Childminder, Out-of school day care in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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310853 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Cathleen Howarth 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 registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and child aged 14 in Golcar, Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed play area at the back of the house.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently there are seven children on roll. Of these, three are under eight. The provision includes before and after school care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and playgroup.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has provision for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn effective hygiene routines to promote their good health, for example, washing their hands after outside play and before meals. Children know to put their hands over their

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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 mouths when they cough and self-select paper tissues to blow their noses to prevent germs from spreading. The childminder maintains very high standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of healthy eating. The childminder works closely with parents to provide a balanced range of nutritious food and drink throughout the day. Fresh drinking water and juice is easily accessible for children to self-select.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise by playing outside. Garden games and visits to the local recreation ground help to promote children's physical skills and coordination. Children are used to walking up and down hills as transport is not provided. As a result children are developing stamina and muscle tone and they are clearly thriving. Children rest and sleep according to their needs, for example, after lunch children played quietly.

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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 environment. There are effective procedures in place to keep children safe during inside and outside play. Children's toys are checked regularly for repair and replacement. Likewise the equipment used by babies is also checked. At the time of the inspection the childminder had mended the harness in the highchair but it had not been replaced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrated a high level of awareness of keeping children safe. She has well thought through systems in place in the event of an accident or emergency. Cupboards and shelves are regularly checked and tidied to ensure safe storage for children, who safely self-select toys and activities. Children understand boundaries and limits, like not climbing on the furniture and not playing behind closed doors, in order to avoid accidental injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder risk assesses areas used by children. This helps to identify potential hazards and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to children. Effective routines and procedures including the strategic positioning of furniture demonstrate the childminder’s commitment to keeping children safe. All fire safety precautions are in place and children practise the emergency evacuation procedure. This is done to encourage them to act responsibly in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are professionally safeguarded as the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of child protection. She knows the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a great time with the childminder. There is a wide rage of accessible resources and interesting activities to support their overall care, learning and play. Early stage children are learning how to dress and undress dolls. They enjoy walking to the local library to select books and listen to story time. They have continuous access to art and craft materials, and they made lots of different Christmas decorations. Older children are currently researching what to do for Chinese New Year.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children look forward to trips to town on the bus because there is so much to learn and experience. For example, older children know where to obtain the bus timetable, and the correct stand to get the bus back to Golcar. The childminder helps them work out times and routes.

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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 They are learning about bus fares, checking change and general time management. The childminder ensures personal safety and encourages good manners on the bus, such as standing up for older people to take the seat.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond positively to challenge when they help to prepare less familiar meals like vegetable risotto. They are learning how to prepare aubergines and courgettes and prepare the stock. Early stage children are effectively developing their language and vocabulary and learning to differentiate between colours. They look at relevant picture books and enthusiastically point to different colours and name them correctly. They are clearly developing mathematical thinking when they count the stairs, and bobbins which they thread with a lace.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The number of under eights on roll is low and the childminder provides a high level of support to effectively provide for the individual needs of children. Resources and activities clearly promote positive images of diversity, such as gender, ethnicity, culture and disability. There are good systems in place to provide for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are learning to share, take turns and consider consequences. As a result they play well together. Minor disagreements are settled efficiently and effectively with minimal adult intervention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are building trusting relationships with the childminder, who keeps them fully informed about the setting and their children's progress. After a well thought through settling-in period, children become confident with their carer. The childminder has effective systems in place, such as well maintained records of achievements, to show parents the progress their children have made. There are photographs and good examples of artwork which children like to talk about with pride.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a good level of commitment to training and personal professional development. She has sound knowledge and understanding of vetting procedures.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning, which is evident in the positive outcomes for children. The childminder is very well organised. She has a flexible approach to planning children's activities and outings. Free play is an integral part of the setting. This encourages children to make choices and learn from their experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder deploys herself effectively ensuring activities are well supported. All available space and resources are used consistently well to provide a stimulating environment for children to learn through play. 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 two recommendations were raised to improve childcare practice and documentation. The childminder maintains flexible written activity plans discussed children to assist with organisation and to promote partnership with parents. Parents' signatures are

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Improvements 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 obtained before and after medicine is administered to children, to promote their continuing care.

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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): • continue to replace equipment for babies as required, such as the highchair, to support their developmental needs.

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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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