Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346811 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 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 2007. She lives in a semi detached dormer bungalow in the Shipley area. She lives with her partner and child aged six. The dining kitchen, bathroom and lounge are used for childminding. There is no access to the first floor. The garden is not currently being used for childminding purposes, however, regular outings to parks and play groups are undertaken. The childminder takes and collects children from a local school. The family has a dog. A maximum of five children may be cared for at any one time and the childminder is currently caring for six children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good health and hygiene practices as part of the day's routine. For instance, they wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children are protected from cross-contamination because they use individual hand towels only once, and apply anti-bacterial gel to their hands after using the toilet. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, such as implementing an effective pet policy. 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 home is clean and tidy, thereby protecting children from infection. The childminder serves the best interests of children when they are sick. The health needs of children are met well, medication and accidents are recorded meticulously, and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children's health benefits from having their need for regular snack times and rest times met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with meals and snacks in good supply to meet their needs. These include a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and water to drink. The children respond well to snack time routines and sit at the table together and chat amongst themselves and with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Robust physical activities are enjoyed by children on a regular basis. Each week younger children attend play group and a soft play facility, where they learn how to climb, balance and jump and improve their stamina and coordination. Children walk to and from school, which helps to build their stamina and develop a sense of control and coordination over their bodies. They visit local attractions and parks where there is space to run freely and benefit from being out in the fresh air.

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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 the freedom to move around the whole of the ground floor independently. Children can make choices and initiate their own play because they can safely reach most of their toys. Children use a wide range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment, which helps to keep them from harm. Their artwork is prominently displayed, which gives them pride in their achievements and enhances their sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around safely and freely in a secure and safe environment, where all risks are identified and minimised by the childminder. All safety features are in place, or are available for use, in the areas of the home where children have access. For example, electric sockets are inaccessible to children and a safety gate is used to prevent access to the stairs. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder follows very good procedures and practices. For example, children know the routine of lining up by the nearest wall until the childminder tells them it is safe to move. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in case of fire as they practise the fire evacuation drill. Constant vigilance to safety issues ensures that children are kept from harm. Children are reminded to tidy away small objects in case the dog swallows them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and how to report any concerns, thereby meeting the welfare needs of children. She has the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and has made excellent arrangements to ensure that parents are aware of her duty to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They benefit from having their individual needs met within warm and caring relationships, which contribute to their sense of belonging. Children gain high levels of self-esteem and confidence in the child-orientated environment, where they experience

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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 consistent support, praise and encouragement. Children benefit from regular routines that are planned around their needs, which increases their emotional well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a wide range of planned and spontaneous activities both inside and outside the home. Young children attend play group every week which fosters communication, creativity, physical skills and expands their experience and understanding of the wider world. During school holidays a variety of activities and outings are planned to interest and engage children fully, such as visiting parks and local attractions. Children's ideas and suggestions for extending activities are followed. For instance, they propose going out to collect real flowers from the fields, to add to their 'garden' scene.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are entranced with the treasure basket. They explore the properties of wooden eggs and rings, scarves and stainless steel bowls with great interest, pleasure and high levels of concentration. Children get on very well together and use their imaginations well. Children's language and communication skills are excellent. They talk with pleasure, clearly enjoying each others company. The babbling sounds made by the baby are celebrated by the childminder which promotes further language development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children begin to appreciate similarities and differences and develop positive attitudes to others, as they see some aspects of diversity reflected in books and toys that they use. Activities to raise children's awareness of the variety of customs, religions, disabilities and foods from around the world, are yet to be developed. Children's knowledge and awareness of their local community is introduced through regular trips to local attractions, parks and shops. Excellent arrangements to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties are made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well-behaved. They receive high levels of individual attention and are kept interested and occupied. Good manners are effectively encouraged, and children are polite and considerate due to the good example set by the childminder. Choices are given to children, they select their preferred snack and activities, and they learn to take responsibility as they help to tidy away their toys. 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnerships that are established with parents. They are happy and settled with the childminder because gradual introductory visits are made. The childminder records full details about children before they start, and written parental permissions about the care needs of children are kept. This promotes continuity and ensures that children are cared for according to parents' wishes. Parents are reassured that their child has settled well because the childminder takes videos to allay their concerns. Many written policies and procedures, are given to parents, so that they are well informed about the service provided. Daily chats with parents ensure that they remain well informed about their child's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of individual support from the childminder and have all their care needs met. Their ability to initiate their own play and follow their own interests is enhanced by the effective organisation of space, routines and resources.

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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 the required documentation for the efficient and safe management of the setting, is meticulously maintained. The attendance register is accurate and up to date, the registration certificate is displayed, but confidentiality is compromised as the contracts and details are all kept together. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult-child ratios are maintained appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to on-going training to enhance her practice for the children's benefit. She has completed the 'Birth to three matters' course, a workshop on treasure baskets and has enrolled on a course relating to learning difficulties. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • develop resources and activities that increase children's knowledge and experience of diversity • improve the organisation of documentation to maintain confidentiality.

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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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