Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY242115 Unique Reference Number 12 January 2007 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her three children aged 11, eight and five years on the outskirts of Huddersfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, including toilet facilities, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local childminding group and takes children to the local park, countryside and childminder group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one baby all day and one school aged child part-time. The family has a pet rabbit and a hamster.

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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. The childminder is committed to promoting good standards of health and hygiene, using measures, such as home made posters which encourage hand washing and the use of individual face cloths. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment, where high standards of hygiene are maintained throughout. The children are learning the connection between good hygiene and staying healthy because the childminder discusses these issues with the children, using books to promote positive practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder acts in the best interests of children who become ill, having clear procedures which are shared with parents, protect others from illness and infection. Effective routines and procedures for cleaning the house using antibacterial products and hygienic nappy changing procedures ensure that high standards of hygiene are maintained to prevent cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular exercise, such as walks to the countryside and children participate in daily walks and trips to the local park. They also enjoy gardening at the childminders allotment where they are learning the connections between growing and eating healthy food whilst developing physical skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished. They are provided with meals and snacks that are freshly prepared, healthy and nutritionally balanced, avoiding processed food and additives. Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day which they access independently as and when they need. Children enjoy mealtimes as the childminder maximises opportunities for social development and positive interaction around the table.

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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 very warm, welcoming and child-centred environment. Children’s work and colourful posters are displayed attractively around the home to provide children with a sense of belonging and ownership. The childminder takes comprehensive precautions to reduce hazards to children. Space and toys are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely, self selecting resources from an exciting, accessible range.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant in promoting a safe and hazard free environment at all times. The children are protected by effective safety equipment and procedures, such as detailed emergency evacuation routines which are regularly practiced with the children. The childminder points out potential hazards and encourages children to learn about road safety when out in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and the appropriate procedures to follow if needed. Relevant documentation is used to record significant concerns and the childminder is fully aware of her responsibility

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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 to ensure that children are kept safe, having undertaken recent training to update her knowledge of this subject.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their surroundings because the childminder gives them individual care and attention. Children have many opportunities to participate in creative activities which help them to develop new skills. Currently they are enjoying a recycling theme, making new items from old Christmas cards and learning about compost bins. Older children benefit from visits to local woods where they collect leaves for artwork, look for squirrels and search for creatures living in the stream.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take pride in their achievements, with their work being displayed on the walls. Resources are organised to help children become independent learners. Babies are developing language and social skills because the childminder listens to their vocalisations, chatting to the children and introducing new words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from visits to local amenities, such as the art gallery, a therapeutic farm and childminding group where they experience new social situations and sensory experiences. Accurate recording of the children's progress ensures that parents are aware of the children's developmental stages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are well met because the childminder has a thorough understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. Children have access to a very broad range of equipment and activities to suit the needs of individual children. They develop a positive attitude towards others and gain an understanding about the wider world and community through planned activities and tasting food from other cultures. Children benefit from many resources and activities such as celebrating Chinese New Year and Diwali which helps them to value diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements with the use of rewards for positive behaviour. Children learn to manage their behaviour as the childminder sets clear and consistent limits. This helps children to learn to understand boundaries and play together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is strong because the childminder has developed mutually supportive and trusting relationships with parents. The childminder effectively explains her policies and procedures and seeks parents views on the welfare of their children. Parents are informed of their children's progress and well-being through daily diaries and verbal communication. However, the complaints procedure needs some updating to ensure parents have the correct information.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected due to the childminder's awareness of the vetting procedures and the importance of maintaining adequate ratios. The childminder organises time, space and resources well to meet children's needs.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a skilled and knowledgeable childminder who is highly motivated and has a firm understanding of child development. She has a clear purpose and commitment to personal improvement and development, and has recently completed several training courses to extend her knowledge of childcare issues.

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Organisation

Essential documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is of a high standard and well organised. Policies, records and procedures are set out professionally and are confidentially maintained.

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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 previous inspection three issues were raised but as two of these were at former premises they are no longer relevant as they were specific to the previous property.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The third issue related to the need to keep an accurate up to date daily register and the childminder now maintains these records to the necessary standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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):

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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 • update complaints procedure including Ofsted's current address

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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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