Owen, Wendy Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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310812 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 1993. She lives with her three grown up children in Slaithwaite, a suburb of Huddersfield. The property is within walking distance of Neilds Junior, Infant and Nursery School and a main bus route from Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for 15 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has all of the required records in place to gather

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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 information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Written consent from parents for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment is in place. Children learn about their personal hygiene well through their daily routines, because the childminder regularly reinforces good hygiene practices. For example, children are reminded to clean their hands before and after meals and after going to the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good health because the childminder provides a varied balance of nutritious meals, snacks and drinks. For example, at the time of the inspection, the childminder provided beans on wholemeal toast for lunch and fruit for snack and a drink. The children and the childminder eat together at the table, which promotes a relaxed social time, and they are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make good progress in their physical development because the childminder provides a good range of physical activities indoors, outdoors and on outings. They have access to a variety of large and small equipment in the garden, at play gyms and at parks. This helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. Their fine manipulative skills and control are developed through a variety of stimulating activities, such as painting and joining construction kits together. Children play, rest and sleep according to their individual needs because the childminder acts in the best interests of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment both indoors and outdoors. Risk assessments are undertaken and where risks are identified, these are minimised. Children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder understands that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. She knows their capabilities well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a varied range of good quality toys and activities. These are highly appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. Children learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy during their routines and activities and good procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are on outings. The importance of road safety is reinforced during the walk to and from nursery and school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn the procedures for fire evacuation because they regularly practise them and a record is kept of them. The childminder has all of the required documents to ensure that she acts in the best interests of the children. She has an understanding of child protection issues, child protection training has been undertaken and the child protection policy is up to date in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, to act in the best interest of the children if they are ill or have an accident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, confident and content in a stimulating and caring environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for meals, activities and outings. The independence of the children is promoted well because children have free access to a varied range of good quality age-appropriate equipment and make their own choices with enthusiasm and 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 The childminder knows the children's likes and dislikes well and, therefore, provides activities that she knows will interest and challenge them. For example, they explore paint using brushes and by making hand prints as well as engaging in imaginative role play with the trains. Children also enjoy showing their record of achievement file to the inspector and talking about their photographs and artwork.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the childminder well when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. She knows the children well and has cared for some of them for several years. A caring relationship is demonstrated through good interaction between the children and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through verbal discussion and in their individual progress files that include artwork, photographs and a record of activities. This is all very informative and demonstrates that the childminder values the children and this has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The outcomes for children under three years old are being well met. The childminder has familiarised herself with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has completed training. She uses the cards as a resource to support the learning and development for children under three years old.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are effectively met because the childminder treats children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in activities appropriate to their age, needs and abilities, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Children make choices and decisions that contribute to their own learning because the childminder successfully respects their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of the local community and learning to develop a positive attitude towards others. For example, children attend the local school and pre-school and attend local childminder support groups. This helps the children learn about their local community and their environment through their routines. The childminder has been instrumental in raising funds for many years to develop a recreation area for the community. This is now in place and she gained recognition for her efforts by the local authority by being nominated for an award. The child minded children and those living within the surrounding area all benefit from the commitment that the childminder has given to this project.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a satisfactory awareness of diversity and other cultures through age-appropriate activities, for example, through books that represent positive images of others within society. However, they are not learning about other cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year to broaden children's awareness of the wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's consistent approach to managing behaviour. Clear and realistic boundaries are established, which promotes children’s understanding of right and wrong and they learn to care about and respect each other. Children make choices and independent decisions that contribute to their own learning and development of new skills. Because the childminder provides a good range of activities that captures children's interests, they behave well.

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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 A successful partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children’s well-being and provides continuity of care. This is evident in the 'thank you' cards received from parents and children. This two-way sharing of information and expertise allows the childminder to continually meet the children’s ever-changing needs, and keeps both parties well informed. Children clearly benefit from this very effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. There is a complaints policy and a system in place to record a complaint from parents in line with the requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder provides a child-orientated environment for them and her interaction with them is good. She is a very experienced childminder with 15 years’ service in the care of young children. She offers continuity of care and has cared for children and their siblings for several years, building up close relationships with the families.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to be enthusiastic and enjoys her work with children. She demonstrates a good commitment to continued professional development by keeping up to date with current childcare issues through relevant training courses and publications.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder provides the children with varied opportunities to broaden their interests and experiences. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively and creative use of space enables children to access areas independently. This includes providing areas for children to play, eat, rest and sleep. Low numbers during the day mean that adult to child ratios are well met. This supports children's care, learning and play effectively.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is available and the childminder has compiled a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that are up to date and informs parents well about all aspects of the service that she provides. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and they are well organised. This effectively contributes to promoting the care and welfare of children's well-being. 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

Good progress has been made since the last inspection. The childminder agreed to improve some aspects of documentation and health and safety. Systems are now in place to ensure medication forms are accurately recorded. This helps to safeguard children's interests. A regular cleaning and maintenance routine is now in place to ensure that toys and furniture are clean. Nappy changing facilities have improved and a changing mat that is in good repair is in place to reduce the risk of cross infection. This enables the childminder to act in the best interest of the children.

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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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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 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): • improve children's awareness of cultural diversity and the wider society through activities and experiences.

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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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