Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296692 Inspection date 27 July 2005 Inspector Annette Stanger

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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 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 2004, and is registered to care for six children under eight years of age. She lives with her husband and two children, both of school age. Minded children have access to most of the ground floor with toilet and sleeping facilities located upstairs. They have supervised access to the garden for outdoor play. The family pets include two cats. The childminder has completed an Introduction to Pre-school Practice stage 2 as well

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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 as approved childminding training, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices that contribute to children being healthy. They are cared for in a well-maintained environment where the childminder places high emphasis on keeping the home and equipment clean and hygienic. She follows excellent hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, operating a no outdoor shoes indoors policy and ensuring individual care items are used for named children only. Her approach to raising children’s awareness of healthy practices is extremely successful. She continuously encourages children to be independent in their personal care through timely discussions and daily routines. This increases their understanding of their own basic needs and helps them to recognise ways to successfully meet these. For example, such as developing an understanding when to get a tissue to blow their nose, and covering their mouths

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Helping children to be healthy

when they cough. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet all requirements and protect children. The childminder takes effective action when they are ill and acts in the child’s best interest to protect their welfare. Arrangements for pets are effective in ensuring they do not pose a health risk to children. Clear records indicate children’s dietary requirements and preferences and the childminder is extremely effective in meeting these needs in accordance with parent’s wishes. The childminder keeps a food diary for each child where she records daily information, which she successfully shares with parents to keep them well informed. Children benefit from an extremely healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, essential for their well being, healthy growth and development. The childminder provides home cooked food and children enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, that accompany their meals and snacks. The childminder actively contributes to raising children’s

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Helping children to be healthy

awareness and understanding of healthy eating by involving them where possible in preparing food and making healthy choices. Mealtimes are used effectively to maximise opportunities for social development and interaction to promote children’s growing independence. Even the youngest children are aware of the lunchtime routine and are encouraged to eat at their own pace. Children clearly enjoy their food and mealtimes are a relaxed, enjoyable social occasion where independence is encouraged. The childminder enables children to be healthy and active by providing a wealth of stimulating opportunities for them to be physically active both indoors and out. This contributes to their good health, aids their physical development and overall promotes a very healthy lifestyle.

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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 The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to safeguard and promote children’s welfare and has relevant procedures and documentation in place to support this. Children play in a safe and secure environment where potential risks are successfully minimised indoors and mostly outdoors. Space within the home is organised well to allow children to move freely, safely and independently around all areas identified for childminding purposes. Levels of supervision and support are good and protect children whilst allowing them the freedom to make choices, explore and access opportunities independently. The childminder raises children’s awareness of how to protect themselves from harm and stay safe through regular discussion and explanation. This increases their understanding and enables them to take some responsibility for their own well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture and equipment are safe and well maintained to meet the varying needs of the children. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are in good repair. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children clearly enjoy their time at the childminder’s and are happy, settled and eager to participate in a range of activities. Good relationships are evident and the children relate well to one another and are confident in their surroundings. The childminder provides a good range of well-balanced activities, allowing for active play and time to relax. Resources are readily accessible, which allows them to independently select from a suitable range and explore at their own pace. This builds on their natural curiosity as learners and their levels of self-esteem. The childminder achieves a successful balance between adult and child-led activities. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy exploring a good range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, literacy and language development. For example, listening to stories, handling books correctly and beginning to show awareness that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

print carries meaning. The childminder skilfully adapts activities such as story telling and painting to promote younger children’s interest. She uses good methods to provide appropriate challenges for older children using effective questioning techniques to encourage their thinking and extend their knowledge. For example during story time, "Who is behind the towel?" and "What colour is the ball?” She also encourages children to respond to texture by stroking some of the textured pictures in the book. Children also enjoy self-initiated challenges as they see how many cars they can fit on the track, developing their mathematical skills. The childminder knows the children well. She keeps daily diaries that detail all aspects of children’s care and development. She shares this information continuously with parents to keep them well informed. In response, children settle well, make good

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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 progress and are secure and confident in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern and values and respects their individuality. She follows individual routines in accordance with parents’ wishes and is successful in meeting their differing needs. This ensures children are well cared for and settled. The childminder acts as a good role model enabling children to behave appropriately. Strategies used to manage children’s behaviour are consistent and take into account their level of understanding and maturity. She encourages good behaviour by praising and encouraging children’s efforts and acknowledging their achievements. This contributes to good levels of self-esteem and developing confidence. This positive approach to behaviour management establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development. Children are actively encouraged to contribute to their own experiences by making

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Helping children make a positive contribution

choices about their play and snack. This approach promotes their continued independence and ensures they are fully participating in the life of the provision. The childminder works successfully in partnership with parents to meet the needs of each child. Parents receive good quality information about the provision and information is shared effectively to keep parents well informed. She uses daily diaries and liaises with parents, taking heed of the information provided in order to provide good quality care. Children clearly benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents and children settle well in response. This successful partnership promotes the children’s well being and development, enhancing their experience.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and a high regard for the well-being of children. Required adult to child ratios are met and provide good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported. She organises the space and resources well to enable children to make choices and decisions about their play. In response, they settle well, are confident, and have good levels of independence and self-esteem. All of the required documentation is in place to safeguard children. The childminder has a well-organised approach to childminding and effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote children’s care and learning. Children benefit from the care of a committed childminder who continues to update her knowledge and skills and provides good quality care for children. Overall, the

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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 childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • carry out a risk assessment of the back garden and minimise all potential hazards to safeguard children.

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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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