Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302120 Unique Reference Number 22 October 2007 Inspection date Anne Lakin 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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband and one adult child. Her husband is a registered assistant. They live in a semi-detached house in the Little Horton area of Bradford. Local amenities, such as shops, Grange Technology school and Horton and Wibsey park, are all within walking distance. The areas of the house used for childminding comprise of the whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a rear fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for eight children, some of whom are over the age of eight. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They take their shoes off while they play indoors. This minimises the risk of cross-contamination and ensures that babies and young children crawl on clean floors and carpets. The childminder has an effective routine for keeping toys

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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 and equipment clean and children help in this. Children begin to learn about keeping themselves healthy through daily routines. However, these routines are inconsistently followed. For example, babies and children do not wash their hands before meals and toddlers using the potty do not wash their hands afterwards. This compromises children's daily health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet. They are offered drinks throughout the day and have fruit for snack. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents, as children have either sugar-free juice or water. She provides nutritious home-cooked meals that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs and older children are eager to prepare a pizza for lunch on ciabatta bread.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good, imaginative opportunities for children to enjoy and develop their physical skills. Toddlers dance and move to the sound of musical toys and have plenty of space to crawl and roll on rugs and cushions. Outside, children ride on wheeled toys, push prams, use skipping ropes and crawl in a tent and tunnel. In warm weather, the childminder puts up a gazebo to protect children from the sun, where they play musical instruments, use the sensory box to explore texture, sift sand or play in the water tray. They also walk to the park, go to the farm and visit the allotment to dig and plant. This means that children become increasingly aware of the benefits of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to identify and minimise risks for children inside and outside her home. She carries out regular risk assessments and has a very detailed contingency plan for emergencies, both in the home or when children go on trips. Older children can explain the fire evacuation procedure clearly. This means that children are able to move around safely and independently in the home and are well protected from harm when outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide range of good quality toys are stored in boxes positioned around the room and are selected to suit the age and stage of the children. The childminder monitors the toys to ensure that they are safe and meet children's developing needs. For example, the rattles are no longer needed by toddlers, so these are removed and replaced with push and press toys. Toddlers are able to choose musical toys independently or read books from the book box.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board requirements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and have strong positive relationships with her and with her assistant. Children settling again after a period of absence are given reassurance and cuddles. The childminder has recently provided children with their own book bags with a selection of picture books and drawing pads which the children enjoy using. The childminder dates their work and makes a short observation about children's learning and development to share with parents.

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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 Children become independent as they choose from a good variety of toys available at low-level in storage boxes around the room. Children confidently acquire new knowledge and skills through a comprehensive range of imaginative activities and experiences. For example, sensory play with jelly, hand and foot printing with paints, mark making with chalks on the garage wall and digging and growing in the allotment. All the children enjoy and concentrate as they look at and read books, either independently or with the childminder. Children can be imaginative as they dress up or build models with interlocking bricks. Older children use their own computer games as they settle, but are quickly distracted by the exciting opportunity to prepare pizza for lunch. The childminder keeps clear records to enable her to plan ahead for children's next

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

steps. For example, she uses check lists as a quick reference to see where there are gaps in children's experiences. She is skilful in adapting activities to meet children's individual needs. She has planned Halloween sponge printing for younger children and puzzles and word searches as extension activities for older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children spend their time purposefully and are eager to share what they enjoy. They are fully supported in their care, learning and play because of the childminder's constant involvement and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children develop a sound awareness of our diverse society. For example, they play with a wide range of toys, dolls, dressing up clothes and books that reflect different cultures and abilities. They celebrate different festivals and attend local cultural events. They learn about the local community as they visit the supermarket, library, local farm and the allotment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children's individual needs well. Verbal information is exchanged with parents each day and a daily diary is shared. Toddlers are developing an understanding of appropriate behaviour as the childminder offers praise for their achievements, their use of manners and attempts to share. She ignores toddlers' unwanted behaviour, ensuring that they are safe first, then offers cuddles and reassurance. Older children discuss people's differences and the consequences of bullying as they read books with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are settled and secure and feel a strong sense of belonging. Their art work is displayed on the notice board and they are eager to point out their pictures and explain what they enjoy doing. The childminder admires their skills, as older children ask her questions in French. She also takes photographs, as children make models out of interlocking bricks, so that they can be shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is fully aware of the complaints procedure. She shares this with parents and they have a copy of her complaints policy which includes contact details of the regulator. A poster for parents is also displayed on the wall. No complaints have been made, but there is no method in place for recording any complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are very familiar with the routine and organisation of the environment. They are able to participate in a wide range of interesting activities which meet their

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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 development and learning needs. Babies and young children can sleep upstairs and older children can use the computer in the newly organised bedroom on the first floor.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and ensures that children benefit from the training she attends. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Organisation

The childminder's policies and procedures are detailed and comprehensive. These work to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and the ability to make a positive contribution.

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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 previous inspection, the childminder was recommended to: improve procedures for ensuring all adults complete relevant police record checks; devise and practise a fire safety evacuation plan; make all insurance records relating to childminding activities readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times; and to ensure children have an appropriate range of resources that promote multi-culture and disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These recommendations have been addressed because: an application for police clearance for the childminder's adult daughter has been submitted; a record of regular fire drill is in place and older children can explain the procedure clearly; insurance records are available and checked; and there is a good range of appropriate resources that promote diversity, such as black and mixed race dolls, Indian and Chinese dressing up clothes, a toy wheel chair and guide dog.

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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 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 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 more consistent hygiene practices with regard to hand washing procedures. • ensure that there is a method in place for recording complaints which can be shared with parents.

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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 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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