Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345179 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown 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 2006. She lives with her two children aged three and 13 years in Bradford. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years, part time. Children over the age of eight years are also minded. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of activities that contributes to their good health. They are nourished through a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. They have access to water or fresh dilute juice at all times. The childminder talks positively to parents about healthy eating. She discusses individual dietary needs and records this information appropriately.

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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 are developing a suitable awareness of their personal hygiene. Although they wash their hands after touching the cat, there is only adequate discussion as to why it is important to keep hands clean. The childminder implements other effective strategies to ensure that children's well-being is protected. For example, an exclusion policy is used to prevent the spread of infection and a first aid kit is easily accessible. Good systems are in place to record accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise every day as they visit local parks and toddler groups. These visits help develop their physical skills, such as running and jumping. A travel cot or a pushchair is used for daytime sleeps. Older children rest on the settee.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from premises that are welcoming and suitable. Their work is valued as it is clearly displayed and information for parents is easily accessible in the entrance hall. Children move freely around the ground floor, developing their independence, and there are good opportunities for children to make their own choices, as they choose to play indoors or outdoors. The childminder ensure that the premises are clean; for example, food preparation areas are cleaned with antibacterial spray. Furniture and equipment are safe and suitable for children's use and meet their needs. They make good use of play equipment and have easy access to it. For example, children freely choose if they want to be creative by selecting paper and drawing equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has effectively minimised risks to children. She has undertaken risk assessments and kept parents fully informed of how she keeps children safe. Suitable precautions are taken, such as a fireguard is fitted to the gas fire in the lounge and hook locks have been fitted to doors to prevent children accessing areas unsupervised. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of how to keep safe; for example, they move play equipment out of the way. Children take part in fire evacuation practices, therefore developing their understanding of the process.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. She knows who to contact if she has concerns about a child. Appropriate documentation is in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded, such as appropriate insurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy coming to the childminder's and playing with their friends. They are stimulated through a good range of play opportunities and activities that include free play, social situations and outings. Children are learning about what happens when you plant seeds; they watch how they change into plants and produce vegetables. Children talk enthusiastically about this activity. The childminder sits closely with children when reading stories; children listen intently and enjoy this time together. Independence is developed through children moving around and exploring the setting. Children learn about looking after each other; for example, children are asked to move a metal plate away so that no one trips over it. Younger children are taken to toddler groups where they learn about being in a social group. Children have a good relationship with the childminder, which is developed through her caring attitude.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children enjoy play with treasure baskets, exploring objects made out of natural materials. The childminder spends time with young children, floating a scarf around their face area. The children enjoy this experience and smile and laugh in response. Children are learning words in

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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 the German language because the childminder is proactive in teaching them through everyday activities. For example, children learn the names of fruit and vegetables in both German and English, which they see in written form as well. Counting and learning about numbers are included in all activities. There are good opportunities for children to develop their physical skills as they play on wheeled toys and run around outdoors. The childminder spends time with the children and, therefore, children are well supported in their play and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are good systems in place to ensure there is a good exchange of information both prior to children being cared for and during their care. The childminder keeps parents fully informed of their child's care through the use of daily dairies, including information about activities undertaken. Individual needs are respected by the childminder, such as arrangements for daytime sleeps and dietary needs. Appropriate written agreements and contracts are in place to ensure children's needs are met. Children are protected as information about named persons is recorded and no one else is able to collect children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident and feel a sense of belonging because they are happy. Children are valued and treated with respect because the childminder understands their needs. Children benefit greatly from activities which help them value diversity. They are learning about other cultures and beliefs, such as what type of houses people in China live in. Children play with and see resources from around the world that reflect positive images. These include a welcome poster in the entrance which shows greetings in different languages as well as pictorial signs. The childminder has a good understanding of how to meet the needs of children with a learning disability or difficulty.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder agrees how she is to manage unwanted behaviour with parents, including bullying. She uses developmentally appropriate methods to ensure that children receive consistent messages; for example, children are reminded not to climb on the furniture through a poster and verbal reminders. Children receive praise regularly from the childminder; for example, she says 'well done' when they cut fruit successfully with a knife.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has appropriate knowledge and understanding of child development. She demonstrates a sense of commitment and purpose as she attends training courses that are appropriate for her setting, such as on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Required records are in place and confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

Appropriate organisation of the day ensures that children's individual routines are followed. The childminder has a good understanding of how to ensure children feel secure and confident in her setting as she works within her registered numbers. Resources are used to provide a welcoming environment. The childminder's calm and caring attitude ensures that children are safe, settled and well cared for. 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

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 registration 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): • develop children's awareness of personal hygiene.

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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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