Denton, Julie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318065 Inspection date 02 May 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 2005. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 13 years and 2 years in a semi detached house in Ilkley. She is within walking distance of the local parks and shops. The childminder uses the ground floor for childminding which includes a lounge and dining kitchen. Children use the first floor to access the toilet and daytime sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family pets include two cats and a rabbit.

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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 visits the local craft group on a weekly basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 7 children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished and enjoy a good variety of nutritious snacks and meals, which include a good selection of fruit and vegetables and are supported by a written food procedure. There are systems in place to record children's dietary needs to ensure their individual needs are met. Children can access regular drinks throughout the day which includes the option of water. There are discussions as the children wash their hands, helping the children begin to understand the importance of personal hygiene and the childminder implements good hygiene procedures whilst changing nappies. The childminder is efficiently recording children's accidents and administration of medication and giving appropriate information to parents. Children's need for rest and sleep is discussed with parents and sensitively implemented. The childminder has family pets and has implemented a written procedure to share with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are acquiring physical skills as they access the outdoor area, go for walks and trips to the local park. This is supported by a broad range of outdoor equipment which includes wheeled toys, a small climbing frame and sand pit.

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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 have been identified and most issues addressed. However, although the safety of the patio doors has not been established the childminder has implemented a detailed action plan to address this. Safety is supported by detailed emergency plans, clear policies for the collection of children and procedures for the childminder to follow if they get lost. Children's understanding of fire safety is promoted by evacuation practices reinforced by detailed written plans and procedures. The childminder is effectively developing the children's understanding of safety by giving clear explanations on how they should go up the stairs and why not to go in the kitchen area. The areas used for children's play are creatively arranged and include attractive displays of children's art work and some photographs. This gives the children a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sense of belonging and ensures it is a welcoming environment to play and learn. Children access a broad range of resources appropriate for the ages and stages of children attending and actively supports their learning and development. Resources are accessibly arranged to encourage children to make a range of independent

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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 choices. The safety of resources is maintained by regular checks. Children's welfare is promoted, with the childminder's sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Safeguarding Board. This is supported by a written policy on child protection which is included in her professional file.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children demonstrate interest and involvement in a wide range of activities. This is highlighted in the children's individual files, which the childminder is establishing. These files include a variety of painting and sticking supported by photographs of activities, such as baking, visiting the lambs and going to the park. The childminder has developed a simple weekly planner, which she uses with flexibility and highlights activities, such as music, dancing and egg hunts. The children enjoy being creative and experimenting with paint. They become very excited as the childminder prepares painting on the floor to allow younger children greater opportunities to participate. Children make marks and develop control of their brushes with the older children extending this to painting their hands and producing hand printed pictures. All children maintain good concentration and persist for some

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

time at the activity whilst enjoying the freedom to express themselves. Whilst looking at books with the childminder the children identify the sounds of an aeroplane, motor bike and train and they take turns to press sounds whilst enjoying a story of Bob the Builder. The childminder's effective interaction and sensitive questioning supports children's learning. She responds to children's questioning of why things are being done positively and children are confident in their responses from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of resources to support the children's understanding of diversity and present positive self images for all the children being cared for which include small world figures, doll, dressing up clothes and books with some in dual text. Children's individual needs are valued and met through detailed discussions with parents as they begin their care. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children develop trust and receive appropriate support when settling in to her care which is supported by obtaining detailed routines from the parents. The ongoing needs are met by the sharing of information verbally on a daily basis; this is supported by daily diaries and a weekly phone call to parents. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure the parents are kept well informed about all the relevant policies and procedures. Children are well behaved in response to the calm and sensitive response from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. They play reasonably co-operatively together and are skilfully distracted

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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 by the childminder. Children are developing self-assurance from exploration within close and caring relationships.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A good range of documentation is used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children which includes a detailed professional file including clear policies and procedures. The quality of care is enhanced, with the childminder's positive attitude to training to improve her knowledge and practices, such as the Birth to three matters. The childminder organises her home effectively, enabling children to extend their play and learning. Thoughtful management of her time allows her to fit the individual needs of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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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 the glass in the patio doors is made safe or inaccessible.

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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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