Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY338908 Unique Reference Number 05 January 2007 Inspection date Shazaad Arshad 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children age 10 and three years. They live in Elland, close to Halifax. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have one dog and one cat who both rarely have contact with children. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries. She regularly attends parent and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted through consistent routines and hygienic practices. They are developing their understanding for the need to wash their hands at appropriate times and the

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder attempts to give reminders to develop their understanding of the risk of cross infection. Children are not accepted if they have any infectious illness, in order to protect the health of others and a clear policy is shared with parents. Accidents and medication records are in place. The childminder has an up to date first aid has the knowledge with which to treat any minor injuries.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met. She offers varied, healthy meals and snacks, such as fresh fruit, and children have a choice of what they would like to drink. The childminder respects parents' wishes and provides food and drinks as appropriate depending upon the children's needs. Children enjoy the social opportunities at meal times as they sit to the table and eat together, and chat about their day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety and security is given reasonable priority and the childminder takes positive steps to ensure children are safe whilst in her care. The security of the premises ensures children can play in safety and no unauthorised person may collect the children. The childminder has on one occasion allowed visitors in to her home whilst childminding. However, this did not impact on the care to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is safe for children and the childminder ensures all hazards are inaccessible. Children have independent access to a good range of toys and equipment suitable for their development and interests. The childminder enables children to choose what they would like to do and she is involved in their play to make sure all resources are used appropriately. Regular safety checks of toys and equipment ensure they are suitable for the children. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through simple discussion within everyday opportunities. For example, when walking from school and crossing roads children learn to use the designated crossing and cross safely. A clear fire plan is on display and the childminder ensures children know how to evacuate safely in an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and she has a clear understanding of her duty to report any concerns. Contact telephone numbers for passing on any child protection concerns are readily available.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is very friendly, patient and caring. Children are settled and happy in her care and they enjoy a good range of appropriate activities suitable for their needs. They choose what they would like to do and the childminder responds to their requests, providing care in a secure routine which they know and understand.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities for play and they enjoy interesting activities, such as art and craft type games. Children learn about different concepts and the childminder is aware of involving the children in choosing things they like to do. The childminder joins in to enhance

p.3

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 their play and she chats to them as they do activities together. Children are able to rest and relax according to their needs and they enjoy the creative activities available.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the needs of other people through activities and discussion with the childminder. They have access to a satisfactory range of resources which shows positive images of ethnicity, culture and gender, although there are limited resources to encourage children's awareness of disabilities. Children's individual needs are met well through detailed discussion with parents and through the childminder giving appropriate individual attention. Each child is valued and respected and the childminder demonstrates this to them in ways such as ensuring their art work is displayed, and they proudly show off their creations.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively and the childminder is very positive in her interaction with them, giving meaningful praise and encouragement to them to boost their self-esteem. Children enjoy the positive comments made and they respond with smiles. Simple, clear boundaries are in place to ensure children's safety and enable them to feel secure in the setting and their behaviour is discussed with parents. The childminder is very experienced in managing children's behaviour and uses effective strategies to encourage children to behave well. She is firm and consistent in her management of behaviour so that children have a clear understanding of what is expected.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works alongside parents to provide individual care for children. She ensures information is shared as appropriate and passes on any information from school to parents at the end of the day. Daily communication is in place with parents to ensure children's needs are met. There is written consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Parents are assured of confidentiality when discussing aspects of their child's care with the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a secure routine and they are happy, settled and safe in the environment, which is organised appropriately to meet their needs. The organisation of the play areas enables children to choose their own activities and freely access the available resources.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder understands the requirement to complete registers and accident records with required detail, however, they are not always completed with sufficient detail. Documentation is in place and filed securely and daily records are maintained as required. The childminder is aware of the requirement for her to record any complaints received. The childminder is looking to continual organisational improvement through starting a recognised quality assurance program.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting with regard to unannounced visitors • ensure positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection at snack and meal times • ensure accident recording and registration records are completed clearly.

p.5

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.5

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.5