Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345847 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2007 Inspection date Shazaad Arshad 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 2007. She lives with her partner and three children aged one, two and 15 years in Linthwaite, near Huddersfield. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the lower ground floor. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children under five, who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that the childminder maintains to appropriate standards of cleanliness. She manages this by carrying out regular cleaning routines. This contributes to minimising the risk of spreading infection and cross-contamination for children.

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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 The children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, such as washing their hands before they eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are appropriate procedures in place regarding managing illness to minimise cross-infection. To protect the health of everyone in her care, the childminder talks to parents about keeping children at home if they are ill. When administering any medicines to children, she ensures she records sufficient detail to meet children’s health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children play outdoors, visit local parks and go on walks and outings. This contributes to encouraging children to exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle. The children enjoy playing with a varied range of resources both at the childminder's home and at the toddler group, which supports their physical development. For example, children ride bikes, play with balls, climb and balance on small apparatus.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder plans a varied menu that incorporates some healthy options to support children’s healthy growth and development. The menus reflect children’s individual requirements, such as meeting any religious dietary needs. The children enjoy eating healthy foods that include fresh fruit, vegetables, pasta and yogurts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment for children is safe and secure. There are a number of adequate precautions in place to contribute to this, such as ensuring all dangerous items are inaccessible, protecting electrical sockets and the use of safety gates. The children are beginning to learn about how they can keep themselves safe. However, the fire evacuation has not been practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a sufficient range of resources available for children that meet their development needs. These are safe and maintained in appropriate condition. Through regularly taking the children on outings, the childminder extends the provision for children. The childminder organises the resources in boxes so that the children can access them freely and safely. This enables children to make their own choices and supports them in becoming independent learners.

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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 and this enables her to appropriately protect children from harm. She has attended some recent training to develop her understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This includes having up to date documentation outlining her responsibilities in safeguarding children, for example, reporting concerns and keeping records.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The friendly approach of the childminder contributes to creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for children. This results in the children being happy and settled in the childminder’s care. To encourage the children to settle quickly, a selection of activities are available for when they arrive. This encourages children to become immediately involved in play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children access a varied range of resources that promotes their development. This is either at the childminder’s home or through outings and visits. For instance, the children enjoy taking part in creative activities, playing with jigsaws, cars, trains and looking at books.

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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 There are sound relationships between the childminder and children. She engages in children’s play and the children respond well to this. For example, they play confidently with the treasure baskets and the babies understand the childminder's verbal and non-verbal communications. The children enjoy what they do, for example, they eagerly explore the floor toys, jigsaws and playing together in the small ball pool. The childminder understands how young children learn and because of this, she interacts appropriately with the children. Her knowledge is extended through attending recent briefings on the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The behaviour of the children is appropriate for their ages and stages of development. The childminder encourages children to behave in a positive way, for example, praising children’s achievements. This also contributes to raising children’s positive self-esteem. She deals with minor disagreements appropriately and encourages children to share and take turns. For example, she provides alternative activities when young children want to play with the same jigsaw. This approach, complimented by consistent boundaries, supports children in learning about right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are developing some awareness of the wider society and diversity. However, the childminder has a limited selection of resources that provide positive images of others. She supplements this provision through accessing the toy library to extend children’s experiences. Through activities at the childminder's home the children celebrate some religious and cultural festivals. This helps them to learn about the traditions of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships between the childminder and parents are sound and they work sufficiently well together to promote children’s welfare. They regularly share and exchange information. This includes talking about children’s needs, likes and routines so that the childminder can build these into the childminding day. This contributes to promoting continuity of care for children. She records all the relevant information to care for children, such as emergency contact details. The childminder informs parents of the service she provides for children. For example, she has a written complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home is organised to promote a safe and welcoming environment for children. The childminder uses the space within her home to sufficiently meet children’s needs. She organises her day to ensure she meets children’s individual needs. For example, she plans her day around sleep routines of the younger children.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the benefits of developing the service she provides for children. She accesses training to extend her knowledge, skills and experiences. She is beginning to use what she learns in training to influence her practice and the opportunities she provides for children. For example, she demonstrates her commitment to development through recently accessing training on care to babies and child protection.

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Organisation

There is appropriate documentation in place to contribute to the safe management of the setting. Registers of attendance contain relevant information regarding the children and all other documentation is recorded accurately.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • ensure the fire evacuation procedure is practised with the children • continue to extend resources that promote positive images of other cultures and beliefs.

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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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