Hardill, Kimberley Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

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503055 Unique Reference Number 16 February 2007 Inspection date Shazaad Arshad 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged 11 and seven years. They live in Cleckheaton, Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a garden to the rear suitable for outdoor play. Nearby there are shops, parks, childcare groups and schools. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years of age and there three children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in clean, well-maintained premises and their health is suitably promoted through satisfactory practices which prevent the spread of infection. For example, the

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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 frequently wipes children's hands and faces, and strictly monitors their use of beakers and toys. However, steps to minimise the risk of cross-infection when changing nappies are weak. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are in good condition and gives them a thorough cleaning with disinfectant every week. A verbal sickness policy is in place and this is discussed with parents, ensuring they know what to do when their children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They always have water available and also have regular drinks of milk, according to their individual routines. Food is varied, balanced and nutritious and mealtimes are eaten together in a social atmosphere. The childminder has a sound understanding of healthy eating and has attended training in this area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children experience a healthy lifestyle through regular visits to the park opposite the house, local play gyms and planned outings to places of interest when the weather is fine. The children have benefited from these experiences as they have developed their understanding of the nature around them. The childminder provides indoor activities which develop children's physical skills and control of their bodies. For example, they are adept at climbing and manoeuvring plastic rocking horses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children's emotional well-being is fostered. Their individual needs are well catered for and they have established routines for rest, sleep and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play safely in a secure environment and the childminder is aware of her responsibility to assess any risks and is aware that there are some hazards, such as playing in the park. The childminder uses everyday opportunities to explain safety in a simple way to children, such as when walking out and about, they understand simple rules to ensure their safety. Fire drills are practised regularly and the childminder has a very clear plan of what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder takes all parents' contact numbers with her at all times in case of emergency, although no written parental consent is obtained for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children explore freely and safely around the environment and are able to make independent choices about what they wish to do. The childminder ensures children play safely with the toys and equipment by involving herself in their play and observing them closely. There is a satisfactory range of toys and resources which all meet safety standards; they are used appropriately for the ages of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is clearly able to safeguard children through her training and awareness of child protection. However, recent update information on child protection procedures is not included in her documentation.

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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 and content in the childminder's care and there are positive relationships with the childminder which support them and help them feel secure. Children benefit from a familiar routine for care, learning and play, and the childminder follows their individual preferences for eating and sleeping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning well through play and they have a stimulating range of interesting activities, such as going for nature walks and plenty of free play at home. Very young children enjoy exploring and discovering sounds, textures and colours through the effective use of toys and the positive interaction with the childminder. The childminder interprets very young children's non-verbal language very well by observing closely and responding appropriately to their facial expressions. She chats to them in a gentle voice in response to their questioning and they respond with happy faces. The childminder is very attentive to children and she joins in with their play, pointing out interesting features in books and turning pages, or making moving toys work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is promoted well through high levels of individual care and attention, appropriate for their needs. The childminder knows the children well and is observant of them in the setting, giving sensitive support and reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a commitment to improving her practice and knowledge in childcare. Over the last year she has attended numerous courses through the Early Years Service and has benefited from the training in heuristic play and mathematical play, and is currently completing the National Vocational Qualification level 3 in childcare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to develop a positive attitude towards others and an understanding of diversity through activities and resources. They have access to a wide range of resources which show positive images of ethnicity, culture, gender and disabilities. The childminder has also developed her knowledge in the area of disabilities by attending further training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder has realistic expectations based upon their level of understanding. Positive language is used. For example, children are asked to share, and then praised, and explanations are given as to why they should share; plenty of facial expressions and tone of voice are consistently used when interacting with the children. Children enjoy receiving 'well done' stickers as rewards for good behaviour and there are basic rules in place which they all understand. The childminder has a clear understanding of working in partnership with parents as, for example, she looked after a child that was biting and has now grown out of this. The childminder is aware of keeping parents informed about significant events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected in the setting. Their own routines from home are closely adhered to in order to help them feel settled and secure, and their individual needs are met well through the childminder's effective partnership with parents. Information is exchanged

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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 daily which means that children are cared for according to each child's needs and in keeping with their parents' wishes. Parents have access to view the childminder's prospectus, which clearly sets out the expectations of the setting and provides important information about the service. Records are also made available from the daily record book, which contains details of the children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the welcoming environment in which they can access their own resources. Toys are stored in accessible containers within the room which means children are able to select and tidy away. The childminder uses her space so children are cared for according to their needs. Older children like to use the available kitchen area for messy play and there is plenty of space in the dining room and the lounge for younger children or quiet supervised activities. Numbers of minded children are low and this enables each child to have good levels of interaction to support their needs.

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Organisation

Documentation which supports the childminding practice is all in place, up to date and filed confidentially. A file of clearly written policies and procedures underpins the childminding practice and illustrates how the outcomes for children are met. However, records relating to accidents are not completed with enough detail.

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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

The last inspection recommended that the childminder extend resources that reflect positive images and promote anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has increased resources by using the library and obtaining posters and books.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A further recommendation was to organise paperwork effectively to ensure accessibility and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. All records are kept in files and organised and marked clearly. They are kept out of reach to children in a cabinet and are at all times confidential.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaint made to Ofsted that required that provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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 satisfactory. 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): • improve hygiene practices in relation to changing children's nappies • ensure information on child protection procedures is updated • ensure all accident records are completed with sufficient detail.

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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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