Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY152441 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Jacqueline Patricia Walter

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 5 and 7 years, in the village of North Ferriby, near Hull in East Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children aged between 9 months and 6 years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler club regularly. The family have a pet dog

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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 The childminder holds a recognised child care qualification. She is a member of an approved childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a very welcoming and very clean home. They thrive because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines and detailed policies and procedures. For example, there are good routines in place to promote hygiene and prevent cross infection, such as the regular cleaning of toys and resources and a clear detailed sickness policy, which includes exclusion periods and are signed and fully acknowledged by parents. Accident records are detailed, maintained confidentially and discussed fully with parents so they have a clear understanding of what has happened and are able to continue to monitor the children's health when at home. Children are developing an excellent understanding of good hygiene and healthy living through exceptional adult support and guidance. The childminder explains to the children why she is practicing good hygiene as she leads by example. For

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Helping children to be healthy

example, she explains that she has to wash her hands after changing a nappy and then encourages young children to do this as well. Children are familiar with routines, such as wiping their own hands both before and after food and this results in them demonstrating a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children are able to further their understanding of healthy living through structured and planned activities. For example, they make toothbrush collages and learn about important routines of regular teeth cleaning during 'National Smile' week. They also enjoy making and baking their own Pizza's whilst they choose and discuss healthy ingredients. The childminder takes full account and is successful in meeting children's special dietary requirements. She works effectively with parents to meet these needs when required, which ensures the children stay healthy. Children are very well nourished

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Helping children to be healthy

and they have access to fresh fruit and vegetables both at meal and snack times. Older children are able to independently access drinks when required and younger children are encouraged to understand the importance of regular drinking as the childminder gently reminds them their drinks are within their reach. Children are able to explore, test and develop very good physical control and skills through stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. Older children are able to walk to school every day and enjoy the occasional use of scooters to help develop their balancing skills. Babies have access to baby equipment, such as baby gyms that encourages their movement and toddlers regularly visit toddler groups, which allows them to run about and use wheeled equipment in a larger space. Children enjoy regular access to an excellent selection of equipment in the garden and are able to develop skills in running, crawling and jumping through the use of slides, footballs,

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Helping children to be healthy

bikes and tunnels. They are also able to attend local facilities and enjoy music and movement sessions, visiting local parks and enjoying little walks around their

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 neighbourhood. These in turn promote their overall good health and physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for well in a warm, welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder takes very positive steps to minimise risks to children and ensure the physical environment both inside and outside her setting is safe. For example, she uses safety gates to ensure children are unable to access areas unsupervised and Perspex to protect them from all low glass. They are developing a good sense of belonging in a very welcoming setting that has child-size equipment and furniture, which is regularly checked and safely set out before they arrive. As a result, children are freely and safely able to use all the registered space and resources. There are very good precautions in place regarding fire safety, which ensures children are suitably protected. The childminder has fitted smoke alarms, which are regularly checked and an emergency evacuation procedure, which is written up and displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Drills with the children are practiced and recorded every month, which helps them develop an good understanding of keeping themselves safe regarding fire safety. Children are kept very safe on outings as a result of the childminder following some good procedures. For example, she uses appropriate equipment such as, buggies, reigns and wrist straps and encourages the children to follow sensible procedures, such as holding hands or holding the buggy at all times. She implements some good procedures to help out in an emergency, such as taking a mobile phone with programmed contact numbers with her and has a back-up system in place where she can call another registered childminder if she requires help. However, she has not yet considered taking a first aid kit with her. Children are gaining a very good understanding in keeping themselves safe. The childminder discusses and demonstrates how to deal with things safely in her setting and the children are able to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

participate in safety campaigns held at the local childminding group. For example, they enjoy the practicing of crossing roads and the reading of a safety book during a 'Sure Start' promotion. Older children are given a good balance between freedom and safe limits. For example, they can play further away when on outings but always within sight and hearing. This helps them to develop confidence and learn about rules. Children's welfare is safeguarded appropriately. The childminder has revisited training in the last few years and has very good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has a written policy that shares with parents the expectation and duty of reporting child protection concerns and is confident in approaching Ofsted to discuss any concerns in a confidential manner. However, although she is aware of the need to eventually inform Social Services of concerns that are raised, she does not have any knowledge of the Area Child Protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Committee procedures and emergency contact numbers, which leaves both herself and children in a vulnerable position.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. There are very trusting, friendly and positive relationships in place between the childminder and children. The childminder listens to and values what the children are saying and children are very happy and settled as a result of her warm and responsive interaction. Children are developing good confidence and self-esteem through praise and continual encouragement in their activities. They are happy to approach the childminder and in making their feelings known. The childminder uses her good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and engages in good quality interaction with them. She follows the young children's lead in choosing their activities and allows them to enjoy repetition, which encourages them to explore the resources, gain confidence and respond creatively. Young children are able to participate in short sessions of structured activities, which encourages their use of sensory exploration. For example, they can explore the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

textures of dough. Children's language development is promoted effectively through the childminder actively engaging in children's play. She uses actions and gestures and constantly talks to them letting young children know what is happening. As a result, children are motivated and use their initiative well to explore their surroundings. Children have access to a wide and stimulating range of activities. The childminder plans some of their activities using a calendar of government recommended days. For example, children have opportunities to talk and learn about pets during 'National Pet Week'. The childminder notes and records some developmental stages of young children and uses this information to promote further development. As a result, children's learning is stimulated well and they are able to acquire new knowledge and skills. Children's choice and decision making skills are promoted well through easy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

access to a very good range of equipment that is age appropriate and reflects all areas of learning. For example, they can access role play equipment, such as dolls and tea sets and engage in imaginary games, enjoy completing puzzles with the childminder or read books together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are very good partnerships in place with parents, which has a positive impact on the children's care. The childminder invites parents to assist with settling in the children and discusses and collects very good and relevant information from parents, such as the children's likes, dislikes and any routines. This helps them to settle quickly and feel confident within the setting. Continuity in care is upheld very well through both verbal and documented communication. For example, parents are fully informed on the children's development and learning through daily diaries and individual portfolios, which include examples of their work and there is verbal communication at the beginning and end of all sessions. Information on the setting is extremely well shared. Parents are given a general leaflet explaining the setting as a whole and in addition to that a welcoming pack, which includes contracts, child record

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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 forms and policies and procedures, which are then signed and acknowledgement. This promotes high consistency and clarity in the children's care. Children have very good opportunities to learn about the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. They can access puzzles, books and participate in art and craft activities that reflect different cultures and festivals, such as Baiski, the Sikh New Year and 'Mothers and 'Fathers' days. They are gaining a good awareness of disabilities by engaging in music and movement sessions with children that have special needs and are learning to understand and value all differences through resources that highlight issues, such as the wearing of glasses and differences in hair and skin colour. Children go on lots

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of visits and outings to childminder groups, to play centres and to the park, which helps them to develop a good sense of belonging in their community and skills in social interaction. The childminder has behaviour strategies in place that are age appropriate, clear and consistent. For example, she uses lots of praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour and distracts more able children away from situations whilst talking about why the behaviour is inappropriate. Younger children are learning to work harmoniously with others and develop understanding on taking turns and sharing through play and board games that promote cooperative play and older children are encouraged to take on responsibility for their actions by discussing their views on acceptable behaviour. As a result, they are developing a good understanding of appropriate behaviour and behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's setting is organised very well, which enables children's care to be promoted effectively. There are appropriate vetting procedures in place to ensure children are well protected and cared for and space and resources are effectively organised to maximise play opportunities. For example, rooms are made child-friendly with some toys and activities attractively stored and set out, which makes them easily accessible to children and in turn encourages their confidence and skills in independence. Children benefit from the childminders high regard for the well-being of all children. She is committed to improving the quality of care she provides and has successfully developed and extended both her and the children's knowledge through the completion of a wealth of training courses. These include 'Chatter Matters' which helps to promote language and speech development for those with special needs

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Organisation

and a Multicultural training where understanding of the Jewish faith is promoted through visiting a synagogue. All legally required documentation regarding children's health and safety is in place, although the complaints policy is still in the process of being updated. The policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution and the childminders documentation is very professionally presented. For example, she has written up all

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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 policies and procedures and these are acknowledged and signed by parents. This helps to fully promote consistency and continuity in the children's care. Confidentiality is fully respected and upheld, with documentation maintained and stored securely. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the childminders last inspection she has taken positive steps, which has promoted both children's health and safety. She has fitted an additional gate to the garden room door to ensure children are unable to access the garden unsupervised. She has devised and implemented a system to obtain written consent from parents allowing her to take photographs of children. The childminder now ensures that written consent is obtained from parents before administering any medication to the children. She has created a written policy that shares with parents the expectation and duty of reporting child protection concerns.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see by 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): • extend procedures to help keep children safe when outside the premises, with particular regard to administering first aid

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures, including emergency contact numbers.

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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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