Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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310873 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2006 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 18 years in a house in Denby Dale, near Huddersfield. There are schools, nursery, pre-schools, toddler group, shops and parks in the local area within walking distance. The childminder attends local childminder support groups on a regular basis. The childminder has developed an extended lower ground floor area exclusively for childminding which incorporates a bathroom and dining kitchen. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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 five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from purpose built childminding premises to the rear of the childminder's home. The premises include a playroom, dining kitchen, bathroom and an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The rooms are clean and well maintained, ensuring the children are cared for in a hygienic environment. Children are actively encouraged to learn about good hygiene procedures. They freely talk about the importance of washing hands after using the toilet and have chosen their own individual towels in a favourite colour. The children are kept safe because the childminder has robust sickness procedures which are clearly communicated to parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a healthy diet in consultation with parents. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the importance of healthy eating, displaying her menus on the wall. The children are learning to make healthy food choices and this is further promoted by the use of story books which encourage healthy eating. Drinks, such as water, milk or fruit juice, are available at all times to ensure children do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable levels of exercise is achieved by daily walks to local parks and using indoor and outdoor equipment at various groups attended by the children. The children enjoy swings, running, sand and water play, helping them develop agility and coordination. Children's individual sleep patterns are respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure, warm and welcoming surroundings, where they can move around safely and freely. The children remain safe because the childminder is aware of hazards and supervises the children at all times. There is a safe drop off and collection point at the rear of the house which keeps children away from the busy main road at the front of the house. The newly developed rear garden provides a secure area for children to play and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children happily use a good range of suitable and safe toys, resources and equipment. These are easily accessible and carefully checked for wear and tear by the childminder. Children are secure in the childminder’s care, because she reduces risks and minimises dangers within the home and outdoors. Rooms have appropriate safety precautions and the childminder is following advice from a recent Fire Service visit, carrying out emergency evacuation plans and having appropriate smoke detection systems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a general understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is aware of the importance of recording any incidents or concerns, listening to children and observing any changes in their general behaviour.

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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 are happy, relaxed and settled in the childminders care and she forms good relationships with them. They benefit from a good range of interesting and stimulating activities such as painting and visits to the library. Children are involved in a variety of learning opportunities both inside and outside the childminders home. They attend various groups such as play centres, toddler groups and childminder groups where they have opportunities to meet new friends and carry out different activities. This also encourages their learning, confidence and independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy each others company and form good friendships, which increases their sense of belonging. They benefit from consistent routines for eating, resting, playing and going out. The childminder consistently talks to children giving them praise and encouragement which develops their self-esteem and sense of belonging. The children are given many choices, such as types of activities, and their views are respected. The children take great pleasure in looking at their individual record books which contain their art work, photographs and other records.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn as they play because the childminder talks to them and asks simple questions to encourage their thinking. For example, when mixing paint children are encouraged to experiment with colours, paper types and brush shapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing good levels of self-esteem because the childminder values them as individuals. They have access to some resources and activities which reflect cultural and social diversity. The children are learning about wider society and have celebrated various events such as Diwali and Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and welcomes children into her care. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children and understands the importance of including children with specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of managing children’s behaviour and has developed a robust behaviour management policy. Children are well behaved and are learning right from wrong. Children’s efforts are praised and encouraged which in turn promotes their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship that the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents are given daily accounts of how their child has spent their day and they have access to children's individual records. Parts of the complaints procedure are out of date which makes it difficult for parents to make a formal complaint.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the effective organisation of the childminder and they are settled in to daily routines. Space is organised very well, which enables the children to access the toys and equipment provided with ease. The childminder has completed the required childminder training, plus recent training in first aid and 'Birth to three matters'. Her commitment to training further enhances the children's play and learning opportunities.

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Organisation

She is aware of the importance of ensuring household members are appropriately checked and cleared, to contribute to the children's safety. Appropriate registers and child ratios are maintained to ensure the children's welfare is promoted.

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Organisation

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the care and learning of children are generally acceptable. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their children’s activities. This contributes well to the continuity of the children's care. Documentation is well organised, stored safely and is easily accessible.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve safety for the children. Actions have been put in place in the new childminding suite to ensure the children's safety is improved.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also requested to have more information available to parents. This has been achieved by preparing children's record books and various policies and procedures which are available for parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2005 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): • update complaints procedure to include the regulators current address and telephone number and ensure procedure is made available to parents.

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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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