Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY266445 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Maralyn Chiverton 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 has been registered since September 2003. She co-minds with her husband in Ossett, on the outskirts of Wakefield, within walking distance of local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and there is an enclosed area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years of age at any one time. When co-minding she may care for a total of no more than 10 children under eight years at any one time. At present there are 18 children who attend on a part-time basis only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from school as well as to the local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with an environment that is clean and suitably maintained. They are kept healthy and free from infection through the childminder's good understanding of the need for effective health and hygiene practices. For example, all surfaces are wiped down using an antibacterial solution prior to preparation of food. Children's understanding of personal hygiene is reinforced through daily routines, constant reminders and simple explanation. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and are beginning to understand it is to prevent them from catching germs which could make them ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle is suitably promoted through simple explanations, such as eating grapes keeps you healthy. They are provided with a range of healthy meals which include jacket potatoes, fish fingers and a choice of cereals as well as fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children are kept free from infection through an effective sick child policy as well as the good understanding of parents not to bring children who are unwell. However, the childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate which is a breach of requirements. Children’s enjoyment of physical exercise is well promoted through regular outdoor play as well as access to the local park. Planned activities, such as drawing and looking at books allow children to have periods of rest and relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure child friendly environment. Children have their own playroom where toys and equipment are effectively displayed to allow freedom of choice. These are safe, suitable and appropriate to children's needs. Children are kept safe through effective policies and procedures, such as the use of passwords for people other than parents who may collect a child. Children practise fire evacuation and older children understand the reasons why they need to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's understanding of avoiding accidental injury is well promoted through discussion and simple explanation. For example, children know to tidy toys away to prevent them from tripping over and hurting themselves. The childminder has appropriate insurance and regulatory car seats in place. When out walking children follow the Green Cross Code. They are kept free from harm through the comprehensive and sound understanding of the childminder with regard to safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a learning environment in which they are offered a wide range of activities and experiences, as well as access to a broad range of toys and activities which keep them interested and contribute well to their learning. These include musical instruments, a wide variety of building materials, small world play, jigsaws, books and dressing up clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's understanding of shape, number and colour is well promoted through everyday routines, colourful posters and the effective interaction of the childminder. For

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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 example, children point out numbers and letters as well as counting how many yogurts are needed at lunchtime.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident, happy and well settled. Their independence and self-assurance is fostered and promoted through lots of support, praise and encouragement. The childminder plans her activities and records children's progress. Children have a good understanding of right and wrong and their individual needs are met through the effective sharing of information between the childminder and parent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure the individual needs of the children are met and that each child is included in all the activities on offer. A very good range of resources help children understand each other's differences and similarities, as well as promoting understanding of individual needs as well as those of others. These include a set of books promoting sharing and respecting others as well as cultural festivals. The childminder ensures all children have the same opportunities and where necessary will adapt activities for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved. They understand the need for boundaries and are involved in setting simple house rules. Children are given good explanations about acceptable behaviour and positive language is used to encourage good behaviour and the children respond well to this. The childminder ensures there is consistency in the management of children's behaviour and the strategies used are appropriate to their age and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is effective and daily exchanges of information enable parents to feel involved in their child's time with the childminder. Parents receive a list of policies and procedures which underpin the running of the provision. However, the complaints procedure does not fully comply with regulations. Parents are made very welcome and encouraged to spend time at the setting with their child whenever they wish.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder co-minds with her husband. They have created a welcoming, child friendly environment where children are confident learners. Children's welfare and learning is promoted through the good use of resources, space and the childminder's time. Written policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution. For instance, equal opportunities, fire safety and child protection. The childminder works effectively alongside her husband to support the development of all children in the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures children receive lots of support, praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem well and enhances their learning. All records of individual children are shared with parents on a regular basis and parents are provided with well written information about the running of the provision. Documentation which supports the childminding practice is up to date, well maintained and stored confidentially.

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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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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 last inspection the following recommendations were made to improve children's learning. To extend the range of toys and activities, in order to meet the developmental needs of children from birth to under eight years.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has very taken positive steps to improve children’s learning. Children are now provided with broad wide range of toys and activities which meets the developmental needs of children from birth to under eight years.

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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 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 complaints procedure fully complies with regulations • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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