Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY262493 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Rachel Ayo

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged thirteen and three years in a semi-detached house in a quiet residential area of Baildon in Bradford. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes a lounge, kitchen diner and toilet. Children have use of a secure garden which is separated into a paved and grassed area for access to outdoor play. The family have two dogs which are kept on the first floor when children are being minded.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently caring for three children under five years on a full and part time basis. The childminder is currently caring for three children over eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished and benefit from the childminder's good understanding of healthy eating. Children are offered healthy snacks, such as, raw vegetable sticks and fruit. Children are offered regular drinks and are also encouraged to ask for drinks to ensure that they are not thirsty. The childminder provides a choice of water, fresh diluted juice or low-sugar diluted concentrated juice. A weekly menu, which generally reflects healthy eating, is displayed so that parents are informed about what their children are eating. Children are helped to stay healthy because of the childminder's good knowledge of how to prevent the spread of infection by implementing good hygiene routines and practice. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after toileting, separate drying arrangements are in place and a soap dispenser is used. Children learn about good personal hygiene through discussion with the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder. Accident and medicine records are generally maintained to a good standard, however, written parental consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice is not in place for some children. Children experience a good range of physical activities to promote their all round good health. Children use the childminder's spacious garden where they have access to a broad range of equipment to support their physical development, such as, ropes, balls, wheeled toys, and a trampoline. Children develop confidence in their physical skills and learn how to climb, balance and develop control of their bodies by using large apparatus when they visit the park. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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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 clean, well maintained home which is warm and welcoming. Good quality, well maintained toys are organised well. This means that children can move around safely and freely to independently access available resources from boxes, drawers and shelves. Space is used creatively to ensure that children can take part in both floor and table top activities. A generally good range of furniture and equipment is provided to meet the needs of children, however, equipment or furniture which enables children to rest or sleep comfortably is limited. Children benefit from very good safety measures both indoors and outdoors. For example, the outdoor area is fully secure, safety gates ensure that the stairs are

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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 inaccessible and cupboard locks protect children from hazardous substances. Children develop a good awareness of safety through regular practice of the written emergency escape plan. Sensitive reminders, such as a request to pick up toys from the floor to prevent someone tripping over, increase children's awareness of everyday safety in the home. Children's welfare and safety is promoted well by a written lost or uncollected policy and good systems to ensure the security of the premises. The childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection issues which ensures that children are sufficiently protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children present as happy and are confident in their environment. A good range of resources are available to meet the varying needs of all children. These are stimulating and sufficiently challenging in helping children to take the next step. Children's all round development is promoted by a very good range of activities which promote all areas of development, such as, outings, arts and craft, baking and water play. Children also benefit from everyday activities which are used to provide effective learning and play opportunities. For example, children count and talk about colours as they participate in setting the table for meals and sort and match clothes as they help to hang the washing out. Children are secure because of positive relationships with the childminder. The childminder engages herself in children's play and supports their learning by asking questions and showing interest in what they are doing. This means that children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interested in their environment and show good levels of concentration. Children are also provided with opportunities to play and learn independently and are fully involved in making choices to promote their independence and confidence. Children develop social skills as they attend a variety of groups, learn how to share, take turns and use good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The individual needs of all children are generally met well and all children are treated equally and fairly. Information is obtained from parents and includes information, such as allergies to ensure that appropriate care is provided. Children learn to be responsible as they help to tidy away their toys or help to set the table. Children behave well. They begin to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries and through praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour. The childminder uses age appropriate methods to manage behaviour including removal of an object which is causing conflict, ignoring negative behaviour and explanation. Children adequately learn about diversity by the provision of a sufficient range of resources which reflect positive images of gender, culture, ethnicity and disability.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationships with their parents. The childminder liaises with parents before placement to discuss her policies and procedures. This ensures that parents are fully informed about the provision and in agreement with the childminder's practice, and promotes continuity of care. Good systems are in place for sharing information with parents. For example, the childminder takes photographs of children engaging in a variety of activities, scrap books are maintained for each child and a notice board displays information and children's artwork. Confidentiality is fully understood and maintained to a good standard.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises space and resources well to meet the needs of all children and children benefit from well organised routines. The childminder utilises her time effectively to ensure that children are offered a wide variety of experiences throughout the week. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to training and personal development. She has attended appropriate training and is planning on attending further courses to enhance her practice. The childminder has a generally good understanding of necessary documentation to promote the care, learning and welfare of children. Most documentation is in place and well maintained and the childminder has devised some written policies and procedures to support her practice. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were several actions relating to; documentation; training; knowledge and understanding of appropriate activities for children aged 1 to 5 years; resources for children aged 1 to 5 years; safety and equal opportunity resources. The childminder now maintains a daily attendance record which is accurate and kept up to date which enhances documentation. The childminder has enhanced her ability to respond to any serious accidents or incidents by attending an appropriate first aid course. The childminder has obtained information and advice regarding appropriate activities for children under five years and these are now implemented well in her practice. Additionally the childminder has obtained a good range of resources to meet the needs of this age group. This enhances children's all round development. The childminder has obtained a sufficient range of resources which reflect equal

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Improvements since the last inspection

opportunities. This increases children's awareness of the wider world.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice in the future • provide appropriate furniture or equipment to ensure that children who are sleeping or resting are able to do so comfortably.

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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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