Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY332194 Inspection date 18 July 2006 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 23 months and 10 years in Taylor Hill, near Huddersfield. The whole first floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the second floor and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family have two pet cats. The childminder holds the level 3 Nursery Nurse Examination Board (NNEB) qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder adopts good standards of hygiene and promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, during the inspection she was observed to wash her hands several times. Also, she follows an appropriate procedure when changing babies' nappies. She wears disposable gloves and ensures that the nappy changing mat is cleaned with anti-bacterial spray after each use. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, the minded four-year-old was eager to explain that he washed his hands to clean the dirt and germs away. Children enjoy their mealtimes when the childminder maximises opportunities for social development and positive interaction. Their individual dietary needs are met as the childminder works effectively and flexibly with parents

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Helping children to be healthy

addressing their wishes. Children help themselves to drinks of water throughout the day by helping themselves from a jug on the table. Alternatively, they can choose to drink from individual bottles. Arrangements for accident recording and administering medication meet requirements. Since being registered as a childminder, the childminder has not attended a paediatric first aid training course. However, she has attended first aid training previously, but does not have a certificate to show this. Parental permission for children to receive emergency medical treatment is in place for all minded children with the exception of one. Children gain control of their bodies as they are well supported by the childminder and encouraged to safely explore the environment and the resources within it. They rest and sleep according to their individual routines and needs. Regular walks to the park and outings to the play gym give children opportunities for healthy exercise to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to promote their safety. For example, risk assessments are done regularly. The children play in the lounge and dining area. They have easy access to a safely enclosed outdoor area from the dining area. Suitable safety equipment is in place and safety procedures are established. For example, cushions are placed on the hearth to protect children from the corners. The children are protected from harm because the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues. Children have an understanding of the danger of fire. This is because they have discussions with the childminder about why they practise emergency evacuations before they do so.

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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 Children have sufficient space to move easily within both the indoor and outdoor areas and have good opportunities to safely make independent choices about what to play with. They are able to easily select toys from a good range, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development because the childminder organises resources well at child height. Children are encouraged to tidy up after themselves and not leave toys on the floor where they might trip over them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of well planned activities, both indoors and outdoors. For example, during the inspection they enjoyed creating pictures using coloured glue. Later they played with water in the outdoor area, then sang songs and shared stories with the childminder. They enjoy interesting outings, such as, bus rides to the play gym and walks by the canal to feed the ducks. The children in the childminder's care are happy and well settled. Good positive relationships are developed with the childminder, due to the high level of support the children receive. Children independently select what they would like to play with from a wide range of resources, such as, coloured glue and paper, crayons, small world toys, dolls, musical instruments, shape sorters, outdoor equipment, games and books. The use of open ended questions and explanations develops children’s understanding of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

language. Their communication skills are developed through reading, conversations and singing rhymes with the childminder. Children are independent and make decisions about their play. They confidently choose their own resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed and treated as part of the family. They receive support and attention and are shown genuine love and affection, this results in them feeling confident, happy and secure. The childminder treats children with equal concern, valuing their individuality and meeting their needs effectively. They play with a suitable range of resources which help to support their understanding of others. For example, children learn about people with disabilities as they play with a small world hospital which includes a person in a wheelchair. Children take part in activities appropriate to their differing needs and abilities because the childminder is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Children begin to understand the expectations for their behaviour. Strategies for managing children's behaviour are consistent to take into account the children's level

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of understanding. For example, while playing outdoors with the childminder’s own child, the minded child wanted to play in the water. The childminder reminded him that he needed to wear an apron and encouraged him to go inside to bring two aprons. He did this willingly and the childminder rewarded him with praise. Children respond well as they receive plenty of praise and individual support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents are involved in the life of the setting as the childminder communicates well with them through regular discussion. Parents of babies are provided with a diary which details daily activity. They are also able to see records of their children’s work and progress which is stored in individual files. Menus and activity plans are displayed in the hallway so that parents can see what their child will be eating and doing on any given day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease within the well organised setting. This means they are confident and initiate their own choices. The children are well supervised and activities are planned and organised to ensure that they receive a high level of attention. Indoor and outdoor space is presented to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder demonstrates her commitment to improving her service by attending relevant training. Most documentation is in place to promote the welfare, care and learning needs of the children. Children’s needs and achievements are shared and discussed through daily verbal communication and written records. Parents are able to access well written policies and procedures which give them useful information about their children’s care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides..

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • seek permission from all parents for emergency medical treatment or advice • attend a paediatric first aid training course.

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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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