Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302247 Unique Reference Number 19 September 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 1999. She currently cares for five children on a full and part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years. The family live in a semi detached house in the Long Lee area of Keighley in the Bradford district. They live near to schools and shops. The whole of the ground floor and one first floor bedroom and the bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills effectively through using a good range of outdoor equipment, which is varied and provides different challenges for children. For example, the children can use toys that push, pull, rock, swing and toys that they can balance and bounce on. They can use bats and balls. Children go on regular trips to the park where they can run, climb and receive lots of fresh air. This means that they are learning to develop an understanding of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, through practice. 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 are also developing their physical skills effectively indoors. For example, the children can move around the environment and explore. The younger children receive encouragement from the childminder to help them stand and walk as appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They 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 children's care and 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 are encouraged to eat meals that are healthy and that include a variety of different foods. For example, the children eat foods, such as jacket potatoes, tuna, wholemeal bread and foods that are grilled and not fried. The children eat a variety of healthy snacks, such as raisons and oatcakes. They access a variety of healthy drinks, such as water, diluted sugar free juice and milk. In addition, there is discussion with the parents regarding the children's dietary requirements. The parents' requests are followed through according to their wishes. This all means that the children's dietary needs are met effectively.

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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 safe and well maintained environment indoors and outdoors, where risks are identified and minimised. The children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of following through safety procedures. For example, there are clear written health and safety procedures in place to support the children's care and welfare, such as a clear fire evacuation procedure. The procedure is discussed and practised with the children. This helps them to start to learn the importance of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings through clear and thorough procedures in place to support them. For example, the childminder takes her first aid kit and emergency contact numbers on outings. In addition, she ensures the children are supervised well. The children move around the environment freely, selecting resources which are safe, varied and stored effectively. This aids the children's independence well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. However, not all of the documents to support the safeguarding procedures for children are in place, in order to fully support these procedures for them. Children are learning about safety as they move around the room. For example, they receive simple but effective explanations as to why not to climb on the furniture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled in the environment and they relate to the childminder well. The children are developing their communication skills effectively. For example, the childminder talks to the children and asks questions. She makes good eye to eye contact with them during their play. This helps children develop their confidence and their communication skills. The children benefit effectively from the childminder's good knowledge of what resources are suitable for the children's different ages and stages of development. Therefore, the children access a wide range of good quality resources to support them in their learning. For example, they learn to

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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 operate simple equipment, such as pressing and twisting buttons on the musical toys. This also helps develop their fine physical skills. They use construction toys, jigsaws and experience messy play. Children have opportunities to use natural materials in their play and learn through their senses. For example, they can explore wooden objects, cones and fabric.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework, for guidance, in order to help children develop their skills. For example, children can explore and they are becoming independent. However, the childminder is not yet fully using the documentation with regard to the planning of activities, to extend the children's development further. The children's care needs are met very well. For example, they are offered regular drinks and can rest as appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed very well through the childminder's calm and consistent interaction with them. For example, the children receive regular reassurance from the childminder through everyday routines and activities. In addition, the children are learning clear boundaries through practise and discussion, such as being kind to one another and not to climb on the furniture. These boundaries are also discussed with the parents to ensure that they are aware of the childminder's behaviour management policies.

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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 written information about the provision, such as the policies and procedures. The parents also receive daily verbal information regarding their child's care and routine. In addition, there is a clear complaints procedure available.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an organised environment inside and outside, which enables them to explore safely. For example, they can choose from a good range of resources to meet their different ages and stages of development. In addition, the children are settled well and they are secure.

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Organisation

The documentation is accessible and recorded clearly, in order to support the children's care and welfare effectively. 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 and health and safety. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

At the last inspection the provider was asked to develop and implement an emergency procedure for outings and make sure all accident records and administration of medication records are signed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now implemented a suitable written emergency procedure for outings. For example, the childminder ensures she has a phone, appropriate contact telephone numbers and a first aid kit with her when she takes the children on outings in case of emergency. The childminder has ensured that her accident and medication records are accurately recorded where appropriate and readily available if required. This improves the procedures to promote the children's care and welfare.

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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 • update the documentation to include the booklet, 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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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