Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320106 Inspection date 15 June 2006 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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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 has been registered since February 2005 to care for no more than four children aged less than 8 years at any one time. At present there are two children on roll; both of whom attend on a part-time basis only. The whole of the ground is used for minding. The childminder has a recognised early year’s qualification and is a member of a childminding association. She lives with her husband and nine year old son on the outskirts of Wakefield. The family have a pet cat.

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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 provided with an environment that is welcoming. They are kept healthy through the childminder being pro-active in promoting good hygiene practice. For example, disposable aprons and gloves are used when changing children to prevent the spread of cross infection. Children's dietary needs are met and they are provided with a nutritious diet of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as regular drinks of water. Children are kept free from infection through the implementation of a sick child policy which requests parents to follow incubation periods for contagious diseases. However, this information is not made available to parents. Children are offered good opportunities to develop and enjoy physical exercise through regular visits to the local adventure playground and play gym. Their needs with regard to rest and sleep are well met through regular routines and the childminder's satisfactory understanding of

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Helping children to be healthy

the individual needs of the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally secure environment where the implementation of mandatory policies and procedures ensure children are kept safe. Children are able to move around with independence, safety and freedom. They access a wide variety of toys, resources and activities which are safe, purposeful and meet British safety standards. Children benefit from the childminders good understanding of her role and responsibilities in ensuring they are kept safe on outings. For example, the carrying of a mobile phone with contact numbers as well as identification and confirmation that children present are minded. However, this information is not made available to parents. Children avoid accidental injury in the home through simple reminders and explanations. For example, no climbing or running as you may fall and hurt yourself. Children are kept free from harm through the childminders good knowledge and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of issues and procedures with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed, confident learners. They show enjoyment, perseverance and enthusiasm when playing as well as benefiting from a warm caring relationship with the childminder. Children receive lots of praise, support and encouragement which raise their levels of self-esteem and confidence. They are given good opportunities to experience a wide range of toys, resources and activities which contribute well to their development. Children's awareness of number, shape, language and colour is well promoted through everyday activities and the childminder's very good understanding of how children learn through play. For example, discussing the shape and colour of everyday objects as well as counting

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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 steps when out walking. Children enjoy participating in singing and spontaneously join in with actions. They accompany themselves from a wide variety of musical instruments. Children benefit from regular attendance at a childminder group which promotes well their understanding of taking turns and learning to share. Parents receive written as well as verbal feedback about their child's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their confidence and ability to believe in themselves is well promoted. Children benefit from the positive attitude and comprehensive understanding of the childminders regard to equality of opportunity. Previous experience of working with children with special needs ensures all children have full access to resources and activities. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is well promoted through discussion and wide range of resources. For example, multi-cultural musical instruments and Maori village. Children are well behaved, encouraged to be polite, respect themselves and others. Parents are made to feel welcome and are given a detailed list of questions to ask which cover all areas of the provision. Their work patterns are taken into account and they are provided with an information portfolio which includes policies and procedures. Parents are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraged to share information and comment positively on the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised setting. The effective use of space and resources allows children to move with safety, freedom and independence. Children are well protected through the high priority given to ensuring they are kept safe. Well written policies and procedures such as child protection, and equal opportunities work in practice to promote children's health and safety. However, there is no procedure in place for recording complaints which is a breach of regulations. Children benefit from the extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of the childminder with regard to early years care and education. This allows children to be independent, confident learners who enjoy their time in the setting. Children's needs are met effectively and efficiently through the very caring attitude of the childminder, her commitment to improving her service as well as a strong, working partnership

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Organisation

with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 there is a procedure in place to record complaints • review sick child policy to ensure the information mentioned in the sick child policy with regard to infectious diseases is made available to parents • develop safety policy to include how children are kept safe on outings.

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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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