Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302300 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Christine Snowdon 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in March 1997. She lives with her husband and two grown-up children and grandchild. They live in a town house in the West Bowling area of Bradford. Local amenities such as shops and parks are all a short distance away. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes and there are toilet facilities within the playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden at the rear of the house for outdoor play. The family has two dogs and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children when working alone and seven when an assistant is present. There are currently no children on roll and the childminder has not cared for children since the end of November 2007.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed the Developing and Extending Childminding Practice courses and is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Bradford Childminding Network.

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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. The childminder describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene through normal daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before meals. She provides the children with individual towels for hand drying to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate which would enable her to deal effectively with an accident should one occur. She has all the documentation necessary to gather and record information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating. She says she provides healthy snacks, such as toast, crackers and cheese and fresh fruit. The childminder is aware that children require access to drinks regularly throughout the day and says she provides water, fruit juice or sugar free squash. The childminder prefers parents to send a packed lunch for their children but will provide an alternative if they cannot. The fresh fruit chart and healthy eating posters displayed in the playroom will help promote children's understanding of foods which are good for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about the various ways in which children's physical health and well-being can be promoted. She says she would encourage children to have regular outdoor play in her garden, where they can dig in the sand pit and use the wheeled toys. She would take them to the nearby recreation ground where they would be able to swing, climb and balance on the fixed apparatus. When indoors they would be able to sing and dance and do the action songs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is kept safe and is well-maintained. The very child-orientated playroom with lovely resources and posters provides a warm and welcoming environment for children. The childminder has organised her space very well to enable children to move around safely and independently. For example, older or more able children can see to their own personal care needs as the playroom has its own toilet. Her documentation shows that risk assessments are carried out regularly to make sure all areas are safe and suitable for children. There is a written fire evacuation plan and records show this is practised with the children to enable them to learn about keeping themselves safe. The childminder has a very good range of toys, equipment and resources to cover the ages and stages of all children. These are very clean, safe and meet the safety standards. The playroom has low-level shelving and toys are safely stored at child-height,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

enabling them to make independent choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection procedures and wishes to complete refresher training in this area to further secure her knowledge. She has the necessary documentation, information leaflets and flowcharts to enable her to act in the children's best interests in the event of her having any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Photographs show children of all ages involved in a good range of activities, which cover the areas of learning. These include imaginative play and creative and sensory activities. The

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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 childminder talks about how she helps children enjoy their time in her care. For example, a wide range of resources are provided and these are organised to enable children to make free choices about the direction of their play. She explains that children develop their coordination skills as they thread the bobbins onto the string. Also they start off with the large chunky piece jigsaws, gradually gaining their skills and progressing onto more intricate pieces. The children's assessment books have photographic evidence of them at play. They have some good opportunities to be creative as they paint, colour and do cutting and sticking. The childminder explains how she takes the children out for fresh air and exercise regularly. For example, they enjoy taking their scooters to the park where they do several laps around the pathways. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

visit the soft play centres and toddler groups where they can socialise and play in a safe and controlled environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she has a sound understanding of behaviour management. She uses strategies such as explanations, distractions and time out. The childminder explains that she teaches children to share her resources, take turns and be kind to one another. She also explains that she encourages children to say sorry to the upset child and to understand why their actions are inappropriate. The childminder describes how she promotes equal opportunities, respecting all children as individuals and enabling them equal access to her toys and resources. She explains that she talks to the children about what they see around them as they go out and about in their community. She reflects on the children she has recently minded and how they learnt from one another. For example, they were fascinated with the different feel, texture and style of each other's hair. The good range of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources, such as dressing up clothes, dolls, books, small world figures and picture posters, enable children to learn about diversity in a positive way. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities and working with parents to meet the needs of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed good procedures to enable her to develop a positive relationship with parents and carers. She ensures that information gathered and records are up to date and available for inspection by the regulator. As children leave, their old records are retained appropriately. The childminder provides opportunities for parents to discuss their children's day at handover times and each child has their own assessment books containing photographs and written evidence of them enjoying their play and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has successfully created an environment which is inviting to children. The playroom is very well resourced and space is used effectively to support their individual play and learning.

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Organisation

Evidence shows that the childminder has a high commitment to developing her own knowledge and skills. She attends training on a regular basis and certificates reflect on the wide range already undertaken. The childminder is part of the Bradford quality assured childminding network and, as such, receives regular support and monitoring visits from the authority's coordinator. The childminder has detailed written policies and procedures in place and these are issued to parents to make them aware of the service she provides. All required documentation

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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 is in place and very well organised. Her registration certificate and other important information is openly displayed on the playroom noticeboard. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. However, she has not informed Ofsted about the birth of her grandchild who lives on the premises and is cared for by the childminder, although she is aware the child would be included in the overall numbers of her registration. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Also to continue to update her own knowledge and understanding. These aspects have both been successfully addressed and, as a result, the childminder has the skills and resources to promote children's knowledge and understanding of diversity and equal opportunities.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 Ofsted is informed of any significant changes.

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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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