Broadbent, Catherine

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

303514 Unique Reference Number 18 October 2006 Inspection date Helene Anne Terry 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, and there is a secure rear garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and currently has nine children aged between three and 11 years on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a dog and a rabbit.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local playgroup and 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’s health is promoted very well because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure their well-being. They play in a clean and well maintained environment, and the childminder implements good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection and to minimise any risk to children's health. For example, children wash their hands after toileting using antibacterial soap and a step in the ensuite bathroom ensures that they can reach the sink and toilet independently. Toys are washed regularly and good hygienic nappy changing procedures are in place. Pet hygiene is fully considered. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and follows correct procedures for recording accidents. All the documentation required to protect children's well-being is maintained well, such as written permission to seek emergency medical treatment and to administer medication; however, parents do not sign the records to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

confirm that they are aware of when medication is given to their child.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished and have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating. They are encouraged to eat healthily from the nutritious packed lunch provided by their parents. The childminder talks to the children about the importance of eating healthily and encourages them to eat healthy food in preference to crisps and sweets. They are encouraged to help themselves to the very well stocked fruit bowl in the playroom containing apples, bananas, grapes, plums, tangerines and packets of raisins. Drinks are freely accessible throughout the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to regular physical activities to promote their health. They take regular walks within the environment, use parks, adventure play areas and play in the garden with the good range of equipment. Some children enjoy specialised activities, such as ballet classes and horse riding.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and very well cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. The childminder provides a homely environment that is very welcoming to children owing to the very good displays of children's work, posters, wall coverings and information for parents. Children also have very good access to a range of equipment to promote all areas of their development, including baby equipment. Children independently select activities which are stored in low level containers in the playroom. The toys are bright, stimulating and age appropriate. There are good arrangements for cleaning and maintaining toys and equipment which ensures they are safe for children's use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is promoted very well owing to the steps taken by the childminder to minimise risks, both inside and outside the home. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about road safety when walking to school and encourages children to play safely indoors. They are well supervised; there are appropriate procedures in place to ensure the premises are secure and collection arrangements are agreed with parents.

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 Children are well protected by the childminder's good knowledge of her responsibilities in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, which means she can act quickly in the child's best interest and safeguard their welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are able to participate in a range of activities and opportunities which promote their development well. However, the childminder has limited understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support young children's learning. Children receive a good level of support and encouragement that helps them to be confident and independent. They are able to independently select activities and resources that they find interesting, and which meet their own needs to play and explore. They can choose their own activities, such as playing with the musical instruments and taking part in role play. Older children when they return from school follow their interests, such as playing on the games console, creative activities, home work and on occasions the childminder sits with children to further develop their learning; for example, learning the time.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a structure to the day that enables the children to have active and quieter times, and activities that fit around the children's daily routines and school collections. The interaction between the childminder and the children is very good enabling them to develop warm and trusting relationships, therefore building confidence and self-esteem. They receive lots of cuddles and playful tickles, and young children seek support happily from their childminder. Young children also have opportunities to socialise and meet other children when they attend toddler groups and ballet class.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are effectively met because of the good relationships developed with parents and carers. They share information at the induction of the child and then on a daily basis to ensure continuity of care. This is done through a daily diary for the younger children and all the children have personal files that contain photographs of their activities and specimens of their creative work. Parents have good access to these files. Children's work is also displayed on the walls and parents have access to information about the setting, such as the certificate of registration and Ofsted contact details. Information on the setting's policies and procedures are shared verbally with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of information she needs to gather to ensure appropriate care is provided for children with learning and physical disabilities. Discussions reveal she is proactive in identifying needs. Children's awareness and attitudes towards diversity and the wider world is promoted appropriately through a use of resources and stories which depict different cultures, gender and backgrounds, such as play people and books. She also gives clear explanations to children appropriate to their level of understanding when they ask questions about culture and disabilities.

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 Children are beginning to develop their understanding of responsible behaviour because the childminder talks to them about right and wrong, and encourages them to play harmoniously together. Behaviour management strategies used are age appropriate and are discussed with parents. Children's self-esteem is promoted through praise for good behaviour and achievements.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises space and resources to meet the needs of the children well; as a result children are happy and settled. She has a suitable understanding of the vetting procedures for adults and teenage children having supervised and unsupervised access to children. Although the childminder does not keep herself up to date with training in the childcare field owing to her childminding and family commitments; the children do benefit from her good experience in childminding, having been registered for a number of years.

p.5

Organisation

Documentation is maintained effectively to meet the needs of the children, although medication records are lacking in some information. Records are filed appropriately ensuring confidentiality, and are shared with parents to promote the well-being of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was required that the childminder attend first aid training and obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment for children. It was also recommended that further consideration be given to the planning of activities and the recording of children's achievements, and improve documentation with regard to child protection. Satisfactory improvements have been made to enhance children's well-being and progress. First aid training has been attended and a certificate is maintained. Written permission from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment for children has been obtained from parents, and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures are now available. The planning of children's activities is done informally according to children's interests and although the childminder does not formally record children's stages of development, there is

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 complaints 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): • ensure parents sign the medication records to confirm that they are aware of when medication is given to their child • further develop a suitable range of activities for younger children, for example by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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