Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240294 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2007 Inspection date Cathleen Howarth 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 14, in Golcar, Huddersfield. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, in addition to some rooms on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently minding 11 children, all on a part time basis. Of these, three children are over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be arranged. The childminder attends local parent/toddler and playgroups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and local childminding support group.

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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 protected from infection and well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. Policies and procedures are in place, and are systematically countersigned by parents to promote children’s continuing care. The childminder maintains high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in areas used by children, to promote their good health. Children understand simple health and hygiene practises. They routinely wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet, and know to take their shoes off in the house. The childminder implements effective procedures for nappy changing and toilet training, and competently provides for the personal care needs of the very young.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are regularly involved with food preparation. They like to freeze fruit on lollipop sticks for treats. The childminder fully promotes children’s awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy physical activity, both indoors and outdoors. They visit local parks to play on the swings, and use various equipment and apparatus in the garden. Children’s favourites include the climbing frame, crawling tunnel, small trampoline, tricycles, and pedal cars. Older children play team games, like football. These measures successfully support children's overall physical development, helping them to develop agility, muscle tone and coordination. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning the importance of eating healthily. The childminder reinforces this by regularly providing a balanced range of nutritional food and drink. For example, mini scotch eggs, cheese, cucumber, tomatoes and celery. Yoghurts and sugar free juice are readily available. Fresh fruit, like banana and grapes are provided for snack. Food preparation procedures are sound.

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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 welcoming and safe environment which is effectively risk assessed before they arrive. As a result they have ample choice in where they play. There are well-implemented safety policies and procedures. For example, children have learnt boundaries and limits, and know not to play on the stairs in order to keep safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently access a wide range of age-appropriate toys and equipment. They play with quality resources that are of good design and condition, which the childminder checks regularly for repair and replacement. Children are learning to tidy up, to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and other's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children routinely practise emergency evacuation procedures, and all fire safety precautions are in place. The current public liability insurance certificate is available for parents to view.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are professionally safeguarded because the childminder fully understands her role in child protection. She clearly knows the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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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 find their resources fun and interesting. Resources are rotated to provide variety and are imaginatively used to support children’s overall care and development. The childminder plans and evaluates activities with the children in order to keep them focussed and involved. Children are consequently engrossed in their play. They build on their natural curiosity as learners, developing their language. They use touchy, feely flash cards to sort and match colours, shapes, numbers, letters and animals. They effectively develop mathematical thinking when they purposefully refer to the number poster on the wall. Children use their imagination fully when they dress up as a fairy and Santa. They are developing meaningful social relationships when they look forward to playing with friends at toddler group. They demonstrate good levels of confidence and self-esteem, and show great interest in what they do. The very young have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learnt how to use the car track. They place the car in the right direction at the top of the track, and watch it race down. With excitement they start the process again.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children accomplish new knowledge and skills when they talk about different weather conditions. They purposefully recognise different weather in order to dress accordingly. Their growing independence is positively promoted. Children learn to use zips, fasten buttons, tie shoe laces and put on hats, gloves and scarves. Spare Wellingtons are left at the setting so that children can experience outside play in the rain and snow. Some children have successfully learnt how to ride bicycles without stabilizers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy baking bread, buns and jam tarts. They weigh, measure, pour and mix ingredients, and learn to tell the time. They eagerly look forward to eating what they have made. Children are proud of their achievements. Their development files are well maintained and easily accessible for parents to see the progress they have made. Children respond positively to challenge when they make greeting cards and sign their own name; even the very young make their mark. They carefully use scissors under supervision, roll and glue crepe paper, and skilfully stick the reindeer’s eyes in the right place. Topics are imaginatively incorporated into children’s play. The current theme includes making calendars for 2007 to take home. Children plan outings to the play gym, and to the park to feed the ducks. There is good provision for quiet, relaxing activities, like reading, looking at picture books, and listening to lullabies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to their carer, and spontaneously go to her for cuddles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern, and they are fully included and involved. Their individual needs are well met. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of each child’s background, stage of development and additional requirements by effectively liaising with parents, and maintaining appropriate records. Children are developing an awareness of diversity in the wider community. This is sensitively achieved through a wide range of resources and imaginative activities. There is strong emphasis on inclusion, to positively provide for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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 Children generally behave well. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies, like distraction and explanation to effectively manage a range of children’s differing behaviour. Children’s good behaviour is actively encouraged through positive role modelling, meaningful praise and by valuing cooperative behaviour. Children are learning to share, take turns and to be kind during their play. This helps to develop their self-esteem and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make good progress. The childminder has established systems to keep parents informed of their children’s progress, including daily diaries routinely maintained for the very young. However, if the need arose, it is not clear how parents would raise concerns through the existing complaints procedure, as it is out of date.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and has fully addressed the recommendations raised at the last inspection. Although at the time of this inspection a current first aid certificate had not been maintained, which is a breach of registration requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation of space is effective. There are clearly defined areas for meals, rest and play. The childminder makes full use of her time and activities are well supported. Daily routines are established, and children feel secure in a stable, predictable environment.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place to promote children’s care, welfare and learning. Records are maintained in an orderly way and stored securely. Clearly written policies and procedures are available for parents to view.

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Organisation

The childminder respects confidentiality and shares relevant information with parents. 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 last inspection three recommendations were raised to improve documentation. The childminder now ensures appropriate motor insurance is available for parents to view. Accident records are fully compliant, and written parental consent is now obtained for various childcare practises, including photographs. These measures are in place to promote children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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.

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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): • update the existing complaints procedure and make all parents aware • maintain a current first aid certificate.

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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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