Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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303673 Unique Reference Number 08 June 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 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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the area of Woodhouse in Brighouse, near Huddersfield and Halifax. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll. The childminder also cares for children over eight years of age.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association in addition to the quality scheme Calderdale Children Come First Network and a local childminders group. She is supported by Calderdale Early Years Day Care Partnership.

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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. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and help children to understand that good hygiene routines keep them healthy. For example, they independently wash their hands after going to the toilet. Also, the childminder ensures that there are very good procedures in place for nappy changing. This includes the use of individual towels, disposable gloves and a changing mat.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good routines in place to ensure that the risk of infection is minimised. The childminder has a detailed sickness policy which is discussed with parents. They understand why it is important to keep children at home when they are sick.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied healthy diet which is based on their own preferences. Their awareness of healthy eating is always promoted and the menu has been checked by a specialist. Children enjoy a social time together as they sit at the table to eat their meals. Drinking water, milk and low sugar juice is always accessible as the childminder leaves the children's cups within easy reach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy taking part in regular vigorous physical exercise, both indoors and outside. They have opportunities to use large equipment and freedom of large spaces as they visit local amenities that are safe and pleasant. The childminder plans trips during school holidays where they thoroughly enjoy playing in the leisure park.

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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 clean, welcoming environment. The childminder is very security conscious and there are effective safety features which ensure the safety of children both inside and outside the home. The children are aware of how to safely vacate the house in the event of a fire as they practise monthly fire evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have been taught about safety through long established routines. They have a good understanding of keeping themselves safe and they are well supervised. For example, they are reminded and encouraged to tidy up toys so that they do not fall and hurt themselves. Children have good routines and procedures when going on outings or playing outside. They learn to use safe crossing places when they are walking to school and on outings. They learn how to keep themselves safe in the sun by applying appropriate lotion and keep themselves in the shade through the use of the gazebo.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate first aid training and parents are made aware of any accidents and medication administered because there are appropriate accurate records kept.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is fully conversant with the child protection system and is very aware of the procedures to follow, if necessary. The childminder has a comprehensive policy and has the latest Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures in place.

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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 relaxed, and they initiate their own imaginary games. For example, they set out the train set together and pretend to go on a train ride. The childminder ensures there are lots of opportunities to develop children's imaginary play and, consequently enhances their learning in such areas as number and literacy. For example, children remember to ask the cost of the train ride and then continue with the counting games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses development records and children's profiles. She ensures they are provided with opportunities for a range of exciting and stimulating activities. Activities are well planned and evaluated, and these take into consideration the ages of children present and their individual routines. Individual observations are shared with parents, and children are consulted about what they would like to do so that they are involved in making decisions about their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are planned outings both locally and further afield. She provides opportunities for children to rest and sleep if they are tired after nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show confidence and independence in dealing with their own personal routines. For example, they independently access the toilet and choose their own toys and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are settled, secure and have warm caring relationships with their peers and the childminder. They are loved, respected and treated as part of the family. There is a sound bond which increases children's sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children's behaviour is excellent. They understand responsible behaviour and mostly play harmoniously together. There are established rules and boundaries and children are taught to share and say 'please' and 'thank you'. They demonstrate care for one another. For example, older children share their toys readily with younger ones and accept alternatives when good explanations are given by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community and wider environment through discussions, resources and the childminders understanding of differing abilities. However, resources that promote interest in other cultures and races are limited to books and role play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built up sound relationships with parents and carers. There are very good systems in place to record and share children's developments and achievements. She shares verbal information on a daily basis so that they are aware of their children's activities. The childminder discusses any concerns and agrees a consistent way of managing these. Parents provide very positive feedback and are happy to place their child with a caring and loving childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There are excellent policies and procedures in place to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and uses appropriate documentation. It is well organised, up to date and readily available.

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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 childminder has completed numerous training courses. This has enhanced her service and she has a very positive approach to her personal development. She has attended up to date relevant training, including first aid, child protection, behaviour management, creative crafts, safeguarding children and has clear understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Organisation

The home is very well organised and the space is well used so that children have opportunities to choose their own resources and play independently.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to build on existing records of what children do to show how individual children develop in all areas of learning. The childminder has since produced excellent development files that assess children's learning and the next stages.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required that provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet national standards. 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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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): • continue to extend resources that promote different culture and races.

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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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