Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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310813 Unique Reference Number 22 August 2007 Inspection date Carole, Jean Bell 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 1987. She lives with her adult daughter in the village of Scholes, near Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There are currently 15 children on roll, all of whom attend part time. The childminder ensures the children are taken on regular walks and use the local park for outside play. She takes children to and from school and playgroup.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment. They are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They stay healthy because the childminder has a sick children and exclusion policy and good procedures to prevent cross infection, such as pump action liquid soap and individual, different coloured towels.

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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 Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which include fresh fruit and vegetables. These take into account their individual dietary requirements. The childminder is experienced in catering for children with special diets to ensure that they stay healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise which contribute to their good health. The childminder lives in a rural area and children enjoy visits to the local park, walks in the fields to see the horses and donkey and visits to the duck pond to feed the ducks. This helps them further develop their physical skills and enjoy healthy exercise.

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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 safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children learn about staying safe through regular routines and are developing a good sense of road safety when out on walks or going to and from school. They understand rules, such as learning to stop at the kerb and look and listen for traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move about freely and make their own selections from toys and resources. All equipment is of very good quality, age appropriate and safe. Resources are readily accessible to the children which contribute to improving their confidence and independence skills. Positive steps are taken inside the setting, such as appliances being regularly serviced, doors and gates kept secure. The childminder further ensures children's safety by keeping a diary of her cleaning rota for toys and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected. However, the childminder's knowledge of recent changes to legislation and local child protection procedures is restricted. The childminder understands her responsibilities under the Children Act and the children's welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They are given lots of attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions which encourages their development and language skills. They are given good support in their activities and are encouraged to learn at their own pace. The children present enjoy a range of jigsaws, books, construction toys, imaginative and manipulative play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits outside the home to the park and duck pond for walks, and trips further afield on the bus and train to Leeds and York. Children have very positive and suitable relationships with the childminder who listens to what the children are saying.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued. They are able to select their toys from a suitable range of resources and make independent decisions about their play. This increases their confidence and independence skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are competently met by the childminder. Children are learning about the world around them and are encouraged to value

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 people and themselves, as individuals. There is an adequate supply of resources reflecting the wider world and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of responsible behaviour. They are given lots of praise and the childminder speaks positively to them at all times. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners and house rules. The childminder takes into account their level of understanding and maturity which promotes children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership with parents. Continuity of care and consistency for children is ensured through informal daily feedback and the use of contracts.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for. They benefit from the good organisation of a very experienced childminder. Their development is enhanced by the individual, caring support they receive. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions about their play. Good time management throughout the day ensures that children have their needs well met in relation to play, sleep and meals. Space, time and resources are effectively organised.

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Organisation

The documentation and record keeping is effective and progress is shared with parents. However, information on how to contact the regulator is out of date. The childminder is committed to her own professional development through training and she holds an up to date first aid certificate. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's vigilance and supervision.

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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 agreed to develop a recording system to show toys and equipment are regularly cleaned and checked for safety. This has now been put into practice leading to a safer environment for minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. A visit was made and an action raised against National Standard 14: Documentation. The childminder agreed to inform Ofsted of any changes in persons living in the household. She signed a voluntary agreement which was supported by the imposing of a condition on her registration that she must comply with this agreement. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 that knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures is kept up to date • ensure that information on how to contact the regulator is kept up to date.

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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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