Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250892 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2007 Inspection date Janet Skippins 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 with her husband and children aged 15, 11 and six years in Dalton, Huddersfield. The lounge and dining room on the ground floor are used for childminding. Children use the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed area available for outside play. The childminder walks to take children to local schools. The family have a pet dog. She is registered for four children and is currently caring for five children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and has high standards of hygiene. She promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. For example, she follows an appropriate procedure when changing nappies and wears disposable gloves. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. The children enjoy their mealtimes when they sit and talk with the

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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 childminder. They enjoy a healthy, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. They learn about healthy eating as they choose fillings to prepare their own sandwiches. Drinks of water are always available for children to help themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children rest and sleep in accordance with their individual needs and routines. Regular use of the garden, walks to the park, outings to the play gym and dance sessions indoors, provide opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage their physical development.

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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 welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to promote their safety. For example, the radiator in the dining room is guarded. Also, younger children are safely strapped into booster seats at the dining table. There is sufficient space to move easily both inside and outside and children have good opportunities to safely make independent choices about what to play with. They are able to easily select toys which are appropriate to their age and stage of development because the childminder organises resources well at child height. Children respond well when the childminder reminds them to tidy up their toys so that they do not fall over them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are developing an understanding of the danger of fire because they talk about emergency evacuations with the childminder before practising them. Children learn about road safety when they are out walking with the childminder. Younger children hold the pram with the childminder and older children know they must not walk very far in front. They are protected from harm because the childminder has an understanding of safeguarding issues through attending specific training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of informally planned activities which include baking, drawing, playing with paint, dough and glue as well as routine outdoor play and outings. For example, the younger children enjoy going to toddler groups and play gyms. When playing indoors children independently select what they would like to play with from a suitable range of resources, such as books, jigsaws, bricks, cars and model animals. The childminder develops their language skills by asking open-ended questions about the children’s play. They enjoy looking at books and learning nursery rhymes with the childminder, which are appropriate to their stage of development. School aged children are able to choose to relax indoors, do their homework or play outside. During good weather they enjoy sporting activities and picnics in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed at the setting. They receive support and affection which results in them feeling confident, happy and secure. The childminder treats children with equal concern, respecting their individuality and meeting their needs. The children take part in activities appropriate to their different needs and abilities because the childminder is successful in promoting inclusive provision for them all. The children learn about different people though discussion and using resources with the childminder. These include jigsaws and a good selection

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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 of books. The books are used to help the children learn about people with disabilities, the elderly and those from differing cultural backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are starting to understand expectations for their behaviour. For example, the childminder reminds them to share their toys. She gives the children plenty of praise and individual support during everyday play activities. The childminder has a good relationship with parents and takes their wishes into account. Parents are provided with useful verbal information about their child's day. They are also able to access records of their child’s work in individual folders. However, there is no formal system in place for parents to use if they have a complaint about the childminding service.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended relevant training courses to support the development of her childminding service. Children feel at home and at ease in the suitably organised setting. This means they are confident and able to initiate their own choices. They are well supervised and activities are planned and organised to ensure that they receive a high level of attention. Indoor and outdoor space is presented to maximise play opportunities.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place to promote the welfare, care and learning needs of the children. Children's needs and achievements are shared through regular discussion. 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 last inspection an action was made to request permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This has been done, therefore, children are protected in the case of an accident. Also recommendations were made to develop systems for checking the safety of toys, equipment and appliances. Records are now kept showing when toys have been checked and cleaned, and appliances, such as the central heating boiler, are serviced regularly. This enhances the safety of the children. The childminder was also asked to increase resources to promote equality of opportunity. The children now access a very good range of books and some jigsaws which help them to learn about differences in people.

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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): • develop a system for the recording of complaints in line with regulations.

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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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