Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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322002 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Maralyn Chiverton 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 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 January 1996 and is registered to care for no more than five children aged under eight years at any one time. She works with another childminder and between them they may care for no more than nine children under eight years at any one time. At present there are 11 children who attend on a part-time and full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and the toilet facilities are located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden and patio available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her family in Crofton on the outskirts of Wakefield. The family have a number of pets including one dog, three cats, two guinea pigs and two rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from school as well as attending the local parent and toddler group. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 are cared for in an environment that is clean and welcoming. They are kept healthy through the childminder's comprehensive understanding of the need for effective health and hygiene practices. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, as well as after caring for the rabbits and guinea pig. Children's understanding of personal hygiene is well promoted through discussion, 'We need to wash off the germs so we don't get a tummy bug'. They are kept free from infection through the use of individual towels and bedding, as well as an effective sickness policy which includes a list of infectious diseases. However, the incubation period for infectious diseases is not included.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good, well-balanced, nutritious diet which includes lots of fresh vegetables, fruit and meat, as well as regular drinks of fresh water throughout the day. They have a clear understanding of the benefits of healthy eating through simple discussion, looking at books and visits to places of interest, such as Eureka. They are provided with a very good range of outdoor equipment, such as a large trampoline, as well as regular visits to a local play gym, which promote their enjoyment of physical exercise well. They have access to a comfortable sofa for periods of rest and relaxation

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are provided with a safe and secure environment. They have independent access to toys and resources which are safe, suitable, appropriate and purposeful. The childminder regularly checks the toys and equipment to ensure they are safe for children to use. Children are kept safe through effective policies and procedures. For instance, fire evacuation procedures are practised on a regular basis and recorded to identify any concerns. The childminder has written risk assessments to ensure the safety of children both indoors and when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children understand the importance of keeping themselves safe, particularly when taken on outings. For example, they follow the Green Cross Code and wear name badges. They avoid accidental injury in the home through simple reminders and explanations. For example, 'No running, as you may fall, hurt yourself and others'. The garden is safe and secure and allows children the opportunity to play on both paved and grassed areas. Children are kept free from harm through the childminder's very good understanding of the 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's individual needs and welfare are well promoted through the childminder's positive relations with parents. They are provided with a very good, wide variety of interesting and purposeful resources and activities which promote their creative and imaginative skills. These include creative activities, such as making hot air balloons using papier-mâché, as well as making

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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 musical instruments. The childminder promotes children's understanding of language, colour and shape through everyday activities, such as the use of books and nursery rhymes, as well as the use of effective resources, such as colourful alphabet and number posters, number jigsaws and Lotto. They benefit from regular outings to places of interest, such as Eureka and the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very well behaved and have a very good understanding of right and wrong through simple discussion and explanation about the need to follow the 'house rules'. They benefit from the childminder's very good understanding of her role in promoting children's learning. Children receive lots of support and encouragement, which allows them to be confident learners. Parents receive verbal information about their child's progress. They have access to their child's individual books which include photographs, as well as written comments, about the activities they have participated in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are greeted warmly upon arrival and made to feel fully included in the setting. Their understanding and awareness of their needs and those of others is well promoted through sensitive discussion. For example, the older children are encouraged to take care of the younger children. Children have developed a good awareness and understanding of diversity by exploring positive images through good resources, such as books depicting other cultures, puppets and dressing up clothes. Their understanding of the local environment is well promoted through collecting frog spawn, conkers and acorns from visits to a nearby lake.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the very positive attitude and sound understanding of the childminder in regard to promoting equal opportunities, through recognising that children are individual and have individual needs. For example, adapting activities for children with learning difficulties or disabilities to ensure they are able to participate in all activities. The childminder respects and values the views and wishes of parents. They are asked to complete questionnaires which cover areas such as the range of activities provided, whether children are happy to attend and areas for improvement. Parents are fully informed about the provision and are provided with an information booklet which includes policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for through the childminder's clear understanding of her role and her strong emphasis on keeping them safe. However, the confidentiality policy does not include any reference to child protection. Children benefit from having a separate playroom which allows them to independently choose the toys they wish to play with. They receive lots of encouragement, support and praise which clearly shows the high regard the childminder has for the well-being of the children in her care. Effective policies and procedures, as well as mandatory documentation, ensure the provision runs smoothly and efficiently. These also

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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 contribute to children's good health, safety, enjoyment and the ability to take an active part in the provision provided.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the effective partnerships between the childminder and their parents, which ensure their individual needs are well met. They are competently supervised at all times and the childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and understanding of working with children through training. This will broaden the range of the children's experiences, contributing to the quality of care.

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Organisation

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

Since the last care inspection the setting has taken very positive steps to improve children's welfare and safety and to inform parents of their child's progress. For example, children now have their progress recorded in their own individual book which includes photographs and written comments. A separate register records all adults caring for children and children are given their own individual bedding when sleeping. A more effective procedure has been introduced when changing children's nappies, which includes the use of disposable gloves and anti-bacterial liquid for wiping down the changing mat.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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 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): • review the sick child policy to include incubation periods for infectious diseases • review the confidentiality policy to include information with regard to child protection and confidentiality.

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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 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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