Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318734 Inspection date 18 July 2006 Inspector Hilary Mary Mckenning

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two grown up daughters. The family live in Clayton West, near Huddersfield. This is close to the local park, schools and transport links. All of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding. Outdoor play space is available at the front of the premises. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for three children on a part time basis. Family pets include a dog, two cats and a rabbit. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. They are protected from illness and infection as they follow hygiene procedures as part of their daily routine. This results in children learning about the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and accident records are maintained. However, permission for emergency treatment is not in place. Children enjoy regular contact with the family's pets. Children enjoy a range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, play areas and walks to and from school allow children to develop their all round physical skills. They have access to a range of physical activities that contribute to children's good health. This ensures that they develop confidence in their physical abilities in a positive manner. Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which take into account

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Helping children to be healthy

children's dietary needs and parents' wishes. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Children’s individual eating and sleeping routines are discussed with parents and followed, therefore, they are well rested and so enjoy their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a safe environment. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around designated play areas independently. Potential hazards have been addressed in order to maintain a secure environment both indoors and out. For example, the use of safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms means children can move around freely and safely. Children are encouraged to be aware of their own safety and of how to avoid accidents. For example, clear explanations are given to children about road safety and they are introduced to road safety procedures when off the premises. This results in children having the opportunity to freely explore within safe surroundings. Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

abuse. She has a written policy that is shared with parents, although this does not contain the procedure to be taken if an allegation is made against herself or a family member. Children easily access a good range of quality resources allowing them to make choices safely. Children's toys and equipment are monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in the environment. There are familiar daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The routine is flexible to allow children to follow their own daily patterns. Children make their own choices about their play from the range of resources available to them. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their sense of self-assurance. Through informal planning, opportunities allow children to explore the immediate environment with interest, building on their natural curiosity. The childminder considers children's ages and interests to ensure activities are suitably challenging and help them make progress in all areas of their development. Younger children engage in activities which extend their language and skills in playing with musical toys. Children access an interesting range of activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and experiences. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. Children relate well to the childminder and they enjoy being in her care. There are close and affectionate relationships where cuddles are a regular feature. Children are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with other children and adults. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern in order to meet their individual needs. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children. The childminder works with parents to ensure children’s daily routines are followed. Children are happy and content and show a sense of belonging. They have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem. Children's awareness of the local community is promoted through regular outings to local carer groups. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities and experiences, which include opportunities to relax and be active, and to play creatively. However, children have access to a limited selection of multicultural toys and activities. As a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

result, children's awareness about culture, ethnicity and disability is not fully explored. They develop independence as they choose from resources that are readily accessible for children to support their learning. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children,

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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 distraction techniques are used effectively. Partnerships with parents and carers are satisfactory, which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Regular information is shared with parents to ensure they are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and comfortable within their surroundings. The childminder organises the space and resources to enable children to follow individual routines to promote welfare, care and development. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings. Documentation is generally well kept, although some documents lack the required detail. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve her practice. For example, she has recently completed a level 2 qualification. Children's care and learning is supported as the childminder provides appropriate levels of supervision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • seek permission from parents for emergency medical treatment • update child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board • ensure that children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • ensure all documents have the required detail.

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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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