Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302115 Unique Reference Number 02 August 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 20, 15 and 12 in the Great Horton area of Bradford. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local toddler groups twice a week and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is adequately promoted because the childminder is proactive in ensuring satisfactory hygiene procedures are in place. For example, children use the wet wipes at

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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 appropriate times. Children understand their own personal hygiene; they can explain clearly why they need to wash their hands and they have an understanding about the importance of this. A clear policy about illness and infection is explained to parents and they work closely with the childminder to ensure their children are well enough to attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are provided for and the childminder has a clear understanding of nutrition and healthy eating. Children have a variety of different foods to support their growth and development throughout the day in their snacks and meals. Baby foods are provided by parents and information on the types of foods eaten are shared with parents on a daily basis. Children discuss the foods they like and they are involved in a range of activities that enable them to prepare food, such as baking. They have regular access to drinks throughout the day which means they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities that promote their physical development, such as regular access to the garden, soft play centres and local walks. Suitable equipment provides children with opportunities to develop their agility and the childminder supports them in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and welcoming environment which is free from hazards. They enjoy accessing toys and equipment within the home and they can reach many things or point to what they need. A good range of quality toys and equipment appropriate for their development is available and they enjoy playing imaginatively with the role play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder visually assesses risks in and around the home to ensure children play safely and she supervises them in their activities at all times. They play outdoors in the enclosed garden which the childminder checks for safety before it is used. Children are encouraged to learn about how to keep themselves safe through simple discussion and gentle reminders, such as not to climb on furniture or throw toys. Doors are kept locked but exits are clear in the event of an emergency evacuation. However, evacuations are not practised to develop children's understanding of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is proactive in obtaining relevant contact numbers for reporting concerns and she ensures these are easily accessible should she need to refer to them. The childminder understands about how to protect children in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and she ensures parents are aware of her responsibility to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled and they have fun with the childminder. They enjoy a variety of opportunities to learn through play and the childminder joins in with their activities to enhance their experiences. She knows each child well and responds to their interests and stage of development. For example, she chats with children about colours and shapes and responds by using creative materials. Children chatter constantly and they freely talk about what they like to do when they are with the childminder. Activities are well planned and evaluated, and these take into consideration the ages of children present and their individual routines. Children's observations are shared with parents and children are consulted about what they would like to

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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 do so that they are involved in making decisions about their play. They enjoy creative activities and colouring the different shapes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit toddler groups on a regular basis to enhance their social skills through interacting with other groups of children. The childminder is aware of how children learn and she encourages their interest in letter sounds, shapes and colours within the play environment. For example, children are aware of concepts, such as big and small. The childminder divides her time up fairly to ensure each child receives high levels of individual attention appropriate to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the needs of others through access to suitable resources and activities which support their understanding of diversity. Simple explanations given by the childminder enable children to develop a positive approach to people's similarities and differences. Children enjoy tasting food from other countries as they learn about different cultures and festivals from around the world. The childminder ensures all children have fair and equal access to all toys and equipment available and she encourages their free choice. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for all children and she supports their individual needs through working closely with parents throughout their child's placement with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed effectively through strategies, such as positive encouragement and recognition for what children do well. They respond well to simple rules and boundaries which they know, such as not running indoors. Good manners are encouraged and the childminder is an effective role model for this, resulting in children being polite and courteous with one another. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents and they work closely together to ensure consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Daily communication with parents enables them to feel included in their child's time with the childminder. Written consent is obtained for all aspects of their child's care and the childminder consults parents fully to ensure their wishes are respected. Parents are very happy with the service they receive and they feel the childminder meets their child's individual needs very well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a secure routine which they know and this gives them a sense of belonging. Play areas are well set out and inviting to children, with colourful posters, photographs and artwork on display. Low numbers of children being cared for enables the childminder to give individual attention according to their needs. The childminder is aware of current childcare issues and she is committed to her own training and development to enhance the quality of care given to the children. Parents have access to comprehensive policies and procedures that underpin the practice and illustrate the care that is provided.

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Organisation

Most of the documentation is up to date, well filed and confidentially stored. However some organisation issues are weak in relation to accident recording systems and completion of the attendance register.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide written policies and procedures about the setting and information on a complaints procedure with contact details for Ofsted. The childminder has written policies in place that underpin the practice and this includes the complaints procedure. In addressing the recommendation the childminder has improved the welfare of the minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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 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): • ensure all children regularly practise a fire evacuation • ensure the children's daily attendance is recorded accurately • ensure all accident records are completed in full detail and include parental signatures.

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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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