Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296099 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Cathleen Howarth

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives in Kirkburton, Huddersfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be arranged. The family have a pet rabbit which lives in the back garden.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection to keep children healthy. The very young have their hands washed before snack. To set a good example to children the childminder washes her hands after changing nappies and preparing food. The needs of children are met when they are ill. There are systems in place, understood by parents, to provide for sick children and to minimise the risk of infection, for example, children do not attend the setting when they are infectious. A procedure to give first aid to children in the event of an emergency, and to administer medication, is sound. Satisfactory arrangements are in place for pets to ensure they do not pose a health risk to children. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise. They go for regular walks in the surrounding countryside and play outside in the garden. This helps the very young develop their

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Helping children to be healthy

sense of balance and muscular strength. Children mostly have their health needs met by the childminder who provides a range of nutritious food and drink. However, there are insufficient arrangements in place with parents to monitor overall nutrition and to reinforce children's personal care skills, for example, brushing teeth. Children respond well to their mealtime routine. The very young are learning self-help skills like spoon-feeding. They are beginning to recognise the needs of others such as watching and waiting for assistance whilst the childminder finishes bottle-feeding the baby.

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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 safe environment. There are effective procedures in place to keep children safe. The childminder checks children's toys regularly for repair and replacement. Children self select their toys and activities from cupboards and shelves, tidied regularly to ensure safe storage. The childminder demonstrated high levels of awareness of keeping children safe. Well thought through systems are in place in the event of an accident or emergency to promote children’s safety. The childminder risk assesses areas used by children including out of home provision. Children's records are well maintained and available to view which helps to keep parents informed about their children's welfare. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, which further promotes children’s welfare and safety.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle in a relaxed, child-orientated environment, which is conducive to learning through play. Choice and independence is encouraged. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are attractively set out before children arrive. This helps to welcome children to the setting and enables them to self-select activities and resources. Age appropriate toys and equipment are available for indoor and outdoor play, to help support children's overall development. Children are learning about their local community by going on regular walks, taking different routes to the park, and helping to shop for basic requirements, for example, bread and milk. Children relate well to each other and their carer. They are happy and engrossed in their play. The childminder has good understanding of child development. Child-initiated play balances well with adult led activities, supporting children’s

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning in all areas. The childminder ensures children are appropriately stimulated and challenged, encouraging children to use what they know and to learn more.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The number of children present at any one time is low to provide a high level of support to meet the individual needs of children. Children have limited access to resources and activities that promote positive images of diversity, for example, different cultures. This means children’s understanding of the needs of the wider community is restricted. Children experience a sense of belonging at the childminder's home. To promote children’s self-esteem the childminder displays their artwork. This also helps to keep parents informed about their children's progress. Parents are building trusting relationships with the childminder who informs them about their children's activities, outings and most daily routines. Minor disputes are settled quickly and efficiently to promote harmony within the setting. Children are learning to share, take turns and consider consequences. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are beginning to understand the effect their behaviour has on others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. She has a flexible approach to planning children's activities. Free play is an integral part of the setting. This encourages children to make choices, initiate their play and learn from their experiences. All the required documentation and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder is committed to personal professional development and attends in service training to keep up to date with childcare

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 practice, which is evident in the positive outcomes for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children attending.

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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): • Improve arrangements where parents provide food and drink for children to improve children's nutritional requirements, and develop existing arrangements for children's personal care. • Build on existing resources and activities to promote positive images of diversity.

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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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