Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300904 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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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 was registered in February 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and one year. Her sister who is also a registered co-childminder lives on the premises. They live in an end of terrace house on a residential road in Shenley Church End on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. The childminder uses the whole of the downstairs for childminding. There is no access to the upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children and is currently caring for one child who attends on a full time basis. She is not registered

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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 for overnight care. Her house in within walking distance of local shops, pre-school and schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children flourish in a clean, warm environment and learn that through good hygiene practices, hand washing, for example after use of the toilet and before eating, helps prevent the spread of infection and keeps them healthy. Children are able to participate in physical play on a regular basis which contributes to their good health and helps develop control of their bodies, for example, climbing up steps on a slide, riding wheeled toys. They are provided with opportunities to enjoy inside and outside play and are aware when they need a drink or rest and play according to their individual needs. Children benefit from a healthy and well balanced diet. They enjoy a variety of nutritious snacks and meals and drinks are regularly on offer throughout the day. All meals are discussed with parents to ensure any special dietary requirements are met and help the children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised wherever possible through the childminder having a variety of safety measures in place such as stair gates, socket covers and cupboard locks. She generally understands how to keep the children safe during their play, for example, the children wanted to hide under the table as part of their imaginative play so she removed the chairs so they didn't bang their heads. She does not, however, recognise all areas of risk such as children climbing on arms of chairs to reach toys. Children generally have easy access to toys and equipment and are able to play in a comfortable environment that helps them feel safe and secure. They use a range of toys and activities that are safe, good quality and appropriate to their ages and abilities. The protection of children is satisfactory through the childminder ensuring the premises are safe and secure. Children's welfare is adequately protected through the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder's basic knowledge of child protection issues and procedures, however, further development will enhance her understanding ensuring children are well protected.

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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 settle well in a comfortable environment. Children have opportunities to develop socially through attending local toddler and music groups. Children learn independence through being able to freely choose activities, toys and resources. They have access to a variety of activities such as imaginative, creative and messy play but the childminder does not always recognise opportunities to extend children's thinking through questioning their existing knowledge and providing them with new ideas and challenges for them to grapple with. Children have access to their own play areas in which they have plenty of room to move around easily and take part in lots of spontaneous play. They choose from a range of toys and equipment which they clearly enjoy playing with and are able to use and develop their imaginative play with the different resources that are on offer. Children have access to music and instruments through attending local groups

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder respects the individuality of the children and meets their needs well through following daily routines as discussed with the parents and carers. Children play well together and understand the need to share and when they cannot agree on this the childminder discusses the issue and helps the children understand their actions and learn right from wrong. Children generally behave well and the childminder ensures they are aware of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour through providing written house rules. They are learning to become independent through using the toilet or washing their hands alone. Children have limited access to activities and resources that help them learn about differing lifestyles and cultural events and celebrations. Toys and equipment do not reflect positive images and diversity, however, the childminder does provide opportunities for children to learn about their the local community by arranging visits

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to places of interest such as farms and routine outings to parks and the local library.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease within the generally well-organised environment which contributes to them feeling confident to initiate their own play. Children are able to settle well through the childminder ensuring there is good adult support for minded children helping them feel secure. She makes sure there is plenty of space to allow children the freedom to express their ideas during free play as well as more structured activities. Children also have access to areas for them to have their own personal space to read a book or just have quiet time.

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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 The childminder provides well-written policies and procedures which she shares with parents to ensure the promotion of children's welfare, care and learning. However, she does not always use them effectively in helping the children progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the children's needs.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. • devise and implement a system to ensure children progress in all areas of development. • provide a range of toys and activities that reflect positive images and diversity.

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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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