Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275879 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Rasmik Parmar 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 January 2004. The childminder lives with her husband and two children in a three-bedroomed end terraced house in Wibsey, Bradford.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll. Children attend a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children have access to local amenities, such as shops, parks and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 learn about being healthy as the childminder follows satisfactory daily routines to ensure that they understand the need for personal hygiene. Older children wash their hands independently in the bathroom with soap and younger children are closely supervised. However, arrangements for the drying of hands are insufficient in ensuring the prevention of cross infection. The welfare and safety of the children is promoted by an effective policy on administering medication and the parents being aware of communicable diseases through the sickness policy. Children enjoy physical play, either in the rear garden, parks or activity centres. In addition, children are able to develop their social skills by playing with other children at the playgroups they attend regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks in order to help them to grow and develop good eating habits. The childminder is sensitive about the origin of foods provided to children in ensuring that it has the maximum nutritional value. Hence, she only uses organic foods in the home, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, crisps and organic canned beans. Children are served a balanced lunch, which also includes cooked meals, to include meat and vegetables. Snacks are nutritious and include fresh fruits and filtered water from the fridge. However, there is no independent access to drinking water for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, caring and child centred environment. There is plenty of space for the children to play in a safe environment. The through lounge is well set out for childminding and has a good range of toys and equipment suitable for the needs of the children. They are able to explore and play with a varied selection of activities which are easily accessible to them, enabling them to expand their interests in many areas of play for an all-round development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of health and safety and is aware of potential hazards within the house for the safety of children under her care. To promote an awareness of fire safety she has a written fire evacuation procedure, which is displayed. In addition, a regular fire drill is carried out every week, in order to familiarise children with the routine. An effective system is in place to ensure the continued safety of children on outings as the childminder obtains prior permission from the parents. To further promote safety, the childminder constantly teaches children about road safety during outings as part of their ongoing learning experience.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded to a good standard as the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role in protecting children. She is aware of possible signs of abuse or neglect and the procedures to follow should any concerns arise. She has up to date information on safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in an environment where they are able develop their confidence and independence. The childminder ensures children are constantly learning by

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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 allowing older children to suggest types of activities they would like to participate in, especially during the holidays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses a good selection of books on child care to provide ideas and suggestions, which are used to plan a variety of interesting activities for children. She writes short term plans in order to ensure that a balanced programme of activities is available to children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a variety of skills by playing with arts and crafts materials, dressing up, watching children's video tapes, reading and imaginative play. Children enjoy physical play by being taken out to the local parks, toddler groups and activity centres. The rear garden is also used for physical play activities with a good selection of resources. Hence, children are able to develop confidence, channel their energies in a positive direction and develop their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals as the childminder uses information from parents to meet the specific needs of the child. Equality of opportunity is promoted as all children are able to play with the full selection of activities without discrimination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of learning difficulties and disabilities. She implements the 'individual learning plan' for specific children, provided to parents by outside specialist agencies, as part of meeting individual needs of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are constantly praised for good behaviour, which helps to boost their confidence. Plenty of age appropriate and stimulating play opportunities throughout the day help to channel children’s energies in a positive direction. The childminder talks to children and explains reasons for inappropriate behaviour, allowing children to calm down and reflect on their action before being allowed to resume play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships between their parents and the childminder as this promotes good communication and trust. Appropriate consents are maintained to promote the safety and welfare of children. Parents are invited to read an informative folder, which includes references from the parents of previously minded children and a record of previous complaints, to ensure that they are happy with arrangements and in agreement with her practice. The childminder shares information with parents verbally at the end of each day to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to move around freely and independently due to the creative organisation of space and resources within the home. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to her own personal development and has attended training courses to enhance her childcare practice, especially with regards to the care of babies and younger children. Good routines are established to ensure that children are kept safe. The childminder effectively organises her time to ensure that children take part in a wide variety of experiences including activities outside of the home.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised, maintained and kept up to date. This supports the efficient and safe management of the provision and promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. 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, it was recommended that the childminder develops her knowledge of managing children's behaviour, obtain recent guidance on child protection and obtain written permission from parents for childminding activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed her knowledge of managing children's behaviour and now talks to children to help them understand their action, allowing them to calm down before resuming play. She now has up to date information on safeguarding children, as part of protecting them. She has obtained written permission from parents for taking children on outings, to ensure their continued safety.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • promote drinking of water to encourage children to independently help themselves • provide a more hygienic practice for hand drying.

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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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