Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319025 Inspection date 08 August 2006 Inspector Cathleen Howarth

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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 registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged one and 15 in Lindley, Huddersfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently minding two children on a regular basis, in addition to one child over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be provided. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and playgroups.

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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 The family have two cats which have access to the house. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are sufficiently protected from infection and taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. However, written permission from parents to seek emergency medical assistance and advice has not been obtained, which hinders measures to protect children's overall health. Other relevant policies and procedures are in place. Medication, accident, and existing injury records are countersigned by parents to keep them informed of their children’s welfare. The personal care needs of the very young are suitably met. The childminder implements sound procedures for nappy changing and toilet training. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices, such as washing sand off their hands before snack, and after stroking the cat. The family's pet cats do not pose a health risk to children as the childminder lifts cat food off the floor, and ensures the cats are regularly wormed and

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Helping children to be healthy

treated to prevent fleas. Children enjoy taking part in regular physical activity. They play in the back garden and walk to local shops and parks. These routines help to satisfactorily promote children’s good health. Children use equipment like bicycles, the rocker, bats and balls to develop muscle tone and coordination. They know to take appropriate preventative measures to maintain their good health, like using sun cream and playing in the shade. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder has relevant systems in place, that are agreed with parents, to promote children's continuing care. Children are beginning to learn the importance of eating healthily. The childminder reinforces this by regularly providing a balanced range of healthy snacks, like raisins, cream crackers and fresh fruit. Children are appropriately consulted at mealtimes. They like to eat fish fingers, and chicken korma with rice or potatoes. Vegetables are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged, promoting 'five a day' to help meet their daily nutritional requirements. Children self-select juice from their individual beakers to promote independence, and they are given sufficient choice, such as whether they drink juice, milk or water.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning to discover clear boundaries and limits, such as not playing in front of the doors, or at the bottom of the stairs, in order to keep safe. They have some choice in where they go, and in good weather the back door is left open for children to play outside. The environment is kept sufficiently safe by the childminder with sound understanding of the need for a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children are not allowed to climb on the furniture, or to stand on chairs at the dining

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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 room table. As a result children are cared for in a welcoming, mostly safe environment which is risk assessed before children arrive, to promote their safety at the setting. Children are learning to tidy up to encourage them to take responsibility for their safety and others. They access a wide range of age-appropriate toys, furniture and resources, which the childminder checks regularly for repair and replacement. Children are kept sufficiently safe on outings because the childminder promotes road safety. She encourages children to hold hands, or hold onto the buggy in order to prevent road accidents. Most fire safety precautions are in place. For example, there are no blocked exits, adequate smoke detection and a fire blanket in the kitchen. However, children have not practised emergency evacuation procedures to fully promote their safety at the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

setting. Babies are checked regularly when they are asleep, and safety gates are used on the stairs to minimise hazards. The current public liability insurance certificate is available for parents to view. Children are sufficiently protected because the childminder has appropriate knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She is able to put procedures into practice, if necessary, such as recording existing injuries, concerns and reporting them to relevant agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing a good sense of belonging when the childminder greets children warmly, and attractively sets out their toys and equipment to welcome them to her home. Children's self-esteem is effectively promoted when their artwork is displayed for parents to view. Children access a broad range of play materials mostly labelled for easy self-selection, and resources are used to support children’s overall development. Children thoroughly enjoy themselves at the setting and they also look forward to visiting other children, and going to local playgroups. This is done to effectively extend children’s social networks and play experiences. Children thrive on variety and resources are systematically rotated. Activities are planned and evaluated with children to maintain their interest and to extend their learning. Children enjoy tasting what they have made, such as jelly and popcorn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They find their resources fun, interesting and challenging. This helps to focus their attention on the wide range of play opportunities available. Children have very good opportunities to develop mathematical thinking. They construct buildings with wooden blocks, and use cards to match numbers and pictures. Children use their imagination fully when they are engrossed in role play. For example, they dress up in uniform and pretend to be PC Plum with helmet, whistle and handcuffs. They realistically act out being a lion in the jungle, and a pirate with hooked arm and eye patch. Effective interpersonal skills and high levels of confidence are demonstrated through children’s play. There is good provision for quiet, relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to nursery rhymes and playing

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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 quietly with dolls. Children have developed a trusting relationship with their carer, and spontaneously go to her for cuddles. Children show great interest in what they do, persist with artwork, and appropriately ask for assistance when required. They have plenty of opportunity to use their senses during sand and water play. They use various jugs to fill and pour, and use different containers to make sandcastles. They respond positively to challenge when they follow through their self-chosen activity, like completing difficult jigsaws or threading small, wooden animals through laces. These activities effectively help to develop children’s hand and eye coordination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern, and all children are appropriately involved and included. Children’s individual needs are sufficiently well met. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of each child’s background and stage of development. Children are developing some awareness of diversity with regard to gender, ethnicity and culture, through existing toys and activities. However, there are limited positive images of disability. As a result, children’s understanding of differences in the wider community is curtailed. However, there are appropriate systems in place to provide for children with special needs. Children’s good behaviour is actively encouraged through positive role modelling, meaningful praise and valuing good behaviour. Some children's behaviour is occasionally challenging. However, the childminder is very patient and consistent. She effectively uses age appropriate strategies to professionally manage a broad

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Helping children make a positive contribution

range of children’s differing behaviour. Consequently, children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. There is also a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities, which encourages children to make choices and decisions to promote their confidence and self-esteem. Children's welfare and progress is appropriately discussed with parents on arrival and departure. Children are mostly looked after according to parents' wishes, such as through written parental consent, obtained for various childcare practices. However, parents are uncertain about the complaints procedure. The name, address and telephone number of Ofsted is not available for parents to view. This restricts partnership with parents in relation to children's overall welfare at the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is learning to appropriately interpret the National Standards in the best interest of children, and has successfully completed mandatory training. The register demonstrates the childminder maintains appropriate ratios to provide for most of the needs of children. The organisation of space is effective. For example, there are clearly defined areas used for meals, rest and play. The childminder makes

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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 good use of her time and remains focused on the needs and wishes of children. She deploys herself effectively to support activities. Children anticipate established routines and feel secure in a stable, predictable environment. Most of the required documentation is in place to promote children’s care, welfare and learning. Children's records are easily accessible for parents to view. They are stored securely and maintained in an orderly fashion. The childminder respects confidentiality and shares relevant information with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop existing fire safety precautions and practise the emergency escape plan • continue to extend resources and activities promoting diversity by including disability, such as through the Birth to three matters framework • review the existing complaints procedure and include how parents may contact Ofsted if necessary.

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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 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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