Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288597 Inspection date 14 October 2005 Inspector June Rice

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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 May 2004. The childminder lives with her husband and child in Castleford. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is access to an outdoor play area. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under eight.

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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's health and well being is sufficiently promoted. They are beginning to learn about the importance of personal hygiene and clearly understand simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after the toilet, before eating and use wet wipes after eating. Children are well nourished because the childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating but, she does not develop children's knowledge of why they should eat healthily. For example, she discusses with parents their preferences, cultural and health dietary needs and this enables her to provide a balanced diet that meets children's individual needs well. But she does not promote children's learning in this area and this limits children's understanding of the benefits to be gained from healthy eating. Children's physical development is supported satisfactorily. The childminder provides

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Helping children to be healthy

a good range of activities and outside equipment, but there is little opportunity for outside play away from the childminders premises. Children are encouraged to participate in a range of outside activities that develop their physical skills. For example, they enjoy learning to play cricket and football in the garden. Children benefit from being able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. For example, babies enjoy being nursed while being bottle fed.

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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, caring environment. They are relaxed, feel safe and secure. Children move freely throughout the setting and independently select from a satisfactory range of age appropriate toys and activities in safety. Children enjoy using toys and equipment that are clean, well maintained and carry the British Safety Kite Mark. Children's risk of injury within the home is reduced because the childminder has effectively assessed risks to children. She has identified and minimized risks and uses appropriate safety equipment and daily procedures to ensure children's safety. For example, smoke sensors are linked into the house alarm, low doors and drawers have child safety locks and safety gates are in place. However, children's awareness of road safety and understanding of the need to evacuate the home quickly in an emergency situation is limited because it is not sufficiently promoted. For example,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they do not practice an emergency evacuation, or discuss road safety. Children are protected satisfactorily. The home is well organised and allows the childminder to have children in sight and hearing at all times. Home security ensures no-one can gain unauthorised entry into the premises. The childminder has sufficient understanding of her role in child protection and she has a basic awareness of signs

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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 and symptoms. She has sufficient understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection issue, but lacks some confidence in her ability to identify a real concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have developed a close, caring relationship with the childminder. They are developing confidence and self esteem and are beginning to join in conversations with adults and initiate contact with younger children. For example, they talk about activities they enjoy and approach less mobile children with a gentle awareness, softly stroking a cheek and making soft 'awwwww' sounds. Children respond very well to the childminder. Their learning is satisfactorily promoted through everyday activities and routines. For example, children's independence is promoted well by the childminder who encourages them to put on their own socks, shoes and coats. Less mobile children stretch their arms and move their bodies to reach strategically placed toys that interest them. They enjoy their efforts and achievements being recognised and react with lots of smiles and chuckles to the clapping and 'well done' from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a satisfactory balance of indoor and outdoor activities. Children's interest in the activities is sufficiently maintained by regular rotation of toys and equipment, although they have limited opportunity to freely design and create.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive lots of praise, support and encouragement from the childminder that helps them develop strong and positive relationships with her. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She respects and values their wishes and encourages them to share information to ensure she is well informed and can meet their individual needs. For example, she is able to discuss their different temperaments, stages of development and specific dietary needs. Children are well behaved, polite and understand responsible behaviour. They play well together and show appropriate awareness of the needs of others. For example, saying 'shhhh' when the baby is asleep. They feel a good sense of belonging as a result of being included. For example, they are introduced to the inspector and given a clear explanation about her visit. The childminder displays a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. She continues to develop positive images though play and equipment that helps build children's knowledge and understanding of differences within their wider environment. Such as books and children's TV programmes which promote positive images and attitudes.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive a warm welcome and are happy, confident and secure in their environment. The childminder organises and utilises her premises and resources satisfactorily. The day is sufficiently organised to meet children's individual needs appropriately. For example, time is organised well to ensure all children are provided quality time with the childminder. Older children enjoy a day that provides them with sufficient opportunity to make independent choices from an acceptable range of indoor and outdoor activities, toys and equipment. Children's welfare and care is promoted consistently. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of good quality child care. She has completed the introduction to childminding practice and uses the standard National Childminding Association documentation, although not all is completed appropriately. For example, the attendance register is completed prior to children's arrival and

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Organisation

departure. Therefore, indicating contracted times not their hours of attendance. The childminder has developed a professional relationship with parents. They are made to feel very welcome and are able to approach the childminder easily. They openly praise the childminder and are happy with her professional approach. There is a satisfactory exchange of information that ensures children's individual needs are met effectively. 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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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): • ensure children practice and clearly understand the emergency evacuation procedure and continue to develop own knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • develop children's knowledge and understanding about healthy eating and good hygiene practices • ensure there is a daily record of children's hours of attendance

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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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