Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312027 Inspection date 13 January 2006 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 was registered in 2005 she works from the family home with her mother who is a co-childminder. The family live in a house on the outskirts of Northallerton in North Yorkshire. She is registered to care for 6 children under 8-years-old; there are currently 3 children on role; all are under 5 years of age. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, upstairs bathroom and the main bedroom is used for rest purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which the children access for outdoor play. The property is within walking distance of the town centre, local schools and other childcare settings from where the childminder is

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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 willing to take and collect children. She has a Level three childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a very clean, warm home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Babies nappies are changed regularly; reflecting their individual care needs well. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of preventing cross infection and this further assures the children's well-being. For example, each child has its own bed linen and changing mats are wiped after use. There is a written sick child policy which parents are made aware of. Children benefit from the close liaison with parents regarding their individual dietary needs and feeding routines. Parents provide all food and drinks for the three babies the childminder currently minds to ensure continuity. The childminder discusses with parents any specific dietary needs or food allergies and records. Babies enjoy the close contact with the childminder as she holds them to feed and are encouraged to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop independence as they hold their own bottles. Children are taken out each day to access fresh air. They go on regular walks to and from school and into town. Babies are encouraged to crawl and pull themselves up on furniture. Older children can access the paved garden regularly and use a range of equipment to develop their physical skills and enjoy outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are effectively identified and minimised. As a result, the children are able to move around the ground floor safely, freely and independently. The childminder takes all necessary steps to ensure children's safety both indoors, outdoors and on outings, and has a written safety policy. Babies are well protected by the effective use of safety straps in the high chair and pushchair. Reins and wrist straps are used with toddlers when on walks. The childminder ensures there is clear floor space to enable children to move safely and reduce the risk of tripping. Children independently select activities from the wide range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises babies toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their use. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure and promote children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety and welfare. The childminder holds a current first- aid and food hygiene certificate. She has a sound understanding of child protection procedures, and has relevant information and contact numbers on file. There is a clear emergency evacuation plan in place which children are made aware of and provided with

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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 opportunities to practise further ensuring their safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's due to her friendly and welcoming approach and good settling-in arrangements. Babies' show a high level of interest in what they see and hear around them. They communicate well through sounds and gestures with the childminder who responds effectively with encouragement and positive interaction. They relate well to each other and are learning to socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local childminding support group. The childminder organises her time effectively to provide a good variety of interesting activities and purposeful play opportunities. As a result, babies creativity is developing well through free play, and planned activities. For example they have access to non specific play items and really enjoy playing with pans and spoons in the paddling pool in warm weather. They take part in craft activities and baking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

alongside older children as activities are skilfully adapted to include all children. Babies' are developing good levels of independence through the positive encouragement of the childminder and good use of resources. For example, at meal times they are encouraged to feed themselves and hold their bottles. They are also able to select from the wide variety of toys made available to them on the floor within their reach. The childminder has a good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation stage of learning to allow her to continue to provide fun and exciting activities; enabling the children to build on, and what they know and can do as they grow and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an appropriate range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. This increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others; they become aware of their local community through their regular trips out. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals . They are very settled and relaxed in their surroundings. They have a close caring relationship with the childminder; enjoy sitting on her knee and the close contact and cuddles. The childminder has a very positive approach to managing children's behaviour. This is demonstrated in her approach and written policy. The children are encouraged to behave well through her constant praise and encouragement, as she values the children's efforts and achievements. Children's individual needs are met effectively. Their daily routines are discussed at length with parents and reflected in her practice to ensure the children benefit from

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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 continuity of care. The childminder fosters close working relationships with the parents to ensure they are kept well informed and reassured. Verbal information is exchanged at delivery and collection and daily diaries kept for each child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are at ease in the well-organised environment, as a result they become increasingly confident and able, to initiate their own play and access resources. The childminder is well organised and works well with her co-childminder to meet the children's needs effectively. There are a range of written policies given to parents and also displayed on the kitchen wall, to ensure they are well informed of the childminder's practice. Most requirements for documentation and record keeping are well met. However, a system needs to be introduced for the logging of complaints. Children's records are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality while ensuring emergency contact numbers can be accessed quickly in an emergency. The childminder has a positive approach to her development and has a recognised level three child care qualification. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the

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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. There are no complaints to report on.

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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 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): • ensure a system is in place for the recording of complaints.

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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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