Childminder in North Yorkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315199 Inspection date 18 May 2006 Inspector Carol-Anne Shaw

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives in the village of Slingsby, North Yorkshire, close to local amenities which include shops, a school and park. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the property, there is a bathroom on this level. There is a suitable rear garden which is used for children’s outdoor play. The registration is for a maximum of three children under eight years. Currently there is one child attending. The childminder has a Level 3 qualification in childcare and is an experienced

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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 childcare worker. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home that is appropriately organised for childminding. There are good hygiene routines in place. Children learn about hygiene when washing their hands after the toilet, before meals and after completing creative activities. They are becoming increasingly independent in their own personal care with good support from the childminder. Children’s health and welfare is protected appropriately with the clear information and guidance available from parents. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which effectively promote their physical health. The childminder has a good awareness of each child’s stage of development. Children confidently practice their new skills through the well organised activities that encourage increasing physical control. The meal time arrangements ensure that children are well nourished. They enjoy fruit as a healthy alternative at snack time and between meals. The close communication

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Helping children to be healthy

with parents ensures children’s individual dietary requirements are managed effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is safe for children as the risks have been minimised by the childminder. Children freely move about the ground floor. They independently access equipment and resources. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children, keeping children safe both inside and outside the home. Children enjoy using the range of toys and equipment. The childminder ensures they are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. The good organisation allows children free access to make choices from the different activities. The verbal communication with parents ensures children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The daily discussion with parents effectively contributes to children’s safety. The childminder's appropriate awareness of child protection issues and her good attention to children’s welfare means that this is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well in the childminder's welcoming home. Children are confident and their self-esteem is growing, the relationship between the childminder and the children is strong. Children show increasing independence as they choose from the

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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 range of well organised resources and toys available. The interesting and well planned activities enable children to increase their knowledge and understanding in a very practical way. Children enjoy the challenge of painting and play dough. Through the childminder's effective questioning, children’s learning is fostered. They talk about the outings and places they have visited, supporting and developing their understanding. Children respond well to the physical activities, for example, planting the hanging basket and growing things. Children talk about number and colour when playing games. They are able to recognise their name. Children enjoy the outside play area, they have many opportunities to play and use outside resources to effectively support their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the local community and wider world through the activities and resources that increase children’s understanding of others. They learn about their own culture and other cultures when visiting local places of interest. However, the activities and resources that support children’s understanding of disabilities is limited. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They follow a routine that is discussed and agreed with parents. Their individual needs are met each day and they have a close caring relationship with the childminder. Children respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. They behave very well, showing respect for both resources and others, learning to share and take turns. They show good manners saying please and thank you when having their snack. Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the positive relationships

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Helping children make a positive contribution

established with parents. The childminder discusses all issues with the parents before new children start. However, there is a lack of written information to support her childminding service. Verbal information exchange takes place each day, ensuring parents are kept well informed of their child’s routines and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at home in the well organised environment. This means children are confident to initiate and extend their play and learning. Procedures are used appropriately to promote children’s welfare and learning. These are shared with parents to keep them informed about the childminding service. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The childminder is proactive with her training and is continuing to develop her knowledge and understanding of the care and welfare of young children.

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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 Most of the required documentation for the safe management of the childminding service is effectively organised and available for parents. However, permission for emergency treatment is not available. Confidentiality is maintained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all 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 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): • ensure that written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, for consent for emergency medical treatment • develop activities and resources to support children's understanding of disabilities. • develop available information to better inform parents about the childminding service.

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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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