Tarbutt, Nichola Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293637 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Pam Hill

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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. She lives with her partner and two children aged 8 and 11 years. They live in a mid terraced house in Kirkheaton, a suburb of Huddersfield, within walking distance of Kirkheaton J & I School. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has five pet cats. The childminder is registered for six children and is currently caring for three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. As part of the service, the childminder takes and collects children to and from school and

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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 provides care during school holidays. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. Their understanding of good hygiene practices is actively promoted through use of individual towels to minimise the risk of cross infection and regular hand washing routines. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. The childminder provides a good range of nourishing meals and snacks for the children in accordance with parents' wishes and children's preferences, promoting their health. For example, the childminder is fully aware of food allergies and used this information when involving the children in deciding what to pack for a picnic. The children have independent access to drinks throughout the day. They enjoy physical activity both within the setting and in the local community through regular access to the garden and visits to various local parks and play centres to improve their physical

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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 promote the children's safety. They are cared for in a secure indoor and outdoor environment, where the vast majority of potential hazards are effectively identified and addressed. This means children move around safely and independently between activities. They have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe through regular reminders from the childminder and their understanding of fire safety is promoted through discussion. The children use suitable and safe equipment such as age appropriate toys and resources that are of good quality and well maintained. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare through implementation of a range of policies, procedures and documents in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate, is familiar with the details required when recording accidents and has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a varied range of interesting and stimulating activities; as a

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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 result, children are settled, confident, and happy within the environment. Children have good levels of independence for example when selecting toys and resources to share with each other. They relate well to each other and the childminder, and have good opportunities to socialise with other children through attendance at local Parent and Toddler groups and childminding support groups in addition to outings to local play centres. Children are motivated and show a sustained interest in a broad range of both indoor and outdoor activities. They have independent access to a mainly wide range of toys and resources, including books, which are extended through use of the local library. Children have regular outings, for example, they visit the local park to use large play equipment, promoting their physical development. Daily play opportunities are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enhanced through the inclusion of children’s ideas and suggestions and a high level of interaction from the childminder. An example of this occurred when a child asked to cut paper plates and through input from other children and the childminder, the activity continued to develop and resulted in the making of paper mobiles using string, paint, paper.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides regular experiences to promote a positive view of the local community, through a variety of regular outings. Children's awareness of the diversity of society is promoted through some toys and resources and their sense of belonging is fostered well through daily involvement in the selection of toys and resources. The childminder treats children with equal concern, valuing their individuality and meeting their needs effectively by maintaining their routines, identified through regular discussions with parents. Relationships between the children are very good. They understand and confidently vocalise their own needs and begin to respect the needs of others through working together, sharing resources and ideas. Children are well behaved and familiar with boundaries through strategies that are consistent and take into account their level of understanding and maturity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works successfully in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the children. A comprehensive range of detailed policies and procedures contributes to the children's care and welfare and provides parents with a clear outline of the service. Informal daily exchanges of information promote continuity and consistency of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective and efficient organisation enhances the children's care. Low-level storage facilities promote children's decision making skills and independence when selecting toys and resources. Space is organised effectively with specific areas of the home used for designated activities, whilst allowing children to move freely between areas

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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 and sufficient room for them to play. Required adult: child ratios are met, enabling a good level of supervision and support to facilitate children's play. All required documentation is in place, completed in detail and contributes to the care, safety and welfare of the children. Overall, the provision 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): • reduce hazards further by ensuring the fire place area is made safe or inaccessible. • extend the range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of issues surrounding cultural diversity, gender and disability.

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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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