Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320336 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 for 9 years. She lives with her husband and grown up children near Leeds, between Churwell and Morley and close to the main motorway network. Children are cared for on the ground floor, where rest, toilet and washing facilities are provided, and they have access to a first floor play room room in the dormer. There is a secure outdoor play area to the rear of the premises. The childminder is assisted at times by her husband.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well as they regularly practice and discuss personal hygiene routines. They are protected from illness and infection through the childminder's effective procedures and policies, which are consistently shared with parents. Children's involvement in the preparation of healthy snacks ensures they gain a clear understanding of what foods they are eating. For example, they help to make vegetable soup and discuss the ingredients they are using. Children's physical development is enhanced through regular opportunities for play, both indoors and outdoors. Their regular trips to the park enables them to improve their skills in agility, and older children are able to use their own bikes to practice further. Indoor activities enable children to develop their physical ability at a pace appropriate for them, for example, when building caterpillars in a game, children were

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Helping children to be healthy

able to practice skills learned and assistance was given where required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children receive care in a safe and secure environment because the childminder is very alert to hazards and takes good steps to minimise any risks. Children learn about show to stay safe. For example they discuss road safety when they are walking outside and know to stay close to the childminder. They practice fire drills regularly using the alarm sounded by the smoke detector and children know to 'get out, stay out, call fire brigade' if a real emergency occurs. Children independently access a wide variety of safe and suitable toys and equipment, which are interesting and meet their developmental needs. Their safety is ensured by the childminder's close supervision of them at all times. Children's welfare is given due priority and most required documentation is in place and up to date. Children are protected from abuse because the childminder has some awareness of child protection issues, although she does not have up to date

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle confidently and quickly become engrossed in their play. They enjoy a stimulating range of activities which promote their learning, such as baking,

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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 swimming, trips to local places such as Sandal Castle, Rothwell park, libraries and toddler groups. Planned games with children encourage their skills in language, thinking and co-operation. For example, two children play a game which requires turn taking, colour recognition and counting. Children enjoy their play and spend time purposefully engaged in activities. The childminder is skilled at meeting the needs of all children; older children receive good opportunities to expand their knowledge. For example, through supervised use of the internet at the library. Younger children are secure in their routine for care, learning and play and the childminder joins in to extend their learning, introducing new vocabulary into activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and each other because the childminder values and respects each child. Their needs are met through a shared understanding with parents, which helps to ensure they are happy, settled and making good progress. Children are cared for according to parents wishes although required documentation and signed consents are not in place for all children. Children respond positively to good behaviour strategies which are appropriate for their understanding. Children develop their understanding of sharing and taking turns through high levels of support given and good role modelling from the childminder. Meaningful praise given to children ensures they feel valued, and this helps them to develop good self esteem. Children learn to become independent because the childminder gives encouragement and time to practise skills learned.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the wider world is developed through discussion and resources which increase their knowledge and understanding of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised so that indoor space and resources meet children's needs and enable them to make themselves at home. Children enjoy a good balance of indoor and outdoor opportunities, and they benefit by exploring their wider environment through regular outings. Most documentation is in place to effect the good organisation of the children's care. Regular verbal discussion informs parents of their child's day, routine, achievements and progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has addressed the issue raised which was to obtain written permission from parents to give medication to children. Parents' written permission is now given to the childminder, which safeguards children and promotes their welfare.

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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): • Obtain up to date information about the procedure to follow in the event of a child protection concern (ACPC procedures). • Ensure documentation is in place for all minded children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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