Lee, Helen Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314459 Inspection date 21 March 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 11-year-old son on the outskirts of Hessle, near to Hull. All of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. Children may use the bathroom on the first floor and have access to the rear garden for outdoor play. The property is close to schools, shops and other local amenities. Registration is for a maximum of four children under the age of 8 years. Currently two children attend before and after school, one of which also attends during school holidays. 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 cared for in a clean environment. They use the downstairs of the home with access to the first floor bathroom. Currently a lock on the door of the bathroom is a potential hazard for children. When children are cared for throughout the day their parents may provide them with a packed lunch. The childminder ensures that drinks and snacks are available. Children are encouraged to eat fruit as opposed to snacks that are high in fat and salt, such as crisps. However, the childminder finds that children are often reluctant to change their eating habits and are less likely to choose or prefer fruit to eat in between meals. Children have regular physical exercise through the daily routine that supports their health and well-being. For instance, they walk the journey to and from the local primary and junior schools. During suitable weather conditions they may use the rear

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Helping children to be healthy

garden for outdoor play opportunities. Attention is required in this area to ensure that it is fully enclosed, safe and secure. For example, ensuring that children cannot leave the garden unsupervised nor persons have unauthorised access to the children or the property. Documentation is in place to record accidents that might occur and medication to be administered. Parents sign to give permission for emergency medical treatment or advice to be sought if required. The childminder is able to provide basic first aid treatment because she has attended and successfully completed an approved training course. Written guidance is in place regarding the exclusion periods for children that are sick. She suggests that infectious children remain at home with their parents. An understanding of meeting the needs of children who are ill is demonstrated, although children would benefit from more guidance and routines in

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Helping children to be healthy

place that would better support their personal healthcare and well-being. For example, children should be encouraged through innovative and interesting ways to try a range of fruit, vegetables and food that is good for them and be more aware of the importance of personal hygiene routines, such as regular hand-washing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safely taken to and from the local schools. They are reminded about road safety and can clearly see the childminder when they leave the school premises because she stands in a familiar place visible to the children. The home is reasonably safe, although entry doors are not secure without the use of a key. The lounge area is mainly used by children as they enter or leave the home. Potential hazards are currently evident if this room was used more frequently especially by younger children. The home's kitchen / diner is the area that is used for the majority of play activities. Children know where their resources are stored and either find them independently or ask for those that they wish to use.

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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 attended a course identifying the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has written guidance in place, although is unclear about secure arrangements of agencies to contact should she have a concern. Children are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure of the home and their attendance is recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. After school children can participate in a range of activities. These include those where children can be creative or relax watching the television or a DVD. They are able to choose what they would like to do. Suggestions are sometimes made by the childminder. For example, at the forthcoming Mothers' day celebration she suggested to a six-year-old that the child might like to make a card. A lovely range of resources had been purchased to make the card. This included pre-cut shapes, quality card and materials that included glue, glitter, sequins, sparkly paper and shiny attractive shapes. These were placed in small coloured pots for the child to access easily. Positive adult interaction and supervision was provided as the child made the card and explained that she would hide it in her bedroom until the special day. Although the range of resources are not extensive the childminder is aware of those

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

that she will need to purchase for future use, such as those for babies and children under five. She is also fully aware of the need to develop her resources to include those that raise children's awareness of diversity. When children are at the childminder's home for longer periods of time, for example, during school holidays, the range of activities are extended. This includes painting and trips out into the community, for example, to the park or other places of interest to young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well, and when they succeed verbal praise is given to acknowledge their achievements. The childminder is aware of a range of strategies to use to manage children's behaviour because she has attended a relevant training course and has written guidance in place. She discusses children's inappropriate behaviour with parents to ensure that consistency is applied and support is provided. Parents are informed of the operation of the setting because a range of written polices and procedures are in place. This includes details of how parents might make a complaint, although information contained within the policy requires some development. A verbal exchange of information is also shared daily. The childminder is aware to liaise with parents to meet children's special or additional requirements. Discussions are held with children when the opportunity arises to discuss individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and special needs. For example, the fitting of an aid to improve sound and hearing. Resources to fully raise children's awareness of other cultures and activities to improve and develop children's understanding are currently limited.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All polices, procedures and information relating to children's personal details or documents that relate to the setting are stored well to maintain confidentiality. A resource and information file is currently being developed to enable parents to be kept informed about the operation and management of the service. This also includes a training diary of events that have been attended by the childminder. The information gained from training and corresponding written information is well organised to aid the childminder in her care of children and develop her skills and knowledge. The childminder has developed links with other childminders in the area. She has ensured that suitable checks are carried out on herself and her partner to maintain children's safety. Her commitment to professional training and development supports her care of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it

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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 complaint 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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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):

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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 • improve the opportunities for children to learn more about personal hygiene and healthy eating through the daily routine • ensure that children are not exposed to hazards inside the home or when using the garden area • ensure the lock on the bathroom door is not a hazard for children and that they cannot leave the property or garden area unsupervised • ensure details are known of agencies to contact if concerns are raised about a child • develop resources including those that raise children's awareness of other cultures and disability.

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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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