Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225099 Inspection date 14 December 2005 Inspector Christine Tipple

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 and 8 years old. They live in a three bedroom house in a village near Stokesley. She is close to the local school and pre-school and other local amenities. The childminder uses the ground floor for childminding, which consists of the playroom, kitchen, lounge, hallway and bathroom. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the property for outside play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children under 8 years old. She currently has four children on roll. The childminder uses her car for childminding

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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 purposes. The family have a cat and fish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children participate in a range of positive routines and practices that promote their good health. Children have independent access to all facilities to enable them to manage their personal care effectively. There is a display in the bathroom that gives information to the children on when and how to wash their hands and the importance of this. Younger children's needs, such as nappy changing have appropriate provision to ensure positive hygiene practices are maintained. The care of children that are ill is discussed with parents to ensure cross infection is minimised. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities both inside the home and out, which promote their skills and abilities effectively. There is a selection of larger equipment in the garden, for example, a swing, slide and sit on wheeled toys and balls. The children walk on a regular basis to and from school and in the local area

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Helping children to be healthy

and on occasion go swimming. Children access smaller equipment and tools such as when they bake and in craft and creative activities. The younger children have space to move around to practice their crawling and walking. Snacks and meals are provided for the children. These offer them a variety that promote a healthy balance. Children have fruit on a daily basis and meals are prepared using as much fresh ingredients as possible, this includes vegetables and fresh meat as discussed with parents. The children have drinks throughout the day and are encouraged to take fluids regularly. All dietary needs are recorded and supported appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a positive approach to children's safety where risks are minimised appropriately. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. Good use is made of the space both inside and out, which enables the children to move around freely and to access the range of activities provided. The toys, equipment and resources are of a good quality and offer the children a positive selection and choice that are age appropriate and support their developmental needs very well. Children have good opportunities to practise safety. The older children use the green cross code to ensure they stop, look and listen and to find an appropriate place to cross. This is positive for the younger children who observe this. All the children practise the fire evacuation procedure, which raises their awareness of their personal safety and what to do in an emergency. The children learn through the effective

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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 routines the childminder has in place, such as tidy up and the older children being aware of the needs of the babies and toddlers. The children's welfare and safety is well promoted through the childminders approach and understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminders care. They are provided with a good range of play experiences that supports their learning and development. Children gain confidence and independence through access to the toys and activities and to be able to make choices in what they do. Children have creative and craft activities, this includes the younger children. Good opportunities are provided for the children to use their imagination through the selection of role play and small world resources. Time is given to talking with the children to support their language skills to enable them to make connections and meaning to their surroundings. Topics are offered by the childminder for the children, for example, looking at different animals and all about me, which helps the younger children to be more self aware. There is additional space offered in the lounge for the older children to extend their access to resources appropriate for their age and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needs. Children have regular outings in the local area and the childminder uses her car on occasion for this, to offer the children additional play opportunities and experiences both social and physical.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Individual needs of the children are well supported. Children are confident and secure in the care provided. There are some resources that reflect the wider society, which raises children's awareness of differences around them and to be positive in their outlook. Children's behaviour is managed in a sensitive and caring way. The childminder is aware of the children's needs and their level of understanding and her approach reflects this effectively. Children are encouraged in their play and offered praise. Children develop their skills in sharing and taking turns and to use manners, the childminder uses gentle reminders and support especially with the toddlers. Partnership with parents is very good. There is daily contact with the childminder that informs parents of their child's day. All other information is shared on a verbal basis, such as behaviour management and individual care details. The childminder ensures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that appropriate time is given for children to settle in. This ensures parents feel confident about the care and provision offered. Contracts of agreement are

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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 established and these are reviewed with parents as required. There is positive feedback from parents through letters of recommendation on the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's efficient approach to the care and range of provision she provides. The space and facilities offer children good access to all the resources in place and are effective in meeting the needs of the children and parents. The childminder has not attended any additional training, but reads information provided through the National Childminding Association. Documentation and records are maintained and relevant to her role as a childminder, which ensure she promotes children's welfare and safety in a positive way. However, some aspects of information in relation to the attendance register and emergency medical consent are not sufficient in detail. All information is stored appropriately to ensure security and confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care report recommended that the childminder improve fire safety. The childminder has secured a fire blanket in the kitchen. She has a written evacuation plan that is practised with the children, which raises their awareness of safety and what to do in an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1st April. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure written parental consent is sought for emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children's actual times of attendance are recorded.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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