Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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321773 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2008 Inspection date Hilary Mary Mckenning 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 for 21 years. She lives with her husband, who is also registered, in the St Johns area of Wakefield. They are close to local amenities including shops, parks and schools. Children access all the rooms on the ground floor including bathroom facilities. There is an enclosed garden available for children's play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for has six children at any one time and there are five children attending on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in clean and well-maintained premises. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, older children readily discuss germs and how they make you ill if you do not wash your hands. Procedures are in place for when children become ill and detailed recordings are up to date for accidents.

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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 Children enjoy a variety of challenging activities. Regular access to an outdoor play area and visits to parks allow children to develop their all round physical skills. Children’s access to a wide range of physical activities which contributes to their good health in a positive manner and ensures that they develop confidence in their physical abilities. Children are well rested and alert and so enjoy their play. This is due to the childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that are discussed with parents. This ensures children thrive as their individual needs are met successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and meals. Menus are discussed with parents and reflect a good understanding of healthy eating. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Mealtimes are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent. Older children help to set the table ensuring that there is the correct number of place settings for the children having lunch.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection matters. There are systems in place to safeguard children’s welfare and follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They are able to move around safely and independently. A regular safety check is undertaken and action taken to minimise any risk. Children have sufficient space to move easily within the home. The childminder gives particular attention to play provision for younger children, for example, there are no loose parts, which may cause a child injury. Resources are stored at child height promoting children’s independence, confidence and the opportunity to make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are introduced to safety and how to keep themselves safe as the childminder involves them in discussions. For example, when out walking she discusses how to cross the road safely. There is an evacuation plan in place. Children are familiar with the procedure as this is practised regularly and a record is maintained. Furniture is of a suitable design, conforms to safety standards, and helps to create an accessible and stimulating environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, content and settled in the environment. There are effective daily routines in place, which help children to feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. The flexible routine allows children to follow their own daily patterns. Children make their own choices about their play from an excellent range of resources that covers all areas of learning. They are encouraged to access resources themselves, so developing their independence and self-confidence. Good opportunities allow children to explore the immediate environment with interest, building on their natural curiosity. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and good use is made of local outdoor facilities. When on an outing, children count and name the colour of different things they see.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate very well to the childminder and enjoy their time in her care. There are close and affectionate relationships where cuddles are a regular feature. Children are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with other children and adults. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships. Children are developing good communication

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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 skills as the childminder actively listens and responds encouraging children to think and solve problems. For example, children discuss the names and colour of the different trains on the track. Children relate well to the childminder, enjoying the time they spend together and learning appropriate social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. Children’s daily routines are followed successfully as the childminder works closely with parents and takes the time to get to know the family. Children are very happy and content and show a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with the setting and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self-confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local community is promoted well through regular outings and visits. They have equal access to all resources and are learning about the wider world through the positive use of books, small role play people and dolls that positively address diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance, which results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, they are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children distraction techniques are used successfully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents and carers are good, which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Information is shared regularly with parents to ensure they are kept up-to-date with their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are happy, comfortable, content and settled in the environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and comfortable within their surroundings. The premises are organised and space is used to maximise play opportunities for children. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings. The childminder has a portfolio containing a selection of written policies and procedures, which contributes to the operation of her childminding practices. These are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and how it contributes to the care of their children.

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Organisation

Most documentation is kept in a well-organised manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Although the childminder is aware of the complaints procedure, there is no system for the recording of complaints in place. The childminder is improving her practice through relevant training opportunities and keeping up to date.

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Organisation

Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully. The childminder has completed appropriate courses and has the skills to care for children. They are well supported in their learning and care as the childminder provides good levels of supervision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures. She has now obtained advisory information from the local authority about child protection and the procedures to follow if she has concerns. She has familiarised herself with the booklet, which makes her more confident to deal with any issues if they arise.

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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. 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): • ensure aspects of record keeping are in place, such as a complaint record.

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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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