Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY248900 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Ingrid Szczerban 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 2003. She lives in a semi-detached house in the Crossflatts area of Bingley, West Yorkshire, close to shops and within walking distance of local parks. The ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She is currently caring for seven children, four of whom are aged over eight years. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network and has completed their quality assurance programme Children Come First.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple personal hygiene as part of the day's routines as they are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet. The home is very clean and tidy as the childminder follows a regular cleaning routine, which prevents the spread of infection to children. However, children are exposed to the risk of cross-infections because they use the family towel in the bathroom. The childminder implements an effective sickness policy in order to protect children when they are ill. A record of all medicines and accidents is kept but the medication record is

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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 not countersigned by parents. The childminder has a current first aid certificate but does not have written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet their needs. The childminder gives children well-balanced, nutritious home-cooked meals. She limits the amount of snacks containing excessive sugar, salt and additives in order to keep children healthy. Children learn about good and bad foods as they are encouraged to help with food preparation and baking.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health benefits from having their need for regular rest and mealtimes met. Children enjoy physical activity. They are taken to venues, such as adventure play areas and the park, or they play in the garden and hence develop their running, balancing and climbing skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around freely in a secure and safe environment, both indoors and outdoors. Potential risks are identified and minimised by the childminder to keep children safe. Safety features are in place or are available for use in the areas of the home where children have access. Children learn how to keep themselves safe on outings because the childminder talks with them about road safety whilst on outings and teaches them how to use crossings. However, the childminder does not have written consent from all parents to undertake outings with children or to transport them in a vehicle. Children use a range of safe developmentally appropriate toys and equipment, which helps to keep them from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She has written procedures to follow provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, with contact telephone numbers to use, should the need arise. Therefore, children's welfare needs are fully addressed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their warm relationships with the childminder. They are happy, very well settled and receive plenty of reassuring cuddles. Children benefit from regular routines planned around their needs, which contributes to their emotional well-being. For example, high priority is given to providing regular meals and sleep times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience an extensive range of activities both inside and outside the home which expand learning in all areas of their development. Older children have learnt how to use a sewing machine and take great pride in their achievement of making a handbag. Children learn well about re-cycling and the importance of sustainability. They enjoy going to the household waste site and know how to sort waste into various bins at the childminder's home. Children have fun learning about the world around them through a host of interesting trips planned for them during the school holidays. These include visits to the seaside and to safari parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children develop good social skills as they attend a toddler group on a regular basis. They delight in looking at photographs of past activities and events, pointing to themselves and other children who they recognise. Children are confident and communicate well because the childminder promotes and extends conversations to help them develop this skill. Young children communicate with pleasure; they smile and use simple words and gestures. The

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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 childminder is attuned to their individual speech patterns and extends language development very well by showing enthusiasm and talking to them about what they are doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to appreciate similarities and differences and develop positive attitudes to others because they have access to a selection toys and books that positively depict aspects of other ways of life, and festivals from around the world are celebrated. Children from different backgrounds are warmly welcomed and good arrangements to accommodate children with learning difficulties are made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved. Minor squabbles are quickly sorted by the childminder, who teaches children to share and remains clam and patient. They receive good levels of individual attention and are kept interested and occupied. Children are given choices to select their preferred activities and learn to take responsibility as they help to tidy away their toys. Good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem and they are confident and self-assured.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the satisfactory partnerships with parents that are established. They are happy and settled with the childminder. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes but the childminder does not currently have all written consents from parents. The childminder records details about children before they start, thereby promoting continuity of care and their well-being. Regular discussions with parents take place about the children's daily activities and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder effectively organises space, routines and resources to meet the needs of the children. Children receive good levels of individual support, time and attention from the childminder. The required documentation for the efficient and safe management of the setting is satisfactorily maintained. The attendance register is accurate and up to date and records are stored confidentially. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult–child ratios are maintained appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to training and enhancing the service she provides for children and has completed a childminding quality assurance programme. 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

No recommendations were raised at the last inspection.

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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.

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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): • request that parents countersign the medication records • provide individual hand towels for children • request parental consent in writing to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • request written consent from parents to undertake outings with children and to transport children in a vehicle.

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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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