Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302351 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Ingrid Szczerban 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 1989. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one younger child aged nine years, in the Wyke area of Bradford which is also close to Brighouse in Calderdale. There are transport links, schools, shops and playgroups within walking distance of the home. Children use the dining kitchen, lounge and upstairs toilet. There is an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children who attend on a full or part time basis. Of these, two children are aged over eight years. A school collection service is provided. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good health and hygiene practice. The regular routine includes washing their hands after using the toilet and before handling food. High priority is given to ensure

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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 that children are protected from the spread of infection. The home is spotlessly clean and well maintained and separate towels are provided in the bathroom. An effective sickness policy is implemented and the best interests of all children and adults are fully considered when anyone is ill. All accidents and medication are recorded very well. However, the childminder does not have written parental consent to seek any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and only home-cooked food in good supply to meet their needs. This includes a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children's health benefits from receiving food that is free of additives, and they learn about foods which are good for them through discussions with the childminder. The children have made healthy eating placemats which have been laminated and are used at mealtimes. Children are very interested in food and like being involved in food preparation. Their health benefits from having their need for regular mealtimes and rest times met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily opportunities are provided for children to enjoy robust physical activity. These include jumping, climbing, walking, running and balancing. They attend adventure play areas and visit local parks after school. Each day, children walk to and from school which helps to build their stamina and develop a sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good use is made of the space available and children have freedom to move around the ground floor independently. This enables them to initiate their own play and develop their large physical skills. The rooms used by children are clean, warm, bright and airy, and toys are stored at child height making them feel welcome and promoting decision making. Furthermore, children's resources are stored at developmentally appropriate levels, so that they play safely with toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide range of toys and equipment, which are safe and of good quality, help to keep children safe. All potential hazards on the premises are fully considered and minimised. Children learn well how to keep themselves from harm; they know how to evacuate in case of fire. However, no written record of fire drills is kept. They also have fun spotting potential dangers by completing 'spot the hazards' safety sheets. Effective procedures are followed on outings to keep children from harm.

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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. She has written procedures to use which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance, and include contact telephone numbers to use should the need arise. This policy is shared with parents prior to admission so they are aware of the childminder's duty to report any concerns. Therefore, children's welfare needs are fully addressed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their relationships with the childminder. They are happy and settled, deriving benefit from established routines planned around their needs which contributes to their emotional well-being. They receive lots of praise and encouragement, and plenty of cuddles for reassurance. Daily outings are undertaken and children have regular times for snacks, meals and rest.

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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 Written plans of activities are available. These are used flexibly so that children can experience an excellent range of stimulating activities both inside and outside the home. Child-led activities are encouraged and their interests are skilfully extended by the childminder. For instance, they have produced a colourful display of the solar system; each planet is labelled and their work is on show in the childminder's hallway. Children use their imaginations well in a variety of role play situations. They love books and repeatedly request that the childminder reads their favourite stories. This promotes children's literacy skills and aids good concentration.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework is implemented well by the childminder. Younger children learn to make sense of the world around them as they explore the different textures of items in a treasure basket. Children's language and communication skills are good. They talk with pleasure and enjoy each other's company. Young children too, are effective communicators; they use simple words and gestures to make clear their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to appreciate similarities and differences and develop positive attitudes to others. They have access to a selection of toys, dressing-up clothes and books that positively depict aspects of other ways of life in the wider community. They eat foods from around the world and engage in discussions about customs and cultures with the childminder. The childminder is able to make suitable arrangements to accommodate children with learning difficulties, should the need arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The written behaviour management policy is consistently applied with effective results. Good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem and they are confident and self-assured. Older children are learning to resolve their own minor squabbles and the childminder only occasionally needs to intervene.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnerships that are established with parents. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. The childminder records full details about children before they start, thereby promoting continuity of care and ensuring that children are cared for according to parents' wishes. A policy file and training profile are shared with parents at introductory visits to ensure that they understand and agree with the service to be provided. Daily chats with parents ensure that they are informed about their child's progress. If this is not possible, they receive notes in their child's bag, to keep them fully informed. The complaints procedure is discussed with parents and there is a system in place for recording any written complaints that may be received.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space is organised most effectively to meet the needs of the children and they receive high levels of individual attention. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults having supervised or unsupervised access to the children and adult-child ratios are maintained appropriately at all times.

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Organisation

Documentation is comprehensive and well organised. Separate plastic wallets are kept for each child's details which maintains a high level of confidentiality. The registration certificate is displayed and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to training to extend her knowledge which she implements effectively

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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 to enhance the service provided. The good range of policies and procedures are used very well to promote the welfare and care of children.

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Organisation

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

Following the last inspection a recommendation was made regarding training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has satisfactorily addressed the recommendation and has attended further training. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to training to extend her knowledge which is implemented effectively and has enhanced the service she provides for the children.

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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): • maintain a record of fire drills • request that parents give written consent for seeking any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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