Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294383 Inspection date 25 January 2006 Inspector Alexandra Cole

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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 2004. She is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for two children that attend on a part-time basis. She lives with her husband and two children in a detached property within close proximity to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor, and the bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor, are used for childcare purposes. Children have access to outdoor play in the garden to the rear of the property. The family have a pet dog.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn about good health and hygiene through daily routines. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating food and after using the toilet in order to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder provides a good example through following strict hygiene procedures. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. For example, they walk to school twice a week, as well as having regular opportunities to develop their physical skills at the local park. The childminder ensures that children's interests are paramount and clear policies inform parents of the procedure should a child become ill whilst in her care. Effective arrangements are in place to allow children to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and routines. Children are well nourished because the childminder takes into account the wishes of

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Helping children to be healthy

parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet their dietary needs. For example, a nutrition policy is in place and all meals are home cooked. Fresh fruit is provided on a regular basis and children learn about healthy eating through activities, such as talking about what is considered to be 'good' and 'bad' foods, and this encourages them to understand the benefits of a healthy diet.

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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 positive steps are taken to promote safety and keep children safe. The childminder is aware of hazards and able to effectively minimise risks, ensuring that the environment is a safe place in which children can play and learn. Children effectively learn how to keep themselves safe whilst on outings through the childminder talking to them about road safety. They also learn how to stay safe within the home, for example, she reminds children to hold onto the handrail when coming down the stairs and reminds them to take it in turns and to be careful when playing on the slide. Children are able to independently select toys and equipment from a wide range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. The childminder is proactive in helping children to learn about fire safety. For example, she regularly practices the fire evacuation procedure; ensuring that children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understand the course of action to take in an emergency. Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put relevant policies and procedures into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 settle well at the childminders' house, they are confident and fully involved in their play. They relate well to the childminder and have regular opportunities to develop their social skills through attendance at the local toddler group. Warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children, thus contributing to children's sense of belonging. Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder's effective use of praise and support. They become independent as they are able to self-select from the good rang of toys and resources, suitable to their age and stage of development. Encouraging their independence and promoting their decision making skills. The childminder encourages children to be actively involved in everyday activities. An

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example of this is when they help her to set the table before having their lunch. Children play happily with the childminder, as they play with a threading game with her support, for example. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. An example of this is when they enjoy singing and dancing together in the lounge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met and they are fully included, the childminder values and appreciates all children. She provides a good range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's understanding of diversity and their awareness of others. For example, she incorporates the celebration of different festivals into the planning and children have opportunities to taste foods from different countries. The childminder uses effective strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction and redirection to other activities. Simple house rules are in place and clear and consistent boundaries ensure children understand right from wrong. This helps children to understand the boundaries and play together harmoniously. The childminder works successfully with parents to meet the needs of the child. Their needs are met as they follow their daily routine as discussed with parents. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder respects parent's wishes and keeps them well informed about policies and procedures. They are kept up-to-date with their child's progress in an informal way, ensuring continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Policies and procedures are well organised and comprehensive. They are used adequately to promote the care and welfare of children and most of the required documentation is in place and appropriate. However, the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or for children to come into contact with pets. Compromising children's safety. The childminder has completed all of the necessary background checks to ensure

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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 that all adults living at the premises are suitable to do so. This ensures that children are kept safe and free from harm. The required adult-child ratios are met and provide good levels of care and support. In response, children are secure and confident in their surroundings. 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 report. 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek any emergency medical treatment or advice and for children's contact with pets.

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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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