Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257079 Unique Reference Number 19 June 2007 Inspection date Melissa Louise Patel 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her partner and son aged seven years. They live in an end terraced house in Steeton near Keighley. There are shops and a park within walking distance of the house. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a pet cat. The childminder is a member of an accredited childminding network. The childminder currently cares for nine children on a full and part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. The procedures that are in place promote the children's good health, such as a clear illness policy, which is shared with the parents. The children are learning the importance of good hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before their snack and after toileting. 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 children's welfare is supported well as there are clear accident, medication and first aid procedures in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive meals which are healthy and include a variety of different foods. For example, the children eat foods, such as pasta, fish and vegetarian options. The children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks, such as strawberries, peach and banana. Children access a variety of drinks, such as water, dilute sugar free juice and milk. In addition, there is discussion with the parents regarding the children's dietary requirements. The parents' requests are recorded and followed through according to their wishes. This all means that the children's dietary needs are met effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning to develop a healthy lifestyle through receiving frequent fresh air and exercise outdoors. For example, they develop their gross physical skills well as they climb small equipment, play with bats and balls, ride bikes and use sit-and-ride toys. The children also use the equipment at local parks.

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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 well maintained environment where risks are identified and minimised. The children move around the environment freely, selecting resources which are safe, varied and stored appropriately. This aids the children's independence well. The children benefit as they are supervised vigilantly. They learn effectively about their own safety and the safety of others as they move around the room. For example, they are reminded to pick up toys so that they and other children do not trip. The children are learning about how to keep themselves safe with regard to fire safety. For example, there is a clear written fire evacuation procedure, which is practised regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings in the car. For example, they are fastened securely into age appropriate car seats. They also learn the importance of using the car seats through discussion. The children's safety is protected and promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of how to safeguard children and whom to contact if concerned about a child. In addition, the documents to support the safeguarding procedures for children are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy, settled and they relate well to the childminder. For example, they smile frequently and they ask questions. They receive good communication from the childminder through daily routines and activities. For example, the childminder asks effective questions, such as 'where does this piece of jigsaw go?' and 'how many pieces are there?'. This means that the children's language skills and their understanding of early mathematics are developing well. The children use a varied and good quality range of resources to support their learning and that are appropriate to their age and stage of development, such as jigsaws, games, construction toys and books. They can select the toys spontaneously, which aids their independence. However, the plans of activities are not yet fully in line with the aspects and approach described in the 'Birth to three matters' framework, in order to further younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's individual needs are met well. Children are secure and they are forming good relationships with the other children and their childminder. The children learn about size and

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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 shape as they match the shapes to fit in to the jigsaw. They are also developing their fine physical skills and hand-to-eye coordination effectively as they fit the pieces together. In addition, the children's care needs are met. For example, the children have their nappies changed and they are encouraged to use the potty at suitable times. The children play outside and go on outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's good behaviour is encouraged well. They receive praise and reassurance from the childminder through everyday routines and activities. This also promotes the children's self-esteem. The children are learning well about boundaries and to be kind to one another. For example, they learn to talk politely and to share toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning appropriately about diversity, through a suitable range of resources to promote a positive view of differences in our society today. The children can use play materials, such as dolls, books and some dressing-up costumes and materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's overall welfare is promoted effectively as the childminder works in partnership with the parents. For example, the parents receive daily verbal information regarding their child's care and routine. The parents also receive written information about the provision, such as clear policies and procedures. In addition, there is a clear complaints procedure. However, the information to be recorded on the complaints log should there be a complaint in the future is not fully clear and is to be updated.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a safe and organised environment inside and outside, which enables them to explore. For example, they can choose from an accessible range of activities and resources to meet their different ages and stages of development. In addition, they also benefit from good supervision from the childminder, which aids their care and learning effectively.

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Organisation

The documentation is readily available and recorded clearly, in order to support the children's care and welfare. For example, there is some useful written information available, such as policies and procedures. This documentation also keeps the parents well informed about the service provided.

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Organisation

Children benefit well from the childminder's knowledge gained from attending training courses, such as first aid. 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 the childminder was asked to continue to progress her personal development regarding special needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed her interest in special needs through being actively involved with children whom have disabilities. This benefits the children because the childminder has developed her knowledge and experience of caring for children with a variety of different needs.

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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

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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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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): • further develop the planning of activities in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • improve the format of the complaints log.

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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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