Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY333956 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2006 Inspection date Susan Elaine Heap Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in April 2006. The childminder co-minds from premises in the Hebden Bridge area of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The co-childminder lives with her husband and four children. The whole of the ground floor, the kitchen in the basement and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is no access to outdoor play at the property but children have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills at the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of five children may attend at any one time. There are four children under five on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, child centred home where the childminder effectively promotes good hygiene practice through discussions and activities with the children. They are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care and taking responsibility for this themselves as the childminder promotes this successfully through daily routines. For example, they know to wash their hands before they eat and after visiting the bathroom, and each child has their own towel which is laundered daily.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gives high regard to children's comfort as she follows their individual routines for rest and sleep. As a result of this children are comfortable, well rested and continuity of care is ensured.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are adopting healthy choices with food as the childminder gives this high priority. Menus are in place and show that children receive a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet each day. Their individual dietary needs are met well because the childminder works well with parents and information is shared daily. Snacks and meals are a social occasion where all children sit together and talk about what they have done during the day or will do next.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Due to the physical restraints of the setting, the childminder is committed to ensuring children have access to physical play daily which is enjoyable and meets their individual developmental needs. As a result of this, the children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they have access to indoor or outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies. For example, visits to the local park, taking part in music sessions or walks in the fresh air.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are generally protected well. Written safety and child protection policies are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, and are shared with parents which ensures they are fully informed of the childminder's role. The childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has identified this as an area for improvement to further develop her knowledge and confidence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming, child centred environment where their development needs are effectively met through the provision of a broad range of safe, good quality resources. They play in a dedicated playroom which is well organised to meet their needs and encourages children's independent access.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where safety is given high priority. This means that children are able to move around safely and freely. Risks are identified and minimised through the completion of regular risk assessments and fire drills are practised to ensure children know

p.3

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 what to do in an emergency. Children effectively learn to stay safe whilst on outings through the childminder talking to them about road safety and playing the 'Red - stop, Green - go' game. They also learn to stay safe within the home through the childminder giving gentle reminders, such as reminding children not to go near to the oven 'because it is hot'.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident, secure and settle well at the childminder's home. They respond and interact positively with the childminder who listens to and values what they say, and has a high expectation of what they can achieve. The younger children in particular benefit from consistent routines that offer stability, familiarity and help them settle and they clearly thrive on the care and attention they receive.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are interested and involved in their play and are allowed to follow their own interests which encourages them to be independent and feel valued. For example, a three-year-old chooses to make a bridge across the play room using flat bricks and cushions for islands. He delights in crossing from the red cushion to the blue cushion without falling in the water. As a result, he is developing his imagination as well as his physical skills, such as balancing. Children are given the opportunity to express themselves in a relaxed, stimulating environment. The childminder plays and talks to children at their level, giving them good eye contact, as a result, children are becoming confident communicators.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The broad range of equipment and activities enables children to acquire new knowledge and skills, and age-appropriate games and toys enable children. The childminder extends children's play experiences by accessing facilities in the local community, such as the library or attending music sessions at the local school. As a result, children are never bored or restless as there is always something interesting for them to do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about differences in society and the wider community through their play experiences and discussions with the childminder. They are highly valued and respected as individuals. Their specific needs are met well by the childminder who works in very close partnership with parents and other agencies to offer very good care to children. This ensures children are fully included in the life of the setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour as they follow the excellent role model set by the childminder. Each child receives regular praise and encouragement which reflects in their good behaviour and sense of achievement. Children begin to be sensitive to and respect the needs of others, such as when older children help younger ones.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Information is shared in a variety of ways with parents, such as a 'Welcome pack' which contains written policies and procedures, diaries and daily verbal exchanges. This ensures continuity of care for children and ensures parents are fully aware of the high quality of care offered.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder plans her time and resources well to ensure children have access to a range of fun and interesting activities both inside and outside the home. Space is well organised to provide an accessible environment for the children which helps them develop their independence. This ensures children are comfortable and at ease in her care.

p.5

Organisation

All documentation is kept in accordance with the National Standards and is used effectively to promote the safety, care and learning of children. These are shared with parents during gradual admission and are reviewed annually. This keeps parents fully informed about all aspects of their children's care and the good quality of the service provided.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a high level of commitment to promoting the care, safety and well-being of children and helping them enjoy and achieve. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration in April 2006 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

p.5

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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6