Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY229475 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Frances Turner

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1999. He lives with his wife, who is also a childminder, and three older children. They live in a town on the outskirts of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The home is within walking distance of local shops and parks. The family have a cat with which minded children have contact. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding as well as toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children in total and has four children on roll. Children currently attend on a part time basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Calderdale's Children Come First Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health and hygiene is encouraged by the childminder who understands positive practice. He works closely with his co-childminder to meet individual needs. For example, he shares in the recording of accidents and seeks information about a new baby's routine to enhance the care provided. Children's awareness of their own health is raised as they use disposable wipes to clean their hands before and after mealtimes and help to clear and clean the table. Agreements with parents ensure dietary needs are met through snack provision and packed lunches from home. Snacks incorporate daily fruits and vegetables to promote children's health. Children enjoy social interactions and a balance between support and independence at mealtimes. They are encouraged to feed themselves when developmentally appropriate and adult help is always available. Role-play with pretend foods help children to learn food names and identify their own likes and

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Helping children to be healthy

dislikes. This encourages children's healthy eating habits. Children's physical health is promoted through frequent outings and outdoor play opportunities. Woodland walks, farmyard visits, the use of playground equipment and ball games encourage muscle development and coordination and establishes an enjoyment of energetic activity.

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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, well maintained and welcoming environment. The childminder takes all reasonable steps to reduce hazards within the home. Children explore in safe surroundings through equipment such as fire guards, socket covers and safety gates. The childminder forms and implements individual written safety policies that are shared with parents and used to significantly enhance children's safety. For example, agreements are in place for emergency carers, invasive procedures and emergency events such as gas leaks. Though no hazards exist, the storage of some items within the lounge impacts on children's play space. Children learn about and take an active part in their own safety. They carry out frequent fire evacuation practices and tidy toys after use to prevent trip hazards. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety. He carefully assesses toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment to ensure suitability and specifically provides children with only age appropriate equipment. Play provision is stored effectively to encourage safe selection and to reduce hazards to young children and babies. For example, a toddler seeks to play with toys cars from a box containing those suitable for older children. The childminder gently directs the child to suitably sized cars for her age

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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 and play continues. Children are protected from abuse and neglect by practitioners who are trained in and understand child protection. All appropriate procedures are maintained and record-keeping facilities stored confidentially.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Adults and children hold positive and warm relationships. Their frequent light-hearted interactions including simple jokes enhance children's care and the friendly environment. The childminder shares in children's play activities. He gently talks to babies and listens to responses. He plays in role with an older child who takes and prepares food orders at the play kitchen. Children's attempts to verbalise are recognised and encouraged. The childminder skilfully reinforces the use of language as he questions, listens for responses and repeats children's words spoken. Close comfort meets individual needs. The childminder cuddles, rocks and talks to children to aid rest and sleep. They are relaxed and happy in his care. A vast range of age appropriate and stimulating activities are provided. Children are included in many play experiences both indoors and outside. The childminder works

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

alongside his co-childminder to implement play plans based around the Foundation Stage and the Birth to three matters framework. Children take part and learn through meaningful play. As a result, they are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children positively contribute within the home as they choose their own activities, begin to identify and act on their own needs and routines for food, rest and active times. The childminder seeks support and information from his co-childminder to meet the needs of new children attending. The partnership with parents is good. Effective information gathering and sharing provide smooth transitions between home and the setting. The childminder exchanges verbal information with parents on a daily basis, informing them of their child's activities. Children learn about the world in which they live and respecting others. Through planned activities they explore different texts, dress in role and use puppets portraying culture and race. Their self-esteem is fostered and promoted as they share in birthday celebrations and are all included in play activities. Though none currently

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Helping children make a positive contribution

attend, there are appropriate procedures in place for the care of children with special educational needs. The childminder has taken proactive steps to adapt the physical premises to increase accessibility. Children behave well. They are provided with appropriate responsibility, stimulating activities and play provision that interests them. The good adult support children

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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 receive limits negative incidents. Children learn to share their toys and attention with others. For example, children in dispute over a toy telephone are encouraged to take turns and do so.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by adults who understand childcare and development. The childminder maintains training requirements and accesses additional training to increase his knowledge. Procedures ensure that only suitable adults are in contact with children. The childminder receives frequent support from the local authority that forms monitoring systems within practice and helps to plan for the future. The co-childminding is well-organised overall with best use made of time, space and resources such as school collections and outings. Adult:child ratios support children's development and enable the childminder to help to settle new children appropriately. Written documentation for registration exceeds requirements and is accessible. Individual policies and procedures contain relevant information and are up to date. Records are stored confidentially and shared with parents. Overall, the provision

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Organisation

meet the needs of all children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to complete a number of actions relating to the safety of children. The childminder has now attended both first aid and child protection training to increase his knowledge and ability to safeguard children. Written procedures including behaviour management and invasive care help to inform parents of the practice that may be carried out as a result of unplanned events and incidents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve storage systems in the lounge • increase the information and practice shared with the co-childminder and use this to understand children's individual routines

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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