Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY216439 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2006 Inspection date Helene Anne Terry Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eight years in a semi-detached property in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The whole of the downstairs and the small bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for the children. The garden is used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. At present she has three children on roll between the ages of one and four years, who attend for various sessions throughout the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends toddler groups and she 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 enjoy a good, healthy, balanced diet that meets their individual needs and promotes their health. They are offered meals containing fruit and vegetables and the childminder endeavours to make these appetising through enticing presentation, including sandwiches cut into different shapes. Drinks are always accessible, in cups for the younger children and in a jug for older children to help themselves. The daily menu is displayed for parents' information.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are daily opportunities for children to take part in physical activity to promote their health. They enjoy visits to the park, go for walks to see the animals nearby and play in the garden with a good range of resources, such as bikes, a scooter, slide and balls.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable consideration is given to hygiene in the home. Toys are washed regularly and hygienic nappy changing procedures are in place; preventing cross infection. Children are developing some awareness of personal hygiene, for example, they are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before eating; including babies who have their hands wiped after nappy changes. Children are suitably cared for should they become unwell. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place, such as accident and medication records. Written permission is received from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, and there is a written sickness policy. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired. This is a breach of regulation; however, she has received the dates of training courses to attend to enable her to renew her certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Most safety aspects in the home are effectively considered to ensure that the environment is a safe place in which children can play. However, there are a number of issues that slightly compromise children's safety. The fireguard is not fully secured to the wall, although it is not currently in use owing to the hot weather. The outside drain cover does not cover the drain sufficiently and the gas meter at the side of the house is exposed to children when they pass this area. The childminder minimises risks to children on outings because she follows simple safety precautions, such as taking safe routes, and carrying a first aid kit and emergency contact details.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the very good range of toys and equipment accessible to them to promote all areas of their development. Resources are stored in the lounge and kitchen, and children have free choice; fostering independence. All equipment is appropriately maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space in the home is used effectively to support the different age groups of children. Older children can use the kitchen or small bedroom if they wish to play with toys that are not suitable for the younger children, such as small bricks and games. The children are kept safe owing to the childminder's good understanding of child protection and the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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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 She has attended training in this area, and has the Local Safeguarding Children Board details to hand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the child friendly environment where they have good access to a wide range of activities, which enhances their development in all areas. Informal planning for activities takes place, especially around the different festivals, such as Diwali, Easter and the Chinese New Year. The childminder has an awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and attempts to incorporate this into the activities for the younger children, such as heuristic play. Specimens of children's creative work are displayed, enhancing their self-esteem. Children enjoy taking part in many creative activities, such as painting, drawing, and cutting and sticking, play dough, baking and Plasticine. They also learn about their own safety and that of others through activities, for example, emergency services stickers; creating pictures of emergency situations and who to call should they require help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction between the childminder and the children is very warm and trusting relationships have been developed, which increases children's sense of well-being and confidence. The childminder talks to babies about what she is doing, enabling babies to link words to actions. They look at books together, and enjoy this quiet time for close physical contact.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good, varied routine is followed throughout the week to enrich children's well-being. They have time for rests, snacks, meals and activities inside and outside the home in line with their own routines. Toddlers enjoy visiting toddler groups to enable them to socialise with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are known and well met by the childminder. Admission forms are thorough, and a good partnership with parents begins with a gradual introduction for each child, when as much information as possible is shared. Children benefit from good communication between the childminder and parents that ensures consistency of care. Parents receive the setting's policies and procedures, and sign to say that they understand them. These are also displayed in the kitchen for further information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences, and time is spent raising children's awareness of culture, gender and disability through activities, resources and discussions. Boys and girls are encouraged to take part in all activities promoting equal opportunities. Children learn about different religious and cultural celebrations, and have access to books and toys that reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder is proactive in identifying children's special requirements and is aware of the need to work in partnership with parents and other professionals to enable children to reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of the childminder's 'house rules', which include sharing, taking turns, use of good manners and respecting one another. The childminder has a good understanding of

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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 behaviour management techniques to promote positive behaviour, such as distraction and lots of praise and encouragement. She takes full account of the different levels of children's understanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Documentation is well organised and an information package is given to parents that includes all policies and procedures, including the complaints procedure. However, this procedure does not contain the address for Ofsted should parents wish to write with concerns. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving her skills and knowledge and recently attended 'Birth to three matters' training and a child protection course. However, her first aid certificate has recently expired. Children benefit from her good experience and qualifications in caring for children, having obtained a level 3 qualification in care and education.

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Organisation

The organisation of space, time and resources effectively meets the needs of children; as a result children settle well and are happy. Different parts of the home are used for the various activities, which enables all children to be fully involved in activities suitable for their stage of development. The childminder protects children well owing to her good understanding of supervision and vetting processes for adults coming into contact with children. Unvetted adults are never left alone with children and a password is used to ensure that children do not leave the premises with adults not confirmed by their 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

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve her child protection knowledge, documentation and resources depicting diversity in society. Good improvements have been made to protect children. Child protection training has been attended and information for the Local Safeguarding Children Board is readily accessible. The daily register is now fully maintained and written parental permission has been obtained from parents to enable the childminder to take children out. Resources depicting positive images of diversity in society are accessible to children enabling them to have a wider understanding of the world.

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Complaints 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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Complaints 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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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 that a current first aid certificate is maintained at all times • ensure that the fire in the lounge does not pose a risk to children when in use • ensure that the drain and the gas meter at the side of the house does not pose a risk to the children.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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