Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302600 Unique Reference Number 16 October 2006 Inspection date Ingrid Szczerban 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 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 15, and an adult. They live in a house in the Thornton area of Bradford. The local shops, schools, playgroup, toddler group and park are within walking distance. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is an upstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. A hamster, two budgies and a kitten are kept as pets

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 13 children, of these, seven are over eight. Some of the children are only cared for during the school holidays. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties, walks to a local school to take and collect children and she attends toddler groups with younger children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a level 4 qualification in Childcare and Education and is currently working towards a degree in childcare. She is a member of an accredited childminding network but is

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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 not currently in receipt of nursery education funding. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the West Yorkshire Police Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about good health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine. For instance, they wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, such as cleaning the animal's cages each week. The home is clean and tidy thereby protecting children from infection. However, children are not provided with individual hand towels exposing them to the risk of cross infection. The childminder acts in the best interest of children when they are sick and does not care for children when they have any contagious diseases.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and mainly home-cooked food in good supply to meet their needs. These include a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children's health benefits from having their need for regular meal times and rest times met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Robust physical activity is enjoyed by children. Each day they walk to and from school which helps to build their stamina and develop a sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies. Young children are extremely confident and adventurous in their large physical play. They learn how to climb and to manoeuvre wheeled toys. During their frequent visits to toddler groups they enjoy using the slide and bikes. Children can balance well. They have spontaneous fun as they decide to walk along a row of large dominoes on the living room floor without stepping onto the carpet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good use is made of the space available and children have freedom to move around the whole of the ground floor independently. Children can make choices and initiate their own play. Careful attention is given to storing toys in height-order, so that all children can safely reach what is appropriate to their age, thereby creating independence for all ages. Children feel welcome as their artwork is prominently displayed, and free access to toys promotes their decision making skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An excellent range of toys and equipment which are safe, developmentally appropriate and of good quality, help to keep children safe. Young children use the high chair safely as they are secured with the harness. Children are kept safe because all equipment is checked by the childminder as it is used. The childminder has fully considered and minimised all potential hazards both on the premises and when taking children on outings. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they are reminded not to throw toys as they may cause injury to others. They learn how to avoid accidental injury to themselves and others because the childminder

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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 encourages them to tidy up, reminding them that they need free space to play safely without tripping up.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and how to report any concerns. She has attended relevant training and is fully able to meet the welfare needs of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their warm relationships with the childminder. They are happy, very well settled and receive plenty of reassuring cuddles. Children benefit from regular routines planned around their needs which contributes to their emotional well-being. High priority is given to providing regular meals and sleep times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience an extensive range of activities both inside and outside the home. They are eager to learn and initiate their own play selecting their preferred activities. Children engage in fun, interesting and stimulating activities, such as baking, dressing up and visiting farms. Older children expand their knowledge of technology on the computer and express creative ideas using a variety of craft materials. Younger children receive excellent support in their learning. They develop an awareness of numbers using dominoes and hone their fine manipulative skills by threading. Children's social skills and physical development are fostered on daily walks and visits to toddler groups. They learn about the world around them and the changing seasons as they gather leaves to make a colourful autumn display.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children communicate very well because the childminder is attuned to the individual speech patterns of younger children and she values their contributions. She responds to children with enthusiasm and talks about what they are doing, thereby extending their use of language and introducing new vocabulary. This interaction enables children to feel good about themselves, develop a positive self-image and get on well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met through a variety of means including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child and the continuity of care. The children and their siblings have been cared for over a period of years. The childminder ensures that resources positively represent individuals from the wider community which helps children develop a positive attitude towards others. Children learn about the world and diversity through discussions about issues raised in children's news programmes. Good arrangements are made to support children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good behaviour management policy which is effectively implemented. Excellent use of praise and encouragement is provided to boost children's confidence and self esteem. Children are well behaved and have good manners. They get on well together because the childminder teaches them to respect and consider the needs of others. For instance, she gently explains to older children that they must understand the needs of the younger ones when sharing toys.

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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 Children benefit from the very good partnership developed between the childminder and parents. Children are cared for according to parent's wishes which promotes continuity of care and their well- being. The parents receive a detailed information brochure about the setting. There are effective systems in place to ensure that information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities through written policies, daily chats and daily diaries for younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space is effectively organised to meet the needs of the children so that they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder structures her daily routine extremely well. She makes arrangements to prepare food before children arrive and cooks while children sleep after their lunch. This means that she devotes all her time to playing with the children. As a result children receive excellent levels of individual time and attention from the childminder.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult child ratios are maintained appropriately. The childminder organises her documentation meticulously, she keeps up to date records and has sought all necessary written permissions from parents regarding the care needs of children. Children's details are kept in individual files to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

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Organisation

The children benefit from the childminder's good underpinning knowledge and experience in child development. She is a qualified practitioner and fervent in her commitment to ongoing training to enhance the service she provides for the children. The extensive range of policies and procedures are used most effectively to promote the welfare and care of children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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.

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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 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): • provide separate hand towels for 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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