Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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310952 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Shazaad Arshad 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 1993. She lives with her daughter aged 15 in the Birkenshaw area of Bradford. There are shops, schools and parks within walking distance. The ground floor lounge, dining area and toilet facilities on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children and there are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local childminder support groups and carer and toddler groups on a regular 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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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and comfortable environment where very good standards of hygiene are maintained. For example, the childminder sprays surfaces and the toys used during the day with antibacterial solution each evening to prevent the spread of infection. Older children manage their own personal hygiene whilst younger children are reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs. There are good routines in place for nappy changing and the childminder has all the correct equipment, including a changing unit, mat, disposable gloves, wipes and antiseptic hand gel. Children are kept free from infection through the understanding of parents not to bring children who are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy and nutritious diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Parents receive written information on healthy eating as well as how to introduce new foods. Drinking water is readily available and is replaced regularly with fresh water from the fridge. Children's physical development and enjoyment of physical exercise is well promoted through daily walks, weekly visits to a play gym and access to a wide range of outdoor equipment. For example, tunnels, wheeled toys, bats and balls and football nets. The childminder recognises when children are tired and uses this information to meet their individual needs with regard to rest and relaxation.

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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 very secure environment. For example, the childminder ensures no access to unauthorised persons through identification checks and recording of visitors. The childminder checks all areas thoroughly before children arrive. Children use the ground floor which is effectively organised into areas of play. This allows them to access a broad range of equipment and resources which are safe and suitable for safety and independence. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children, keeping children safe both inside and outside the home. All the children practise the fire evacuation procedures on a regular basis and they are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's understanding of avoiding accidental injury is well promoted through discussion and simple explanation. For example, children know not to bounce on the settee as they may fall off and hurt themselves. The childminder has implemented effective procedures for ensuring children are kept safe when on outings. The childminder carries a mobile phone which has parent contact numbers in as well as a travel first aid kit in case of emergency use. Children are kept free from harm through the childminder's very good understanding of her role and responsibility in protecting the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is proactive in obtaining relevant contact numbers for reporting concerns. She ensures that these are easily accessible, should she need to refer to them. The childminder understands about how to protect children in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and she ensures parents are aware of her responsibility to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and they have fun with the childminder. They enjoy a variety of opportunities to learn through play and the childminder joins in with their activities to enhance their experiences. She knows each child well and responds to their interests and stage of development. For example, she chats with children about snakes as they are interested in them. Children move freely and talk while the younger children choose different musical games and push and pull items. Activities are well planned and evaluated and these take into consideration the ages of children present and their individual routines. Individual play plans and observations are shared with parents and children are consulted about what they would like to do so that they are involved in making decisions about their play. They use their imaginations well as they use the role play clothes and make creative cards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Warm relationships are evident between the childminder and children. Children chat happily to each other, make decisions about their play and confidently show which their favourite games are. They are confident to go to the childminder for support and help when needed. For instance, when making the glitter cards, but are also given good encouragement to become independent and to do things for themselves. The childminder knows the children well and provides plenty of activities and outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected and included fully in the setting. The childminder ensures that all children, regardless of gender, have access to the full range of activities and resources. They are encouraged to respect themselves and others through the good role model of the childminder, as well as having access to a range of books and resources which promote positive images and attitudes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are secure in the setting. They show a good sense of belonging and are confident enough to make a positive contribution. All children are welcomed and, regardless of gender, have access to the full range of activities and resources. Children's ideas and views are well respected and valued. They benefit from the childminder's very good awareness of how to promote equality of opportunity as well as her understanding of the individuality of the children in her care. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is well promoted. They learn about cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Halloween.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed effectively through strategies such as positive encouragement and recognition for what children do well. They respond well to simple rules and boundaries which they know, such as no running inside the home. Good manners are encouraged and the childminder is an effective role model for this, resulting in children being polite and courteous with one another. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents and they work closely together to ensure consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective partnership between their parents and the childminder. Parents receive information about the childminder and their family, as well as how to settle their child when first attending. They are encouraged to visit prior to the child starting, to ensure that the child and the parent feel happy and secure with the childminder.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has created a welcoming, child friendly environment in which children are well settled and benefit from regular routines with regard to their individual needs. Well written policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met efficiently through the well-organised time of the childminder. As the arrangements are part time, the childminder dedicates plenty of time to organising her documentation and activities for the children. Consequently, children are competently supervised at all times to ensure they are kept safe and stimulated with the varied activities. The childminder is enthusiastic, motivated and has a good understanding and awareness of her role and responsibilities in developing children's learning. She is an experienced and skilled childminder and actively involves herself in children's learning.

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Organisation

The childminder uses a good range of policies and procedures to support her childminding practice. Information on written policies is accurate and they are shared with parents to keep them well informed. All children's records, registers and parental permissions required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are in place. However, accident records are not completed in full detail.

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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 last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder increases the range of activities and resources that promote multi-culture and disability. The childminder has purchased some new equipment which positively addresses diversity in society. The childminder was asked to review the procedure for administering medication. She liaises closely with all parents to ensure that any medication given has their full signed consent and is documented clearly. The implementation of these recommendations enhances the organisation of the care provided for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required that provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet national standards. 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): • develop the systems for recording accidents involving children in the setting, ensuring that all the required detail is included.

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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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