Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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303675 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2007 Inspection date Annette Stanger 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children on the outskirts of Mytholmroyd, Halifax. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 five children under five on a part time basis, and one child over five after school. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder successfully promotes children’s health by recognising and reducing possible risks. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienically maintained environment and good practice is followed for the hygienic change of nappies, with all precautions being taken to avoid cross-contamination. The childminder pays good attention to children's care and health needs and has good arrangements to care for children if they become ill. She has all the necessary

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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 documentation to record any accidents and medication given, and clear systems are in place to ensure written parental consent is sought prior to administering any medication. Children’s healthy independence is also encouraged by the childminder and gentle reminders are offered to children to ensure they always wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and enjoy healthy and nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. These are freshly prepared and successfully contribute to their well-being, healthy growth and development. Vegetables or fruit accompany all meals and regular drinks are given throughout the day, with good arrangements in place for children who cannot ask. The childminder actively seeks information regarding children's health and dietary needs, and all individual requirements are respected and followed to safeguard children and accommodate their needs. The importance of making healthy choices is regularly discussed with older children and they show interest in what fruit is available for the day. They also learn more about healthy eating in their everyday play situations, for example, as they identify and sort into piles the healthy play food items, such as strawberries, apples and bananas.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical play which helps them to acquire new skills and make good progress in their physical development. Children have plenty of fresh air as they go on walks with the childminder and they also enjoy physical play indoors. Good use is made of the garden, local toddler groups and soft play centres where children have access to further equipment which promotes their physical development. The childminder organises her home environment well, allowing children to actively explore and investigate. At the inspection children manoeuvred skilfully and safely on sit and ride toys, both forwards and backwards, avoiding obstacles on their way. They were also seen to be developing a sense of space as they successfully negotiated their bodies to fit into smaller spaces, such as tunnels and tents. As well as providing opportunities for active play, children are also able to rest and relax according

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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 reasonably safe environment. The childminder organises the space well to make it inviting and welcoming for the children. They have safe access to toys and resources suitable for their age and stage of development and freely explore those which interest them. These are of good quality and are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure there are no broken parts that may pose a danger. These are presented to the children in low level storage boxes to facilitate their independent access and to encourage their decision making skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder takes time to explain to the children why certain actions are unsafe. For example, she explains to a child trying to steer on a sit and ride toy that it would be safer and easier for him if he put down the large soft ball he is holding. Older children are also reminded to take care and be mindful of younger children when playing together in a group. All fire safety precautions have been taken; a fire blanket is in place, smoke alarms are sited on every level of the premises and there are clear written procedures for emergency evacuation which are regularly practised with the children. The childminder has risk assessed her environment and has some of the appropriate safety equipment in place, including socket covers and child proof locks on her cupboards and drawers containing hazardous items. However, she has not fully considered the security of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

premises in relation to keeping children safe, as the front door is not kept locked.

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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 The childminder is very aware of her responsibility towards child protection. She has a good knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of children at risk and the relevant procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child. She has a written statement on child protection, which she shares effectively with parents and has documentation in place to record any existing injuries. Her willingness to document and discuss these with parents ensures that the welfare of the children remains a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder’s care. They benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home. They receive lots of warmth, care and attention to support their emotional well-being, giving them the confidence to try new experiences and acquire new skills. The children enjoy themselves and are helped to achieve by being involved in a broad range of activities which support their development and overall learning. Resources are readily accessible and allow children to access opportunities independently and explore at their own pace. This builds on their natural curiosity as learners, their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder achieves a good balance between adult and child-led experiences and toys and equipment are regularly rotated to capture children’s interest. They are eager to participate in all activities and spend their time purposefully. They develop an awareness of space as they manoeuvre their bodies to fit into small spaces when playing in the tunnel and tent, and cooperate well together on tasks as they build tracks for the trains. Children’s language development is regularly encouraged during role play experiences and they enjoy expressing their individual creativity by making music on the keyboard and involving themselves in art and craft activities, such as collage and painting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good relationships are clearly evident and the children relate well to one another and the childminder. Children talk happily about their play, and regularly make decisions about what they are going to do. Interaction is effective and successful in helping children enjoy and achieve. The childminder takes time to listen to children and allows them to develop their own ideas. They are encouraged by the childminder to describe their creativity in their pictures and paintings, which develops their language, helps them feel valued and builds on their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children benefit as the childminder follows individual routines in accordance with parents' wishes and this ensures their individual needs are well met. Children are helped to consider and value diversity and learn more about the wider world through resources that reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences, such as books, puzzles and play figures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages behaviour positively and sensitively, in a way that is developmentally appropriate for the child. Explanation and distraction techniques are used well to manage children's behaviour and this is successful in dealing with any unwanted behaviour. She ensures that children are not bored or frustrated, but are busy and contented. Her approach to managing behaviour is consistent and she follows a behaviour management policy which she shares with parents. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged, and praise is given freely to children. This positive approach contributes to good levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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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 benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has with parents. They are confident and settle quickly because the childminder takes heed of the information provided. The childminder shares detailed information about the childminding service and the policies and procedures. She provides parent’s with regular verbal feedback about the children’s progress and all aspects of their care and development. This successful partnership promotes the children’s well-being, care and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and attends regular training courses to keep herself updated. However, she has failed to complete a first aid course since her previous certificate expired and therefore does not have a current maintained first aid certificate. This means she does not have current knowledge of first aid practice and this compromises the safety of the children and is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

She organises the space and resources well to meet children's needs. This promotes their growing independence and allows free movement and easy access to age appropriate resources. She manages her time well to ensure that she meets the individual needs of the children in her care, such as time to eat, rest and play. Required adult to child ratios are met, which ensures children are appropriately supervised and supported.

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Organisation

All of the mandatory documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: build on existing resources and play opportunities to provide further positive images of disability and culture; and to keep a record of what children have achieved in all areas of leaning. The childminder has since extended her range of resources by purchasing puzzles, books and small play figures to further promote children's awareness of diversity. Information on children's achievements is regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed of their child's development in all areas of learning. This is done through daily verbal feedback and by continually sharing examples of their ongoing achievements.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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): • review the security measures to keep children safe • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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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