Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300590 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Ann Law

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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 2005. She lives with her partner, adult child and one child aged one year in Cowlersley, near Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet and nursery facilities on the first floor and there are two fully enclosed rear gardens for outside play. The childminder is currently minding one child under five years during the day. The family have a pet cat.

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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. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienically maintained environment. The childminder actively carries out good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, she implements effective procedures for nappy changing to prevent cross contamination. Arrangements for pets successfully promote the good levels of hygiene and ensure they do not pose a health risk to children. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's meals meet their individual dietary requirements. Detailed records actively seek information regarding any allergies or intolerances children may have, so as not to compromise children's health. She carries out safe storage and re-heating procedures of the food provided by parents, in order to safeguard children's health. The childminder effectively enables children to be healthy and active through good

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Helping children to be healthy

levels of assistance. For instance, helping babies to be physically active and explore the space around them and encouraging them to crawl improving their gross motor skills. She is skilled in recognising signs of tiredness in children and provides a comfortable, accessible place for them to sleep, in line with their individual routines for rest and sleep. This contributes to their physical well-being.

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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 where the childminder identifies and minimises risks. Many safety items are in place, such as fireguards, safety gate and safety film on low glass. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently when crawling and toddling. Children have access to safe and well-maintained furniture and equipment which meet their needs and do not compromise their safety. A satisfactorily varied range of age-appropriate toys and resources are easily accessible for the children to safely self-select from. The childminder takes positive steps to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. She gives clear explanations as to why children have to hold her hand when climbing down the steps into the garden 'because you might fall and hurt yourself'. All the required procedures are in place to ensure the childminder safeguards and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

promotes children's welfare. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of her responsibility within the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content in the welcoming environment. A sufficient range of toys and resources are available to the children and they play with enthusiasm. For example, babies explore and discover sound using different musical instruments. They are developing good levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder constantly interacts with them. Babies are encouraged to communicate because the childminder sits close to them, makes eye-contact and uses her voice and touch to stimulate them. She uses toys as props to interact with babies, for instance 'what noise does the pussy-cat make?' Children squeal with delight and revel in the attention, smiles and laughter of the activity. However, children do not have access to a full range of creative activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

where they can explore and discover using all of their senses. This is due to limitations in the childminder's knowledge of providing age-appropriate opportunities for creative expression in younger children. Relationships between the childminder and the children are good. Children are well settled due to effective communication with parents and the regular sharing of information. Children benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home, resulting in them being secure and confident in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Babies feel a sense of belonging in the setting. They are held close whilst bottle feeding and experience a healthy emotional attachment with the childminder. Their comfort items from home, such as blankets and soft toys, are valued, allowing children to understand that the childminder acknowledges their emotional needs. This promotes their well-being. Children are valued and respected as individuals and have their needs well met. However, they have limited access to a range of toys and resources which promote a positive view of a diverse society. Relationships between the children are good and adult support from the childminder encourages children to respect each other. She encourages them to bring toys for the baby and gentle reminders are given to 'roll the ball inside, not throw it', therefore learning agreed codes of behaviour. The childminder works in partnership with parents to provide good care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She provides them with a detailed pack giving a clear insight into the service offered. Daily verbal exchanges ensure that parents receive general information, in an informal way, regarding the care their child has received. This promotes continuity and consistency of care for children. Parents are very appreciative of the care their children receive.

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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 The organisation is good. The provision is well-organised and good time management throughout the day ensures that children have all of their needs well met in relation to playing, meals and sleeping. The space and resources are arranged effectively to enable children to initiate their own play and learning and promote their levels of independence. All of the legally required documentation is in place and completed efficiently. The childminder has a reasonable approach to training and she attends additional workshops to extend her childcare knowledge and practice. This contributes to improving the care, welfare and safety of children in the setting. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • develop a suitable range of age-appropriate sensory experiences for children, for example through the use of the Birth to three matters framework • extend the range of positive images in the play provision to ensure that children have access to a range of toys and resources which celebrate the diversity of the wider world.

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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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