Hebblethwaite, Janet

Inspection report for early years provision

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319793 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2007 Inspection date Paula Fretwell 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 for 14 years. She lives with her family in East Ardsley, on the outskirts of Wakefield and a short distance from the motorway network. There are local amenities nearby including shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has seven children on roll and uses her downstairs rooms for childminding, with toilet facilities upstairs. There is an enclosed back garden in which children can play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is safeguarded because the childminder follows many hygienic practices. Children are encouraged to understand about personal hygiene through reminders about hand washing after handling pets or before eating food. Simple activities help children to learn how germs are transferred from dirty hands and this reinforces their understanding. The childminder understands the importance of excluding sick children to protect the health of others and this

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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 is explained to parents. The childminder maintains her first aid knowledge to deal with minor injuries to children and records of accidents are always shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy eating is suitably promoted through regular snacks and meals, and through working closely with parents. For example, the childminder prepares snack-size tubs of fresh fruit and stores these for when children need them. Drinks are continuously provided so children do not become thirsty and there is good emphasis on drinking plenty at particular times, such as when children may have a slight cough. The childminder is very aware of how to care for children's teeth and she supports parents with information in her dental hygiene policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical play through a range of indoor and outdoor opportunities. They enjoy access to the childminder's garden, walks in the local area and outings to a variety of places, including a museum which enables them to see how their bodies work. The childminder encourages children's increasing physical skills through being involved in their play and she ensures they have suitable challenges for their developmental needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an environment which is free from hazards and positive steps are taken to ensure they play safely indoors and outdoors. The childminder helps children to understand about safety through simple explanations, such as sitting carefully on chairs. Fire drills are routinely practised and smoke alarms are well maintained, and the childminder ensures children are very clear of what to do in the event of a fire. Children are closely supervised and the childminder ensures they are within her sight at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently choose about what they wish to do and the childminder ensures children play safely with the toys and equipment. The range of toys and resources are all in good condition, are checked regularly for safety and are used appropriately for the ages of the children. On outings, the childminder ensures there are clear procedures to keep children safe and she has careful plans in place for unexpected events or emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is able to safeguard children through her knowledge of child protection, and she has contact numbers available should she need to report any concerns in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. A familiar routine for their care, learning and play helps them to feel secure and there are good relationships with the childminder to support their needs. Children relate well to the childminder and she responds affectionately to them, with spontaneous hugs and cuddles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of activities is offered to ensure the developmental needs of children are well promoted. Activities are well planned to ensure all ages of children are happily occupied and stimulated. Children enjoy home-based activities of their choice and have opportunities to socialise with other children at local groups. Short trips to places of interest enable children to learn about the world around them. The childminder is very involved in children's play; she encourages their creativity and is aware of their development. For example, children enjoy painting and they chat happily about their favourite colours, so the childminder extends the

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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 conversation to encourage further colour recognition. Children are learning well through play and the childminder uses skilled open-ended questioning to encourage them to think, such as when counting, matching and sorting objects. Children enjoy listening to stories and the childminder involves them in discussion as they look at each page and talk about the pictures together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children benefit from good levels of individual care and attention appropriate for their needs because the childminder knows them very well. The childminder helps children to cope with new experiences, such as going to school, through sensitive discussion and reassurance about what to expect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are fairly included in the setting and the childminder respects and values each child. Children gain an understanding of diversity through activities and simple discussion. They have access to resources which show positive images and the childminder ensures there are equal opportunities for all children to join in with all the activities. Children are learning a positive attitude towards others. They learn about other children from different countries and their awareness of the needs of others is promoted well. For example, the childminder sponsors a child from a developing country and uses information gained to help children compare their lives to those of others. Children learn about other countries through activities and festivals, such as 'Australia Day' and 'Chinese New Year'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are appropriately met through the childminder's effective partnership with parents and the regular exchange of information. Parents feel included through regular photographs of their child in the setting and the childminder uses modern technology to keep them informed. Written development records give an outline of the progress children are making whilst they are with the childminder, with photographs to illustrate the activities that children enjoy, although these are not routinely shared with parents. Parents have the opportunity to give feedback on the quality of the service and they use evaluation sheets to compliment the childminder on her skills. Parents are happy about the level of care their children receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder gives clear boundaries, and simple rules help children to feel secure in the setting. The childminder uses consistent positive language, facial expressions and tone of voice with the children and they enjoy plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder responds promptly to meet children's individual needs and she gives high levels of attention to them all. Children use their manners well and the childminder ensures she sets a good example for the children to follow. Activities, such as stories about sharing toys, enable children to understand how to co-operate with each other in their play. Children are consulted about the activities they would like to do and older children enjoy making their own scrap books about their experiences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children freely access their own toys and resources in a friendly, welcoming environment. Activities areas are well set out so that children can choose what they would like to do. Space is utilised very well so children are cared for according to their needs and the childminder's time is organised effectively to ensure all children have challenging activities.

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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 All required documentation is in place and filed confidentially. A detailed file of information and expectations of the setting is shared with parents to help them understand what service is provided. Policies and procedures are mostly accurate and detailed, clearly illustrating the practice and the expectations of the setting. The childminder is committed to improving her own knowledge through attending short relevant courses, which enhances the care that the children receive. She assesses her own practice in detail to ensure the outcomes for children are being promoted.

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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

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to improve the attendance register to demonstrate children's daily attendance. All attendance is clearly recorded and documentation is up to date. The childminder was also asked to improve her awareness of the reporting procedure for child protection concerns. This has been addressed through training and obtaining up to date information so that the childminder is clearly able to safeguard 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): • continue to develop ways to share records of children's development with parents • amend the complaints procedure to include accurate contact information.

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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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