Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296161 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Alexandra Cole

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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 November 2004. She is registered to care for 4 children when working alone and 8 children when working when working with another childminder. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for 2 children under 8 year of age. She is currently caring for 7 children that attend on a part time basis; of these 1 child is over eight years of age. The childminder lives with her husband and two children in a three bed roomed, semi detached property in Haworth. Rooms used for childminding purposes are the lounge, kitchen and dining room on the ground floor and two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. Children access outdoor play in the fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property.

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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 home is in close proximity to school, shops, park and is on a local bus route. The childminder does school collections. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have two pet dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Each day there are activities to promote children's physical development, for example as they dance at the local playgroup and visit the local park. Children learn about healthy living through the current activity theme "health and fitness". They learn about why they need to eat healthy food through planned activities based on this theme such as fruit tasting; encouraging them to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene practices, such as hand washing. Each child has their own individual towel which helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are well nourished because the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet their dietary needs. Children are provided with regular

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Helping children to be healthy

drinks throughout the day and are able to rest and sleep according to their needs; ensuring they remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to promote safety and keep children safe, however some hazards in the lounge need to be addressed to fully protect children. Children effectively learn how to keep themselves safe whilst on outings through the childminder ensuring they understand about road safety. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder is proactive in helping children to learn about fire safety. For example she regularly practices the fire evacuation procedure, ensuring children understand the course of action to take in an emergency. The childminder has all of the required procedures in place to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example a child protection policy is in place and the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders house, they are confident and fully involved in their play. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through

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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 regular attendance at the local playgroup. Warm, caring relationships between the childminder and children contribute to a child's sense of belonging. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs; but this could be enhanced through developing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. Children's self esteem is developed through the childminders effective use of praise and support. Children become independent as they are able to choose from the good range of toys, books and creative activities. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, painting and craft activities. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play; for example as they spend a long period of time playing in the water tray.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example festivals such as Eid and Diwali are celebrated. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of local interest such as museums as well as routine trips to the local playgroup and park. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children have time to relax as well as be active, ensuring their individual needs are met. The childminder uses effective strategies for managing behaviour, for example when giving children appropriate explanations about the need to share toys. This helps children to understand the boundaries and play together harmoniously; consequently children

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children. All of the documentation is in place, very well organised and comprehensive. For example each child has an individual file containing their personal information which ensures confidentiality. The childminder has completed all of the necessary background checks to ensure adults living at the premises are suitable to do so. The childminder has attended a good amount of training to update her childcare knowledge; however she needs to complete the Introduction to Childcare Practice course. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. For example the childminder completes a daily diary for younger children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children

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Improvements 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 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): • ensure the Introduction to Childcare Practice training is completed • develop your knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3, for example through the use of the Birth to three framework • ensure the wires behind the television and coming from the telephone in the lounge are made safe or inaccessible

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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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