Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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503287 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2006 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 2001. There are six children on roll. She lives with her husband and two children in a terraced house in Elland. There are shops, parent and toddler groups and a park nearby. The lounge, dining area, conservatory and a first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed play area to the rear of the property. The family care for several pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted satisfactorily as the childminder generally applies appropriate standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. However, inconsistencies with hand

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 washing procedures during nappy changes, between children were observed. Children learn aspects of cleanliness through simple daily hygiene routines. For example, a young child confidently and independently wiped her hands and face after lunch. The childminder implements effective procedures and acts in children’s best interests if they are ill and all written aspects of the medical consents from parents are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively engage in a wide range of physical activities that contribute to their health and emotional well-being. This includes physical activities indoors, outdoors, and regular outings in the fresh air, to help them to develop skills and confidence. For example, the children regularly attend 'Adventure World', where they can safely run, jump and climb.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn the benefits of eating for their healthy growth and development well. They access drinks regularly and enjoy a good varied balance of nutritious meals and snacks; this includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables from the childminders organic allotment. Children follow their individual eating routines and are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. Meal times are a relaxed and social occasion in which good manners form part of the experience.

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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 and welcoming environment both indoors and out. Risk assessments are undertaken, and where risks are identified these are minimised. Strong work practices help to prevent accidents and promote the children's safety and well-being. For example, children stay safe because they wear fluorescent wrist bands for outings and fluorescent jackets during school runs in darker months. The childminder has a good understanding that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits. She understands well that appropriate types of activities and suitable levels of support gives the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. She knows the children's capabilities well and is aware when young children are developing a strong sense of independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and activities. These are appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. Children have an understanding of the fire evacuation procedure and they practise them regularly. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents to ensure she acts in the best interests of the children. She has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are well settled, confident and content in the child orientated and caring environment. Children show pleasure, confidence and independence in making choices within their environment. For example, a young child expressed delight in making the toy chicks tweet, and the childminder provided opportunities to extend a child's learning by asking questions, such as what colour, how many and she supported the child in 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 The children benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home, resulting in them being secure and confident in their surroundings. The children receive plenty of attention and good levels of interaction increase their sense of well-being. Children regularly socialise and extend their experiences through outings, such as to the childminder network group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a varied and interesting range of activities and experiences for the children. The childminder uses her skills and knowledge to adapt activities so that they take into account the differing developmental needs of all the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder fully supports children’s development through effective observations to enable her to plan for individual children's next step. She is consolidating her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters', framework and using it to influence her plans to enable children to build on what they already know and can do. This contributes to promoting positive outcomes for children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder meets individual needs appropriately as children follow their daily routines. She values and respects individuality and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Children have access to a sound range of resources which helps to increase their awareness of diversity, and they learn about their community through local outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to managing behaviour. She gives plenty of praise within clear, consistent boundaries. Children benefit from the consistent approach between the childminder and their parents. This continuity, and reasonable expectations, encourages children to discover boundary limits, and learn about how to show care and respect for each other by sharing and taking turns. They also show care and respect for other living things, for example, the many pets that the childminder cares for on the premises.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children clearly benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has with parents, which includes friendly discussions about their child's needs and progress. This suitable partnership promotes children’s well-being and development, enhancing and enriching their experience, and as a result, children settle well in response. The childminder has adopted written policies and procedures to keep parents informed about current child care practices to promote the care, welfare and learning of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound commitment to further training and using other resources to keep up to date with current practice. The skills, knowledge, and experiences gained, contribute effectively to enhancing the service further.

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Organisation

Space and the wide range of resources are creatively organised to enable children to participate in activities and follow their individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development.

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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 For example, free flow between rooms and suitably organised activities, enables children to access them independently and follow their chosen interests.

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Organisation

Required adult-child ratios are met well on the day of the inspection and provide appropriate levels of care and supervision to ensure that children are well supported. In response, children are secure and confident in their surroundings.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and all of the required documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of children. However, the requirement to display the registration certificate at all times, while child minded children are present has been overlooked, due to redecoration of the premises. 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

Satisfactory progress has been made since the last inspection. The required consents from parents have been obtained to enable the childminder to act in the best interest of the children when administering medication. The childminder has sought to develop her knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues, thus broadening children’s awareness of diversity within the wider community, suitably supported through the extension of resources that provide positive images of others. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to ensure documentation is kept confidential and appropriate systems are in place. Therefore partnerships with parents are open, trusting, friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure that risks to prevent cross infection are implemented with regard to nappy changing procedures • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed at all times while child minded children are present.

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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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