Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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302516 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 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 1995. She lives with her husband, two adult children and a nine year old. They live in the Wyke area of Bradford, in West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. An enclosed garden is available for outside play and the family have a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, one of whom is over eight. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local library, toddler groups and parks on a regular basis. There are schools, shops and parks within walking distance.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm stimulating and caring environment where highly effective procedures and practices ensure that children's physical, nutritional and health needs are fully addressed. The childminder provides good support and guidance to ensure that children develop

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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 a good understanding of hygiene, such as washing hands after toileting and before eating. Children state readily that they must wash their hands otherwise germs might make them poorly. They are well protected from infections because they use separate towels, the home is kept spotlessly clean, and parents are given a list of exclusion periods for contagious diseases. All accidents and medication are meticulously recorded. Children sleep according to their individual needs so that they remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder fosters the children's understanding of very good eating habits; they have regular access to drinks throughout the day and highly benefit from well balanced nutritious snacks and meals, including lots of fruit and vegetables. Processed foods are avoided to promote their good health. Older children have made their own posters of good and bad things to eat and they enjoy being involved in the preparation of food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have regular access to physical activities both indoors and outdoors, such as lively music and movement sessions and they are taken on regular outings to parks and for walks. This helps to build stamina and develop children's awareness of what their bodies can do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space to move around safely and freely. The environment is safe and secure both inside and outdoors. All potential risks to children are identified and minimised by the childminder. All safety features are in place in the areas of the home where children have access, and children receive excellent levels of supervision to keep them safe. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in case of fire as they practice the fire evacuation drill. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder follows appropriate procedures and practices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a good sense of belonging because they see their art work prominently displayed. The dining room and conservatory are very child-orientated, creating a stimulating and welcoming environment for children. They use an excellent range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources, which are used to extend all areas of their development. Most of which are easily accessible; others are brought out by the childminder as children request. The children benefit greatly from the childminder's diligence in constantly acquiring new resources to support their learning.

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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. The duty to report any concerns is shared with parents in the information booklet they receive. The childminder has attended relevant training and is fully able to meet the welfare needs of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very 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 consistent support, praise and encouragement. They benefit from regular routines which are planned around their needs, which increases their emotional well-being.

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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 experience a very wide range of activities both inside and outside the home which expand learning in all areas of their development. They gain a heightened awareness of themselves and the world around them because the childminder plans interesting topics for them. Such as, learning about their bodies, the seasons and growing seeds. Babies use the treasure basket with great concentration as they use their senses to explore a variety of objects made from natural materials. Children use their imaginations exceedingly well. They pretend their junk model is a boat with divers who are jumping off into the water. They play with good purpose and are motivated and fully occupied. They have excellent manipulative skills, using paint brushes and cutlery, with good control.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the school holidays a variety of activities and outings are planned to interest and engage children fully. Children communicate extremely well and demonstrate a good use vocabulary and understanding. Babies communicate their needs effectively too, using sounds and gestures. Good questioning is used by the childminder, not only to make children think and express their ideas in their own words but to extend their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met through a variety of means including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child. Children from different backgrounds are warmly welcomed and high value is given to the customs and cultures of other countries. The childminder gives very good support to children with disabilities. The childminder provides very good resources and activities which positively represent diversity, therefore children learn well how to appreciate similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good behaviour management policy which is effectively implemented. Lots of praise and encouragement is given to children, boosting confidence and self esteem. Children are well behaved and display very good manners. They get on well together because the childminder teaches them to respect and consider the needs of others. Children are proud to take responsibility stating, 'I'll set the table because that's my job'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnerships developed between childminder and parents. Children are cared for according to parents wishes which promotes continuity of care and their well being. There are effective systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities, through daily chats and daily diaries for babies. The childminder provides good written information for parents about the service, including policies and procedures, which enhances the care provided for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space is effectively organised to meet the needs of the children so that they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. They move around freely and can independently reach their toys. The children receive excellent levels of individual time and attention from the childminder. Routines are organised around the needs of children demonstrating the childminder's high regard for their well-being.

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Organisation

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 and necessary parental consents have been sought. However, all the

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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 children's personal records are stored together, which compromises confidentiality. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult-child ratios are maintained appropriately. The childminder is very committed to on-going training to enhance her good practice with children. 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 recommendations were made regarding documentation. The childminder has fully addressed these recommendations to benefit the welfare of children. She now keeps attendance records of those children aged over eight and maintains a written record of fire drills that have been undertaken.

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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 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): • review the arrangements for storing documentation to improve confidentially.

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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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