Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295601 Inspection date 20 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 husband, who is also registered as an assistant and two children aged 9 and 12 years. They live in a four storey town house in Slaithwaite, within walking distance of the village centre and all local amenities including a local park for outdoor play. The whole of the first floor is used for childminding. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is registered for six children and is presently caring for four children, all aged under 8 years. Children are able to attend on a full or part time basis. As part of the service, the childminder takes and collects

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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 children to and from school and provides care during school holidays. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an Early Years Childcare qualification to NVQ 3 level.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and well maintained environment. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines and regular reminders from the childminder regarding washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children are mainly protected from the spread of infection through good hygiene practices including the use of pump soap and regular cleaning of the nappy changing mat. Children are nourished well through nutritionally balanced snacks and meals, that take into account their preferences, allergies and parental requests. For example, the childminder encourages children to contribute to meal and snack ideas; and is fully aware of individual children's personal preferences and guides them towards different foods to extend their palates. The children have independent access to drinks throughout the day. They enjoy regular physical activity both within the setting and in

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Helping children to be healthy

the local community through supervised use of the front driveway and frequent visits to various local parks and play centres to further develop their physical skills. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs, for example, the childminder allows the baby to sleep when he is tired, not at a specific time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps overall to promote the children's safety. Children are cared for in a secure indoor environment, where the vast majority of hazards are effectively identified and addressed. This enables children to move safely and independently between activities. They are kept safe through good supervision when using a nearby park for regular outdoor play. Children's understanding of fire safety is not effectively promoted, however, they have a good sense of how to keep themselves safe through regular reminders from the childminder about not running indoors, throwing toys and holding hands when on outings. The children use age appropriate and safe toys and resources that are of good quality, clean and well maintained. Their safety and welfare is generally fostered well, through the implementation of a range of policies, procedures and documents, which the childminder is familiar with and able to put into practice as required. For example,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

she records accidents in detail and has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Children Protection Committee procedures.

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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 good. The childminder provides a varied range of interesting activities and a high level of interaction; as a result, children are settled, confident and happy within the environment. They have good levels of independence through regular support and guidance from the childminder, for example when selecting toys and resources for themselves and to share with others. Children are encouraged to respect the feelings of others and play together; as a result, they form positive relationships with the childminder and each other. Children have regular opportunities to socialise with other children through frequent visits to local parks, play centres and Parent and Toddler group. Children access a wide range of good quality toys and resources that are extended through regular use of a toy library. The vast majority of toys provide sufficient challenge for the children's age and stage of development. Children are involved in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and show a sustained interest in a broad range of daily activities including arts and crafts and baking. Main activities are planned in advance and are based on a monthly theme, providing children with a focus for their play. For example, a recent theme for transport resulted in the children selecting toys and books from the toy library about transport, discussions about holidays and aeroplanes, and was carried through to arts and crafts activities including box modelling to make vehicles.

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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 have a general awareness of diversity through some toys and resources and they have a strong sense of belonging through daily involvement in selecting toys and resources and displayed examples of their work. Children's individual needs are recognised and met effectively through regular discussion between the childminder and parents, and the maintenance of routines promoting continuity of care. For example, when toilet training and weaning. Children understand and confidently vocalise their own needs and respect the needs of others through working together and sharing resources. Children are well behaved and familiar with boundaries through regular reminders from the childminder and strategies that are consistent and take into account their level of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive relationship with parents developed through the regular exchange of both verbal and written information. They have access to a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that clearly outline the service provided, promote continuity and contribute to the children's care and welfare.

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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 organisation is good. 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 and the majority includes sufficient detail, contributing to the children's safety and care. The childminder has attended the majority of required training, with the exception of first aid, which would enable her to promote the children's welfare in the event of an accident. Children have sufficient room to play through the effective organisation of space and use of specific areas of the home for designated activities. Low level, accessible storage of toys and resources promotes children's decision making skills and independence. 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): • further promote the children's health and welfare by completing a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • reduce hazards further by ensuring the fire place area is made safe or inaccessible and developing the children's understanding of fire safety • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and for contact with family pets.

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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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