Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347391 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob 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 was registered in February 2007. She lives with her husband and one child in a semi-detached house, in a quiet residential area of Shipley, Bradford, which is close to local parks, schools and shops. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes and children have supervised access to the dining kitchen. There is a secure and fully enclosed area for outdoor play. The family has two cats, goldfish and a rabbit, which lives outdoors.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part-time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet, in order to

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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 prevent the spread of infection. Individual towels, flannels and the use of disposable wipes ensure that good levels of personal hygiene are maintained. Children are reasonably well protected from illness. A suitable sickness policy excludes children who are infectious and protects other children from illness and infection. Accident, medication and first aid requirements fully meet regulations and protect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical play experiences and opportunities. A spacious outdoor area provides children with good opportunities to take part in energetic and vigorous play. They have access to a good range of outdoor toys, such as bikes, swings, slide and push and pull toys, which helps to promote physical development. Daily walks and regular outings to the park and library provide children with fresh air and exercise which contributes towards a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered meals that are healthy and nutritional. Fresh fruit and vegetables are included in children's daily food intake to promote healthy eating. Children's dietary needs are met, where these exist, the childminder keeps clear records and takes notice of the information to ensure that children remain healthy. Children are kept hydrated and have independent access to water and fruit juice throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming family home, where toys and resources are readily set out to invite children to play. The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety within the setting and outdoors. She ensures that appropriate safety measures are taken to prevent accidents. Regular risk assessments and daily checks successfully minimise potential risks to children. However, the fire surround in the living room is accessible to children and is a potential hazard. General security and levels of supervision are good and prevent children from leaving the premises unsupervised. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves and others safe. The childminder points out potential hazards, such as explaining dangers in the kitchen and encourages children to put toys away, in order to raise their awareness of safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of safe and well maintained furniture and equipment that meet the varying needs of children and conform to safety standards. Storage of toys and equipment allows children the freedom to make choices and access resources within a safe environment. Children learn to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder promotes road safety. She ensures that children are appropriately supervised and children are encouraged to hold her hand. Children know that they must press the button and wait for the green man before crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a suitable knowledge of child protection issues. She recognises the importance of safeguarding children and protecting their interests in line with relevant safeguarding procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are broadly happy and settled in a child friendly, family environment. The childminder provides care in a safe, secure and caring environment where children's individual needs are met and they are able to develop and learn at their own pace. Children are developing confidence

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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 to make decisions about their play. They are comfortable in their surroundings and have positive relationships with the childminder and her child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of activities which support their development and learning. They are able to select equipment for art work. They select large crayons and other drawing materials as they make pictures using an easel. The childminder supports children's learning and asks them to identify colours, which they do successfully. She raises their self-esteem as she explains to children about reward charts for potty training, such as 'when you go to the toilet you will get a red tick'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to participate in the life of the setting through daily routines, such as tidying toys away and helping to set the table. Children are confident enough to ask the childminder for help with equipment when they can not do things for themselves. They enjoy using construction as they build and balance to make a 'bouncy castle'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of equality and anti-discriminatory practice, which ensures that all children are valued and their individuality is recognised and respected. All children have access to the resources available. Currently the childminder does not care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, although she has an adequate understanding of the need to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to provide appropriate care. Children have access to some resources. However, these are limited and do not effectively develop children's knowledge and understanding of diversity and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive strategies are used to manage children's behaviour, including distraction and re-direction. The childminder uses sensitive explanations that help children to understand acceptable behaviour and wrong-doing. This means that children are generally well behaved and considerate. Children’s self-esteem is promoted through regular praise and encouragement and the recognition of children's achievements and milestones. For example, children get a tick for successfully going to the toilet, and three ticks means a treat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are positive. The childminder has developed a mutually supportive relationship with parents and offers a flexible service in order to meet the needs of parents and children. However, written parental consent has not been obtained to seek emergency medical treatment and to take children on outings. Daily verbal communication keeps parents informed of their child's activities and general well-being to promote continuity of care. Written documentation, such as a welcome booklet is made available to inform parents of all aspects of the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are generally met through effective organisation. Space and resources are organised efficiently in order to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and clearly enjoys her role. She has a caring and enthusiastic approach and a clear commitment to improvement, and is in the process of completing a Level 3 qualification in order to enhance her knowledge. Good levels of support and care ensure that children are well supported. In response, children are secure and settled in their surroundings.

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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 Required mandatory documentation is in place and of a good standard. Policies and procedures are generally effective, organised and generally work well in practice to protect children, promote their well-being and support their development. 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 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and to take children on outings • make the fire surround in the living room inaccessible to children • extend opportunities for children to develop an understanding of diversity through resources and activities.

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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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