Childminder in North YorkshireOfsted inspection, 7 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY243432 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Cynthia Walker

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and child aged 8 months. They live in a converted farm property on the outskirts of Skipton. The childminder uses the lounge and dining area for childminding supported by a toilet on the ground floor. Children use the first floor for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed paved area available for outside play and also have access to an adjacent field. The family have a pet cat. The childminder visits the local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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 satisfactory. Children are developing an understanding of personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and having snacks. They confidently explain that this is because their hands may be dirty and they need to get rid of the germs. The childminder has suitable procedures to manage children's accidents and administer medication which she shares appropriately with parents. Parents provide a packed lunch for the children supported by reasonably nutritious snacks which include biscuits, fruit, raisins or cheese. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day, although water is not included as an alternative option. Dietary needs are discussed with parents and clearly recorded. Children are developing their physical well being by having regular access to the outdoor area supported by visits to the local parks and large equipment at visits to

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Helping children to be healthy

toddler groups. During a discussion around activities they had played with the previous day, which had included bats and balls and football the children explained their favourite activity was to ride around on the bikes.

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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 warm, secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. This enables children to move safely and independently within the home. Fire safety is reinforced with clear written procedures which are regularly implemented. Children are developing an understanding of safety as they discuss which resources may be harmful to younger children and demonstrating a good awareness of how to implement this, for example, putting small pieces on the dining table. The safe collection of children is supported by clear written procedures. Children access a wide range of good quality toys and resources which actively support all ages and stages of development. These are rotated on a weekly basis to enhance and maintain children's active involvement in play and learning experiences. Resources are arranged creatively around the lounge encouraging children to make

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a wide range of independent choices. Children's welfare is well promoted with the childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures which is in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance. This is supported by a written statement which is made available to parents.

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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 are well motivated and demonstrate an enthusiastic interest and involvement in a wide variety of activities. They enthusiastically paint very detailed pictures of daffodils which was stimulated by their observations of a daffodil growing on their journey to school. Further discussion explores the fact that flowers need the rain to grow. Children are confident communicators explaining that they enjoy coming to the childminder and their favourite activities are playing with trains and baking. The childminder's effective questioning actively supports children's learning. For example, as simple phonics are used to assist children to assemble their names on the magnetic board and is further reinforced by introducing felt pens to experiment with writing. Children enjoy listening to stories, showing an understanding of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

narrative and handle books with confidence. They persist for long periods of time at activities and demonstrate good concentration as they complete a wide range of interesting jigsaws. Children relate well to each other and work co-operatively together as they play with the play dough sharing resources and explaining to each other how tools work or how to complete a matching game. Visits to toddler groups and music group supports the children's social skills and broadens their experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a wide range of resources to enhance children's understanding of diversity; these include dolls, small world figures, books and jigsaws. Activities linked to events such as, Chinese New Year further promote children's understanding of other cultures. Children's individual needs are valued and well met through effective discussions with parents as they begin their care followed by daily ongoing sharing of information. Younger children's details are shared efficiently with parents through daily diaries. Parents receive detailed information on the care and activities their children will be involved in through a clear and informative parents pack which includes some written procedures. Children behave well in response to the calm and consistent responses from the childminder. This is enabling them to develop their self esteem and confidence. They have established positive relationships with each other working harmoniously

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Helping children make a positive contribution

together and are confident in the clearly established routines and expectations of the home. Children are showing sensitivity to younger children as they give them hugs, talk to them and find appropriate toys.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home effectively which enables children to initiate and extend their play and learning. A good range of documentation is used appropriately

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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 to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The quality of care is enhanced with the childminder's positive attitude to training to improve her knowledge and practices which includes courses on child protection and Birth to three matters. She organises her time efficiently to fit individual children's needs. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the childminder was given recommendations in relation to the safety of medicines, hygiene procedures, the awareness of child protection procedures and the security of records. The childminder is ensuring medicines are inaccessible to support the safety of children being cared for. Children's understanding of personal hygiene is being supported with the introduction of paper towels as they wash their hands. The childminder has completed a child protection course and improved her knowledge of procedures to support the children's welfare. Documents are kept in a secure place to ensure their confidentiality is maintained to promote children's care and learning.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since 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 fresh drinking water is available to children at all times

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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 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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