Childminder in East Riding of Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311501 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Jackie Phillips

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged 1 and 3 years in Cottingham, a large village on the outskirts of Hull. All of the downstairs of the home is used for childminding and children may use an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play opportunities. Registration is for four children under the age of 8 years. Currently there are three children on roll. Two are under 8 and one is over the age of 8. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 able to access the downstairs toilet quickly. Although hand washing facilities are not available in this room, arrangements are in place to cleanse children's hands when required. A small step is available to promote their developing independence when involved in toilet training. The parents of ill children are discouraged from taking them to the setting. Written guidance is in place that supports this and provides details of childhood illness and infections, such as symptoms and exclusion periods. Children's health is promoted because they have opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. Regular attendance at soft play and organised fun and fitness sessions promote children's physical development. On occasions they walk to local places of interest such as the park or nearby railway station. The provision of healthy foods support the well being of children. They are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to choose fruit or yoghurts as opposed to sweet, sugary desserts. The childminder has produced a written statement that is shared with parents regarding her healthy eating policy. She ensures that children have access to regular drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is secure to prevent unauthorised access. The rear garden is enclosed and security is maintained. Safety equipment is used, such as a fireguard in the lounge area. Younger children cannot enter the kitchen unsupervised because a low barrier has been fitted. However, older children can step over this and may have access to some cupboards that as yet have not been fitted with safety locks. This includes a kitchen cupboard where medicines are stored and are accessible to children. The childminder has smoke detectors fitted which are regularly checked. She has given consideration to an emergency evacuation of the home and ways in which she can make this fun and not frightening for children. However, this has yet to be practised and a clear procedure to follow devised. A fire blanket is available although was not securely in place in the kitchen area at the time

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of the inspection. Documentation is in place to record accidents, medication and children's attendance. Parents are asked to give their written permission for outings including those where children travel in the family vehicle. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid and has supplies available to provide basic treatment. Children are able to rest, sleep or relax either in the lounge on the sofa or in a travel cot. Arrangements are in place for children to access the majority of their toys and resources in safety. For example, they can select most of the equipment stored in containers on low level shelving.

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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 Children are protected from harm because the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures. She has attended relevant training and has written guidance, including local contact details, in place. A child protection statement relating to the setting is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities that supports their development. This includes many physical play sessions that also encourage children to socialise in group settings. For example, local groups are attended where children can meet other children and friendships are fostered. During the day there is a balance of play that takes place either inside the home or out. This enables children to enjoy a flexible routine that meets their needs. Activities within the home include lots of art and craft work that is often displayed, promoting children's self-esteem and sense of belonging. They are involved in the making of group displays, such as a seasonal weather chart. The toys and resources that are available are clean and in good condition. The range meets the needs of the children who attend the setting. This includes those that attend after school. They like

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to create, make up their own games or relax in the lounge area. The majority of the equipment is stored at the rear of the family lounge, enabling children to be familiar with location and storage arrangements. Small child sized tables and chairs are also available. Resources include those for construction, role play, games and books. There are some toys that raise children's awareness of diversity and disability, this includes books and small world toys, although the range is not extensive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed well. This is because the childminder has accessed appropriate training to develop her understanding of behaviour management. Written guidance is also in place. Children are provided with explanations about why their poor behaviour is unwanted. Different age related strategies including distraction techniques, verbal praise and a reward sticker system supports children's understanding between right and wrong. Some resources are in place to develop children's awareness of different cultures. For example, a book identifying a range of faiths is available on the book shelf. However, children have not yet had the opportunity to celebrate different festivals through a variety of interesting activities. All children are included and their individual needs considered. Parents and childminder exchange information either verbally, through the settings range of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

documentation or through daily written recordings. This ensures that parents are kept informed and adults meet the needs of the child. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are aware of relevant polices and procedures. However, a

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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 process to follow should a parent wish to make a complaint is not yet in place. This includes providing parents with the contact details of Ofsted, the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are provided with a flexible day that is well organised to meet their needs. The routine is planned in advance and a clear written account is shared with parents. Space is used well within the home and children are familiar with where their toys and resources are stored. The childminder is very committed to training and ongoing personal development. A range of relevant courses have been attended that supports the care of children and develops a partnership with parents. Documentation to provide an effective service is in place and parents are kept informed. Photographs are regularly taken of children involved in a range of activities. These allow parents the opportunity to see how children spend their time whilst at the setting. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure that adults who have not been suitably checked do not have access to the children. She has a vision of how she would like to personally progress

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Organisation

and develop her child care practice. This includes ways in which she might assess parents satisfaction with the service she provides. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure a clear emergency escape plan is devised and practised • ensure that if children have access to the kitchen they are not exposed to hazards such as where medicines are stored • consider arrangements for devising and sharing a complaints procedure with parents including the contact details of Ofsted.

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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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