Childminder, Out-of school day care in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

321759 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date June Rice Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Children have access to the ground and first floor rooms. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements appropriate environmental health and hygiene procedures to ensure the home, toys and equipment are suitable for use. For example, high chairs are cleaned before use, floors cleaned daily, and toys and play equipment are cleaned regularly. Children are cared for appropriately when they are ill. For example, they are made comfortable until collected by parents and excluded to protect others if they are infectious.

p.2

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 Children understand simple and appropriate health and hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands before they eat, after using the toilet and following craft activities. They are protected sufficiently from cross infection as they use liquid soap and individual hand towels. However, the childminder does not limit the risk of cross infection when changing nappies.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living and enjoy physical activity through their enjoyment of daily walks, visits to parks and using physical equipment at the local groups they visit. For example, they enjoy football, using slides and swings, and enjoy movement to dance. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children benefit from home cooked meals which are provided by parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder ensures they use an environment that is suitable for its purpose. For example, she carries out a visual risk assessment, has a barrier at the top of the stairs, sockets are covered, children are constantly supervised, and security prevents unauthorised persons gaining entry. Children use suitable and safe equipment. It is clean, suitably stored, and age and stage appropriate. For example, small items are removed while young children are present. Children's awareness of safety is promoted sufficiently through everyday routine and discussion. For example, they are learning how to cross the road safely during their walks, about stranger danger through books, and older children discuss what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation. However, neither the children or the childminder have practised an emergency evacuation. Therefore, children are not learning to understand

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the need to evacuate the home quickly in an emergency. Children are protected well because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and has sufficient understanding of the procedures to be followed. However, she is unsure what to do in the event of allegations being made against herself or family.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure, and confident in their environment. They enjoy their time at the setting and benefit because the childminder effectively plans and provides a good range of activities and play opportunities. For example, days are planned effectively to include indoor and outdoor opportunities. Children are familiar with their routine and this gives them stability, and something to look forward to. They select toys and equipment from the range on offer. They have developed a good relationship with the childminder; they go to her for help and talk to her about what they are doing. For example, they tell her they are building a train track and ask for help locking pieces together. Children are learning to interact with each other and are beginning to share. They benefit from lots of individual attention which is effectively planned. For example, older children enjoy reading and playing board games while younger children are

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

asleep. Children benefit from going out on a daily basis to use the library, visit toddler groups, local parks and to go shopping. Children enjoy craft activities, they make cards for special days, paint and stick.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children ask questions and respond well to the childminder who provides appropriate challenges. For example, children of different ages and stages of development are included in a construction activity. Older children are provided more intricate pieces while the younger children are able to join larger pieces together. This enables all children to feel a sense of achievement. Children

p.3

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 continue to achieve because their reading, number recognition and counting skills are encouraged well. For example, children sing popular nursery songs, such as five current buns, and are learning different letters of the alphabet. They are beginning to recognise signs such as a supermarket sign on a lorry and the green man that means go. Children show lots of interest in what they do and recall past activities. For example, they talk about when they measured feet, find a tape measure and go around measuring different items calling the numbers out. They talk about when they made a chocolate cake saying 'I mixed it with a spoon.'

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of their wider society through the good use of books and role play equipment that promotes their awareness of differences. For example, small world toys and equipment promote positive images of learning difficulties and disabilities. Children have access to books that are informative about different festivals and cultures, and they talk about diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to be independent, they access toys freely and make choices about what they wish to do. They go to the toilet independently, are learning to put on and fasten their coats, and make choices about who they wish to play with. Children benefit because they are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents and outside agencies to meet individual children’s needs. Children are learning to understand responsible behaviour, to share and to make allowances for younger children. Children are finding their own voice and say 'no' and 'don’t touch' as younger children interrupt their play. Children benefit because parents are well informed about their day and how the provision works. For example, the portfolio contains policies and procedures on child protection, behaviour management, equal opportunities and complaints.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by a childminder who demonstrates a positive attitude towards continual improvement. For example, training undertaken since her last inspection includes, first aid, busy babies, child protection and an introduction to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children benefit because she has a high regard for the well-being of all children and is fully aware of their different stages of development, their temperaments and interests. Children benefit because they use an environment that is well organised to maximise their enjoyment and social opportunities. For example, they enjoy lots of individual attention and socialising with their own peer group. The childminder uses records effectively. All required documentation is in place and completed appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were recommendations to provide parents with the regulators contact details, to improve the range of resources that promote positive images of differences, and to improve systems that protect children during outings. The provider has taken positive steps to improve these areas. For example, she ensure parents have the regulators contact details, she has improved the range of resources that reflect diversity and takes emergency contact details on outings. This has improved the organisation of the provision, the safety and welfare of children and their positive attitude towards differences.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 nappy changing procedure to help reduce the risk of cross infection • practise an emergency escape plan and ensure children understand the need to evacuate quickly in an emergency • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5