Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

310774 Unique Reference Number 08 December 2006 Inspection date Margaret Shelborn 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 1994. She lives with her partner and child aged one year in Birstall West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom facilities on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed area to the rear of the house for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time and full time basis. The childminder takes and picks up children from the local school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 are very well cared for in a welcoming and very clean home. They are developing a very good understanding of good hygiene through effective practice. For example, babies and very young children have their own nappy changing mat, wipes are used for their hands after their nappies have been changed and after messy play. Older children follow hand washing routines; their independence is encouraged as each child is provided with an individual towel to prevent cross contamination. There are good routines in place for cleaning equipment, toys and resources and a clearly written sickness policy is available for parents. This includes good arrangements should a child become ill in her setting.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical needs and well-being are met and promoted by the childminder as regular visits to the local parks take place where children have lots of opportunities to enjoy physical activities. The childminder recognises when they are tired, hungry and thirsty and provides opportunities for resting, eating and drinking in accordance with their individual needs. All children are able to access drinks independently, as these are readily available at all times.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents constantly strive to encourage children to eat a healthy diet. Parents provide healthy packed lunches and the childminder provides healthy and nutritious snacks with lots of fruit. Children with special dietary requirements are well catered for as the childminder accommodates their requirements. The childminder shares her healthy eating policy with all her parents. The childminder has started using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to record in each child's profile the development of a healthy child.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very good child-friendly environment. Space is used constructively and activities are very well organised. Children can freely select excellent toys and resources with confidence from low level storages containers. They are able to access an extensive selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment, which are very safe and very well maintained ensuring that the needs of all children attending are fully met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are extremely safe and secure as the childminder has an excellent understanding of how to keep children safe within the home. The childminder takes exceptional steps to reduce hazards and risks. All safety is adhered to, for example, a fire-guard is used, a fire blanket is sited appropriately and stair-gates are fitted. There are excellent written risk assessments in place for checking the safety of the home, for example, the written fire evacuation procedure is practised with the children weekly and recorded. Children's understanding and learning in keeping themselves safe is developing rapidly through the childminder talking to children about issues and safety posters are displayed. For example, children are kept safe on outings as they cross roads in the safest way, using the pelican crossings and crossing wardens. The childminder

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 takes further positive steps to reduce risks as she complements her safety procedures by having written risks assessments in place when children are taken out and about in the community.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and good knowledge of the procedures she would follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. She regularly keeps her child protection training updated and shares her policy with her parents. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate. This means that children's welfare is being exceedingly well protected.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content. They are confident and settled within an environment that is successfully planned to introduce them to a range of new and interesting experiences both indoors and outdoors. Children participate in activities which are flexible and appropriate to meet their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are good daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The childminder is flexible and encourages children to pursue their own interests. For example, the children are offered scope to develop their own ideas and explore using colours, textures and a variety of different materials during collage activities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is consistently developed because they make their own choices about their play from a very good range of resources. Activities are directly linked to the individual needs and interests of the children attending the setting. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully. They are highly motivated, challenged and enjoy the play opportunities that are provided for them. The children's achievements are recorded and shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs met well as the childminder obtains all the relevant information and works closely with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity issues and knowledge and understanding of the wider world within her practice. All children within the setting are involved and included as they are given the same opportunities to learn through play. The childminder has borrowed some resources to represent learning difficulties and disabilities from the lending library which enables children to ask questions. Such as, why some people have to be in a wheel chair or why people have to have callipers on their legs. However, the childminder's resources are limited to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She is aware this is an area she can improve upon.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder obtains an abundance of information from parents to help children settle in her care. This shows that the childminder is aware of the children's emotional needs and aims to make the transition from home to the setting a secure and positive experience. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence and healthy self-esteem.

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 Behaviour management techniques are clear, consistent and appropriate to children's age and level of understanding. Older children are taught to understand right from wrong and consider the consequences of their behaviour. The childminder is kind and sensitive, she supports children effectively and offers them a high level of assistance as and when required.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder manages her time effectively. As a result, the children receive the attention and care that they need to help them feel content and secure. She has a good understanding of child development and a high regard for the well being of all children left in her care. The children feel at home and at ease in the extremely well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning.

p.5

Organisation

All documentation is kept in accordance with the National Standards and is used effectively to promote the safety, care and well-being of the children. There is an informative information leaflet which is discussed and given to parents during induction. All policies and procedure are kept in a easily accessible file for parents to access at any time. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to record the development of children in her care and shares the children's individual profiles with parents. She is committed to her own personal development as she attends many relevant short courses.

p.5

Organisation

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 the childminder was asked to ensure parental permission is sought from parents for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice; extend the complaints procedure to include Ofsted details and record fire evacuation practices. She now has written permission in place seeking emergency medical treatment or advice; her complaints procedure has been extended to include Ofsted's details; and fire evacuations are practised and times and dates recorded. These improvements ensure children are kept safe and free from harm.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

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 play resources are extended to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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