Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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310902 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Helen Blackburn Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 1993. She lives with her teenage daughter and two sons aged nine years and 11 years. They live in a residential area of Mirfield. There are schools, shops, parks and access to public transport in the local area. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog, cat, snake, budgies and fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding two children aged under eight years and three children aged over eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. The childminder maintains the environment for children to an acceptable standard of cleanliness. She manages this by carrying out regular cleaning routines, which contributes to minimising the risk of infection to children. The children are beginning to develop an understanding of the importance of personal hygiene practices. For example, through everyday routines they wash their hands at appropriate times. The childminder explains why they need to do this by talking to children about germs and good hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder considers how she minimises the risk of spreading infection when children are ill. She discusses with parents that sick children must stay at home and she takes appropriate steps when administering any medicines to children. This includes maintaining basic medication records. However, these lack some detail, especially with regards to informing parents at the end of the day about the medications administered. Through the safe management of the family pets, the childminder minimises the risk to children’s health. For example, the pets have regular visits to the vet, they are kept clean and are fed away from areas in which children play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children’s health and well-being needs are recognised and met appropriately. Children sleep and rest according to their own routine. This promotes meeting their welfare needs and contributes to continuity of care for them. The childminder encourages children to be active and to exercise, supporting them in leading a healthy lifestyle. They access fresh air on a regular basis and enjoy playing outside, going for walks or playing in the park. Children access a sufficient range of resources that support their physical development. They play on swings, slides, ride bikes and play games, such as lacrosse and table tennis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access a varied range of healthy snacks and meals that contribute to promoting healthy eating. Children enjoy eating fresh fruit and yogurts for snack or breakfast and home-cooked meals, such as roast dinner and vegetables. The childminder promotes a relaxing experience for children at mealtimes, for example, children sit together and socialise with their peers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment for children is safe and secure and there are a number of adequate safety precautions in place to contribute to this. For example, all dangerous items are out of reach of children and the use of socket covers protects children from electrical dangers. The children are developing some awareness of how to keep themselves safe. The childminder promotes road safety when children go on walks and she talks to them about what to do if the smoke alarm sounds.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children access a sufficient range of resources that are safe and maintained in an appropriate condition. Some of these are organised on low shelves so that children can access them freely and in a safe way. The childminder organises and utilises the space in her home to ensure children play safely and to promote their welfare. For instance, she uses rooms for different purposes, such as rest and sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder appropriately protects children from harm through her sound knowledge of child protection. She is aware of changes relating to safeguarding children and has recently accessed some up to date documentation; although, she is still to fully read this to raise her

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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 awareness of all aspects of the changes. However, her knowledge is sufficient for her to be aware of her responsibilities in protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a friendly approach and this contributes to providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for children. This results in the children being happy and settled. The childminder recently commenced childminding after taking a break. Over recent months, she has worked hard to establish routines and settle the new children in her care. She is building up positive relationships with the children and knows them well. This supports her in appropriately meeting their individual needs. For instance, she recognises when children are tired and builds this into the daily routine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a varied range of resources available for children that meet their developmental needs. Children are becoming independent learners as they choose what they want to do. For example, children freely select the dressing up outfits and play at going to the hairdresser. The childminder decides in advance some activities she is to provide, although she generally takes the lead from the children’s interests. Children’s play experiences are a balance between the home, outings and visits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder appropriately engages in children’s play and they respond well to her. She uses this time to support and encourage children’s development. She understands how young children learn and, because of this, she asks appropriate questions to build on what children already know. For example, she supports children in counting everyday objects and naming colours. The childminder understands how maintaining records on children’s progress can help her to support children’s development, although these are still yet to be devised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children behave appropriately for their ages and stages of development. They begin to develop an understanding of right from wrong through the established boundaries that are in place. For example, the childminder explains to children why certain behaviour is unacceptable. She uses praise to encourage children to behave in a positive way and this contributes to raising children’s self-esteem. Through play, children learn about sharing and taking turns, for example, children patiently wait their turns during games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships between the childminder and parents are sound and they work sufficiently well together. The childminder provides a flexible service, which includes providing care to cover the early shift patterns of parents. Through recording information on the children, the childminder is aware of their needs and routines. This contributes to providing continuity of care for children. However, some records lack detail to fully support meeting children’s welfare and the partnership agreements with parents. For example, some written consents from parents are lacking, such as for outings and emergency medical treatment. Through children taking work home, discussions and a brief written overview of the week, parents have some awareness of what their children have done.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are developing some awareness of the wider society and diversity. There are some resources available that provide positive images of others. Through activities, such as celebrating festivals, the children begin to learn about the traditions of others.

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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. The home is organised sufficiently well to meet children’s needs. The childminder appropriately uses space within her home to create a welcoming and safe environment for children to play. She uses each area of the home for different purposes, for example, the kitchen for creative play and the living room for quieter activities and sleep. Through organising her day the childminder meets the individual needs of children. For example, she builds into the day opportunities for children to sleep or rest in line with their own routines.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the benefits of further training to develop the service she provides for children. The childminder has recently started childminding after taking a break and her priority has been building up her service and settling children. She now feels ready to consider any future training opportunities that will enhance the provision for children.

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Organisation

Appropriate and basic documentation is in place to contribute to the safe management of the setting. For instance, contracts with parents outline some aspects of the service in place. However, some documents lack details, for example, written consents, recording of complaints and medication information. The storage of the documents ensures confidentiality but allows the childminder to access them freely and easily. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to develop the provision to promote diversity and improve the cleanliness of the equipment. Through devising regular cleaning routines, the toys are clean and appropriately maintained to ensure children’s health is not compromised. The purchase of some new resources, that provide positive images of others, contributes to children developing an awareness of the world in which they live and diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two complaints, in September 2004 and January 2005, relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. These related to vetting procedures regarding household members and notification of significant events. On both occasions Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit. Actions were raised regarding the childminder notifying Ofsted of significant changes within the home, including completion of checks on all persons living on the premises. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking appropriate action the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigations closed.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • devise a system for recording complaints that ensures all elements are incorporated • ensure all relevant written consents are obtained from parents for all children.

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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