting. The childminder adapts activities and ensures that all children can access the activities according to their own level of development. Children learn to feel a sense of belonging as they foster exceptional relationships with the childminder and her own family. The childminder is an excellent role model ensuring that children are welcomed into the environment and feel good about themselves.

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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 Children are encouraged to work and play harmoniously together, they share toys and take turns during the board and card games. Children behave exceptionally well as the childminder presents as a calm, caring person ensuring that children are well occupied and engaged in activities to keep their interest. Children are beginning to take on responsibility as they carry out some tasks that will distract them from any negative behaviour and therefore they feel important.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn and understand about diversity as they have excellent opportunities through activities, festivals, celebrations and play resources. For example, they use role play to reflect various cultures and everyday situations, café, restaurant, dentist, school and hospital. Books reflect different cultures and families from around the world. Children thoroughly enjoy crafts and making foods from different countries, dolls and play people reflect disability and cultures. Children gain great confidence as they try out new things and are developing self awareness influenced through the childminder, environment and people around them. For example, touchy, feely activities, collecting leaves, use of sand and socialising with other children and adults outside the home environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's routines and progress are shared with parents. A daily diary sheet is completed and shared with parents each day. Children settle extremely well following a settling in procedure and a detailed induction programme with parents. Parents have access to all organisational policies and procedures; they have signed a care contract and know who to make a complaint to through the Ofsted poster being prominently displayed. Parents are informed of inspection and have completed a questionnaire. They state that they are extremely happy with the care and that children are provided with a very healthy and nutritious diet. Children are made to feel part of the family and that there are lots of activities and opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's commitment to training and development ensures that children have exiting and interesting opportunities to learn and enjoy themselves. She has completed the introductory course to childminding and has further enhanced her knowledge about children's learning and behaviour. Children are protected owing to vetting procedures being in place and the childminder being deemed suitable to work with children.

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Organisation

Children receive excellent adult attention because children attend on a part-time basis allowing for individual support. The childminder organises her time, space and resources effectively and creatively so that children can play, rest and eat comfortably and children's needs are met through clear routines and well planned activities that support their overall learning.

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Organisation

Children's care is fully supported through detailed, well organised records and organisational policies and procedures. Records are stored safely and securely and promote confidentiality. Parents have access to all policies and procedures, but the complaints procedure lacks some minor detail.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to make any pet food inaccessible to the children and to increase the resources to reflect disability. The pet food is now inaccessible and out of sight to the children therefore children are staying safe and their health needs are protected. The childminder has purchased some books and small world figures that positively promote disability and help children understand and respect differences in society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 that complaint procedures contain all relevant information.

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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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