Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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321896 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2007 Inspection date June Rice 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 1983. She lives with her husband in Normanton, West Yorkshire. 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 eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. She washes her hands and surfaces before preparing meals and snacks, and ensures drinking bottles are clean. When she changes nappies she cleans the mat

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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 with anti-bacterial spray, wraps and disposes of the nappy immediately. However, she does not use disposable gloves or aprons and this increases the risk of cross infection. Children benefit because poorly children are excluded from the provision to protect the health of others. If they become poorly during the childminders care, they are made comfortable until they are collected. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands before snacks, after playing outside and knowledgably explain it is because they may have germs on their hands. They enjoy occasional outings that provide sufficient opportunities for physical activity and fresh air, and thoroughly enjoy outside play using a suitable range of outside play equipment. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and parents are kept

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Helping children to be healthy

informed of how long they have slept. Children enjoy meals that are provided by their parents and this ensures that children are eating a diet approved by their parents. They are encouraged to eat healthily and they listen carefully to the advice of what to eat first and leave the treats until last.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder carries out daily visual risk assessments to ensure her environment is suitable for use. For example, floors are uncluttered and hazardous materials are out of reach. Access to the home prevents unauthorised persons entering and safety equipment is used where appropriate. Electrical and gas appliances are regularly maintained. Children use suitable and safe equipment that is age appropriate and conforms to BS EN safety standards. It is clean, well maintained and suitably stored. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures they use appropriate car seats, booster sets and safety belts. She uses reigns for toddlers when walking and carries appropriate equipment in case of emergency. Children benefit because they are well supervised and the layout of the play areas ensure they are within sight and hearing at all times. Children are learning to keep themselves

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe and avoid accidental injury. They listen carefully when the childminder explains why small items must be put away when they've finished using them and they talk about how to cross the road safely. However, children do not practise an evacuation. Therefore, they are not learning to understand the need to evacuate the home quickly in an emergency. Children are protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She has a clearly written child protection policy and has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection issue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder plans and provides activities and play opportunities suitable for their ages, stages of development and interests. They are happy and secure in their environment and eager to be introduced. They talk about what they enjoy doing and are proud to show off their work. For example, during a craft activity they show their creations and say, "look I'm making Pinocchio, look how good this is." They readily approach adults, hold conversations and ask questions. They play well together, enjoy small group activities and become engrossed in craft using a range of cutters and rollers to manipulate dough and make interesting creations from junk modelling. Children enjoy dressing up and explore the box of clothes. They become fairies and knights, and improvise with materials to make tents outside.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show lots of interest in what they do and respond to appropriate challenge. They easily identify colours when prompted, proudly informing visitors that the younger children are

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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 learning their colours too. Younger ones concentrate while using peg boards, they fetch books to the childminder, sit on her knee and enjoy listening to a story. Children interact very well with each other, they talk nicely and have a friendly disposition towards others. They acquire new knowledge and skills because they are provided with a good balance of adult and child led activities. They thoroughly enjoy an energetic game of football, there are lots of smiles and giggles. They help and guide each other, always mindful of the little ones moving around them. Younger children enjoy using a good variety of outside equipment suitable for their ages and stages. They carefully climb steps to the slides, walk with pushchairs and kick footballs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder presents a positive attitude towards equal opportunities. She respects and treats them as individuals. They thrive because the childminder works closely with parents to meet their individual needs and ensures all children are fully included. Children have a real sense of belonging. They are at ease and very comfortable in their environment which is warm and welcoming. They benefit from being able to freely access suitable toys and equipment which promotes their independence, choice and exploration. They are becoming aware of their wider society through positive images displayed within the setting. For example, around the world books, dressing up clothes and posters reflecting different cultures and sign language. Children are very independent, make choices and take decisions. For example, they decide what they wish to do inside and outside, make suggestions and listen

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to others. They understand responsible behaviour and work harmoniously with others. They have very good self-esteem and respect for others. They are proud of their skills and their creations. For example, they proudly say, 'the reason I'm good at football is because I play for a team.' Partnership with parents is good. They are kept well informed about their children's well-being and progress through regular verbal exchanges and children's work. Information about how the setting works is shared with most parents. However, some parents have not received updated policies and procedures and this prevents them from being aware of any changes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has assessed her provision well. She has identified areas for improvement and children benefit from the improvements she has made. For example, she has organised her environment to accommodate the different ages and stages of children who attend. This effectively promotes their health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Children benefit because the childminder uses records effectively, all required documents are in place and suitably stored. They benefit from her sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement. For example, she has undertaken training in play work, food hygiene, quality first, 'Birth to three matters' and helping with homework. She has a good regard for the well-being of all children and talks knowledgably about their different personalities, likes and dislikes, and stages of development.

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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 there were recommendations to improve positive images through toys and equipment, provide age appropriate furniture and to ensure confidentiality of all records. Since the inspection the provider has introduced a selection of positive images, provided

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Improvements 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 age appropriate furniture for all children and documents are stored securely. This improves children's enjoyment and achievement and ensures confidentiality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted received concerns in regard to National Standard 1: Suitable person, National Standard 2: Organisation and National Standard 6: Safety. Actions were raised and Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration. 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): • improve the nappy changing procedure to help reduce the risk of cross infection • ensure children are familiar with the emergency evacuation • ensure all parents are kept fully informed about how the provision works.

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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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