Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302291 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Ann Webb 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 2000 and is currently caring for seven children. She lives with her husband who is an assistant, adult son and eight year old grandson in a semi-detached home in the Wibsey area of Bradford.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to the living room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen and upstairs toilet. There is access to an enclosed rear garden, which is mainly grassed. The family have a cat and a dog. The childminder attends a parent and toddler group held at the local church and community centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are good opportunities for the children to learn about healthy eating. For example, they enjoy fresh steamed vegetables each day and taste spinach, cauliflower and particularly like

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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 sweet corn. Snacks of bananas and apple are provided and children are encouraged to drink water and milk throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They take walks each day, visit the park and play outdoors in the garden. They are able to develop the skills needed for physical development, for example riding tricycles, kicking balls and sliding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children contribute toward their own hygiene practices effectively, and know when they have visited the toilet that they need to wash their hands. Hand wipes are available to use on trips and outings. The childminder is a good role model for the children and ensures that all areas of the home are clean and well maintained. She follows good nappy changing routines, washing her hands and disposing of soiled nappies carefully and hygienically.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health and well-being is further promoted as the childminder does not care for children who have an infectious illness. She contacts parents if a child becomes unwell whilst in her care. The children are able to rest and sleep in accordance with their own routines and parental wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure the environment for children is safe. For example, all the required safety features are in place, such as safety gates, smoke detectors and harnesses fitted to high chairs. She ensures that the home is secure and keeps a written record of all visitors. Additionally, written and well detailed assessments identify all areas of risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children access furniture and resources which are safe and suitable for their use. All toys are well maintained and in good condition. They are presented well and are safely and easily accessible. This ensures that the children are able to select their own resources safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures to record accidents and the administration of medication are followed consistently by the childminder. For example, parents are required to sign records which ensures that they receive accurate information regarding their children's care. The children learn effectively to contribute toward their own safety and they know when they hear the alarm they have to leave the house quickly. Additionally, they follow road safety procedures during visits and outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety is further promoted through the childminder's clear understanding of the Local Safe Guarding Children Board procedures. She has a written child protection policy which is read and signed by all parents. Additionally, contact details for child protection agencies are readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from positive interaction with adults. They are confident communicators and their emerging language skills are well supported and encouraged throughout their play. The childminder has a sound understanding of the developmental needs of the children in her care, and plans a varied and interesting range of activities and learning opportunities.

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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 During a role play activity the children dress up in costumes. They want to be soldiers, they pull on trousers and hats and admire their image in the mirror. The children ask the childminder to play some music. Their favourite tunes inspire them to dance and tumble on the floor, and they use their bodies to sway to the music and follow the beat by clapping their hands.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to direct their own play and learning. For example, they tip out a box of replica dinosaurs and animals onto the floor. They sit sorting through them and make good attempts to name animals such as, giraffe and cow. During a quieter moment the children enjoy the closeness and one to one attention whilst reading a well-loved book. They look at pictures and more able children attempt to recall the story of the princess and the potty.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's learning is supported by a good range of toys and resources. For example, books, construction, small world figures, art and craft and creative play. The childminder ensures that the resources she provides are easily accessible and suitable for the ages of the children and their stages of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children learn successfully about their boundaries and what is expected of them. The childminder uses positive behaviour strategies to ensure that good behaviour is rewarded. She manages unwanted behaviour with explanation, guidance and short periods of time out. Consequently, the children behave well and respond positively to the childminder's words of encouragement and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder, parents and carers. There are good systems to share information about the children and the care they receive. For example, a settling in period ensures that the children become familiar with their surroundings. Written documentation provides parents with a detailed account of their children's care, such as accident and medication records. Additionally, there are daily verbal exchanges of information which are supported with a written account of the children's daily care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good opportunities for the children to learn about the local and wider community. For example, they play with a varied range of resources which reflect a positive image of race, disability and gender. These include books, small world figures and the celebration of traditions other than their own, for example Christmas, Diwali and Mothers Day. They visit local parks, shops and museums. Their developing independence is supported throughout most activities, however, during snack time the more able children do not have the opportunity to help themselves and influence portion size.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder manages her time efficiently and plans routines and activities effectively around the children's attendance patterns. She maintains most of the required records and documents securely. However, she does not have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. All records are easily accessible and ready for inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to keeping up to date with current child care practice. For example, she attends relevant training such as 'treasure baskets' and first aid. Her knowledge and

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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 understanding of the National Standards is generally good and she is aware of forthcoming changes, for example the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

The children are happy and settled in a homely, caring environment and consequently they are confident and comfortable in their surroundings. They receive good levels of adult support. Overall, the provision meets the range of the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve some aspects of record keeping and the presentation of resources. Since the last inspection the childminder has implemented systems to record incidents of physical restraint and details children's development records with photographs and short written captions. She now presents role play items in a low storage box which enables the children to make their own choices. These improvements contribute positively toward the safety and learning of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • improve opportunities for the more able children to further develop their independence with regard to snack times • obtain parents written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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