Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY332534 Unique Reference Number 17 November 2006 Inspection date Rasmik Parmar 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 2006. She lives with her husband and son aged 13 years in a house in Thornton, Bradford. Children have use of the dining room, kitchen, downstairs toilet and a secure outdoor play area. Children have access to local amenities such as shops, parks and schools.

p.2

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 caring for seven children. The childminder takes children to a variety of playgroups, toddler groups and activity centres. There is one cat as a family pet.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Bradford Childminding Network and 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 helped to stay healthy to a good standard as the childminder follows daily routines to ensure that children understand the need for good personal hygiene. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet using a pump action foam soap, drying their hands on colour coded towels. The childminder follows simple hygienic routines such as wearing plastic gloves when nappy changing. Such procedures effectively minimise the risk of cross infection. The welfare and safety of the children is promoted by an effective policy on administering medication and the parents being aware of notifiable diseases through the sickness policy. In addition, the childminder has trained to use the epi-pen so that a child with a raw egg allergy can be attended to immediately if necessary. The childminder extends her good awareness of keeping children healthy by ensuring that the cat is taken to the vets on a

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play by being taken out to the local parks, activity centres and playgroups on a regular basis. Hence, they are able to develop confidence, channel their energies in a positive direction and develop their physical skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks in order to help them to grow and develop good eating habits. The childminder ensures that foods provided to children are healthy and she provided children with cheese toasty and beans on toast, made from wholemeal bread followed by a choice of fruit. Children are involved in cooking various types of foods to expand their understanding of healthy eating. On Thursdays, children are involved in a "themed night" where they participate in cooking foods from around the world such as Mexico, India and Italy. On Wednesdays, vegetarian food is served so that children are provided with opportunity to experience another dimension in their eating. Hence, food and eating is made fun and children develop a positive attitude towards their diet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

There are good arrangements for ensuring children have access to drinking water which is essential for their healthy growth. Older children can help themselves to water from the kitchen and this helps to promote independence. Beakers of drinks are brought out for the younger children to ensure that they too learn to develop confidence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, caring and child centred environment. There is plenty of space for the children to play in a safe environment. The dining room is well set out as a playroom and has a good range of toys and equipment suitable for the needs of the minded children. Children are able to explore and play with a varied selection of activities enabling them to expand their interests in many areas of play for an all round development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has carried out a risk assessment for all potential hazards within the house for the safety of children under her care. To promote an awareness of fire safety she carries out a

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 fire drill every three months or when a child commences childminding. Furthermore, an effective system is in place to ensure the continued safety of the children on outings as the childminder obtains prior permission from the parents . The childminder has used reins and wrist straps for the younger children when walking.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally well promoted. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role in child protection. She is aware of possible signs of abuse or neglect and the procedures to follow should any concerns arise. A written child protection policy supports the childminder's practice.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in an environment where they are able develop their confidence and independence. Children learn to develop communication skills by the childminder asking open ended questions and the children responding. For example, the childminder sat with two children on the sofa and established a good rapport with them by reading from a book and discussing what type of sound a frog makes or talking about butterflies being light and hippos being heavy. Hence, the childminder is able to take opportunity to ensure children are constantly learning.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder displays their artwork on the walls and scrapbooks are also used to show work produced by children. Children learn to expand their interactive skills by learning to share with one another and playing together.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a variety of skills by playing with play dough, dressing up, watching children's video tapes, reading, imaginative play and playing outdoors. Children benefit from an all-round development as the childminder is outgoing and children enhance their social skills by going to regular playgroups, parks, different types of museums and children's activity centres.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a well organised plan of activities which ensures that age appropriate and stimulating play opportunities are available for them as the childminder has a good understanding of child development and the different areas of learning. The childminder is able to meet the different stages of development for each child by following guidance from childcare resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals as the childminder uses information from parents to meet the specific needs of the child. Equality of opportunity is promoted as all children are able to play with the full selection of activities without discrimination. In addition, the selection of resources which portray culture and special needs together with eating foods from many cultures promote an understanding about the differences and similarities between people. The childminder celebrates some festivals of the local community to promote children's' understanding of customs and beliefs.

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 The childminder extends her understanding of meeting the individual needs of children by working in partnership with the parents for a child who has a specific need. She uses educational books provided to teach simple concepts within the child's capacity for learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are constantly praised for good behaviour resulting in high levels of self-esteem and a trust in the childminder together with good relationships with other children.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships between their parents and the childminder as this promotes good communication and trust. Appropriate consents are maintained to promote the safety and welfare of children. The childminder shares written policies and procedures with parents before commencing childminding, to ensure that they are happy with arrangements and in agreement with her practice.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares information with parents verbally at the end of each day, and written information is provided for specific children, to ensure continuity of care.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to move around freely and independently through the creative organisation of space and resources within the playroom. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to her own personal development and she has attended training courses to enhance her childcare practice, especially with regards to the care of babies and younger children. Good routines are established to ensure that children are secure and the childminder effectively organises her time to ensure that children take part in a wide variety of experiences including activities outside of the home.

p.5

Organisation

Documentation is well organised, maintained and kept up to date. This supports the efficient and safe management of the provision and promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the National Standards and implements them effectively to promote positive outcomes for children.

p.5

Organisation

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 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. 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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • increase knowledge of other festivals and incorporate into childcare practice.

p.6

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

p.6

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