Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292999 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Dawn Lumb

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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 satisfactory. 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 October 2004 to care for up to five children under 8 years of age at any one time. At present there is one child on roll who attends part time. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The childminder lives with her partner and two children, aged 9 and 5 years in Gilberdyke, Brough, North Humberside. The childminder takes and collects children

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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 from school. She is a member of an accredited childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are effectively cared for in a warm and very clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, they accompany the childminder to the dentist and talk about healthy eating and brushing their teeth. Health and well-being is promoted through the childminder's vigilant approach in reminding children to wash their hands before eating their lunch and through relevant documentation, including policies and procedures, which are shared with parents to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. For example, parents understand not to bring children who are unwell. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and children's preferences, in meeting their dietary needs and the children bring a packed lunch. Children are provided with a choice of drinks throughout their stay and a satisfactory snack, which generally includes fresh fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an adequate range of outdoor activity, as they have access to the garden area, the local park and go for walks in the local community to develop their physical skills. They are provided with comfy areas for rest and relaxation, where they have good opportunities to participate in quiet activity to promote their physical well-being. For example, looking at books and playing games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a warm and very secure environment. They are able to move around safely and independently and have appropriate access to toys and equipment, which are safe, well maintained and appropriate to the needs of the children who attend. Children are kept safe through constant supervision and the effective use of equipment. For example, door slammers, cupboard locks and the installation of a safety gate to prevent children access to the stairs. Children are familiar with fire evacuation procedures, which are regularly carried out every three months. However, these are not recorded. The childminder gives good regard to the security of the premises and provides a fully enclosed secure outside garden area. However, the garage back window is not risk assessed. The childminder carefully monitors the children when undertaking outings and visits. For example, appropriate car seats and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

restraints are used. When out walking, reins and harnesses are used to ensure the children's close proximity and safety. The childminder safeguards and promote children's safety through a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow

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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 in line with the Local area child protection committee guidelines and ensures that the person for emergency cover is appropriately vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well nurtured. The close, caring relationship between the childminder and the children gives them self-confidence, which allows them to participate. Children benefit from lots of support and encouragement from the childminder. Their learning is promoted through everyday activities and routines and they clearly learn from their experiences. For example, colouring postman Pat's hat, colour matching using a storybook for reference and counting the legs on a Ladybird picture. Children learn new skills, make connections with other experiences, and talk and listen while involved in their activities. Children are provided with a wide range of toys and activities to promote their learning. The childminder is skilful in developing children's language, colours, shapes and numbers. Children are appropriately challenged and encouraged to think. For example, through the childminders effective use of books and activities, the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder extends and introduces new vocabulary and effectively supports children's communication and social skills. The childminder recently completed a literacy course and uses her new skills in putting theory into practice. For example, children are supported in recognising letter, shape, sound and names in order to make tentative connections with the written word. Children benefit from interesting outings and opportunities, such as, walks to the park to feed the ducks and visits to the dentist, which the childminder effectively and realistically develops to extend children's learning and understanding of the local community and wider environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel valued and are well cared for. The childminder knows the children well and talks to them in a warm caring manner. Children respond well to the childminder and they behave very well, as they are skilfully supported and sensitively encouraged. For example, they benefit from the childminder's enjoyment and involvement with their learning, she is sensitive to the children's feelings and individual needs. Children are encouraged to participate in all activities and are not stereotyped or discouraged from playing with any particular toy. Children's understanding of their own community and the wider world are adequately promoted, through the childminder's thoughtful use of play opportunities. For example, the childminder develops children's senses and awareness towards the Chinese new year through introducing various tasting sessions and creative activities, which are stimulating and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

interesting, such as making lanterns and dragons, incorporating simple explanations

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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 at the child's level of development. The childminder promotes good relationships with parents and encourages them to share information and they are fully consulted with regards to all areas of their children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare, care and learning are met through effective use of policies and procedures and the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of each child in her care. Space is well utilised and organised and toys and resources are effectively rotated, to allow easy access and promote independence. Children's progress, achievements and daily routines are discussed daily with parents. Children's self-esteem and parents involvement are positively promoted. For example, through children taking artwork home to share with parents. All the relevant and required documentation is in place and a portfolio with additional information is available to share with parents. The documentation is well organised and stored to ensure confidentiality. The childminder is generally committed to training to promote her childcare practice. For example, she has completed a Birth to

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Organisation

three awareness session and a Family literacy course. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to record. The provider is required to keep a record of complaint 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • identify any risks and hazards with regards to the garage window and provide a written risk assessment • improve practice with regards to fire evacuation procedure and documentation.

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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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