Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289402 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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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 August 2004. She lives with her son in a detached home in Dewsbury, close to local shops, schools and park. All of the ground floor is in use for childminding. This includes the kitchen and lounge. The rear bedroom and bathroom is used on the first floor. The childminder is registered to care for five children and has one child on roll. 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 good. Children’s good health is promoted well both indoors and out. The childminder applies effective standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of cleanliness through good daily hygiene routines. They know they must wash their hands before eating and after the toilet. The childminder generally implements good procedures and acts in children’s best interest if they are ill. However, a written aspect of the medical consents from parents is insufficient. The childminder provides a broad range of physical activities that contribute to the children’s good health and emotional well-being. They engage in physical activities to help them develop skills and confidence by visiting the local play gym. This contributes to their awareness of the way activity affects their bodies and to know when they need to drink and rest. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They drink regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

throughout the day and enjoy a packed lunch brought from home. This is appropriately stored. The childminder is well aware of encouraging the children to eat their fruit before biscuits. They are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. This makes meal times a relaxed, social occasion.

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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 safe environment both indoors and out. Risk assessments are undertaken and where risks are identified these are minimised. The childminder has a good understanding that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children show a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They know they must hold the childminder's hand when they are out walking. She knows that appropriate types of activities and suitable levels of support gives the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. Children easily and independently select from a broad range of good quality activities and equipment. These are highly appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. Children regularly practice fire drills and a young child was able to identify the exits on the procedure displayed. The childminder has a secure working knowledge of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

what child protection issues mean and knows possible signs, however, knowledge of the local area child protection committee procedures is insufficient. She holds a current first aid certificate.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy and extremely settled in the stimulating child orientated environment. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of exciting, developmentally, appropriate indoor activities and outings. Children show great pleasure, confidence and independence in making choices about their activities and all spend their time purposefully. For example a young child expressed sheer delight as she explored the echo microphone. To begin with she discovered that it made sounds loud as the her breath was amplified. As her confidence grew exploring this new piece of technology she began to sing " Twinkle, twinkle little star". A good level of challenge is provided for all ages of children. Children relate well to each other and close attachments with the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promotes good levels of interaction, this increases their sense of well being. Children regularly socialise and extend experiences well through daily outings. The arrangement for sharing activities with parents includes verbal discussion and an abundance of creative work displayed. The childminder highly values these pieces of work and this has a positive outcome on children's self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children take part in a good range of meaningful activities and resources that promotes a positive view of the world. This increases their awareness of diversity and their understanding of other living things. For example, they visit the park and butterfly garden. Children learn about their local community through their daily outings. The childminder meets individual needs extremely well, as children follow their daily routines. She values and respects individuality and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. The childminder has a very positive approach to managing behaviour. She gives lots of praise within clear, consistent boundaries. These reasonable expectations encourage children to discover boundary limits and learn about rules. They show care and respect for each other and demonstrate very good manners. They learn to care for other living things for example by feeding the ducks in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children clearly benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents and children settle well in response. This successful partnership promotes children’s well being and development, enhancing and enriching their experience.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease within the well-organised environment. The childminder provides a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities. Home based play and

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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 outings fit in with individual needs and routines effectively. Children are confident and independent to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required adult to child ratios is in place and managing low numbers during the day provides children with good levels of care and support. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development through attending appropriate training. The childminder uses the required documents to ensure she acts in the best interests of the children. In addition, she displays a fire procedure and other documentation, which keeps parents, informed. Effective use of these helps to promote their welfare, care and learning of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain a summary of the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures • obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment

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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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