Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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321785 Unique Reference Number 30 January 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her adult daughters in a house in Middlestown, a village between Wakefield and Huddersfield. There are good road links to nearby towns and cities. There are shops, parks, open countryside, childcare groups and schools within walking distance. The childminder operates a delivery and collection service with the local school, nursery and playgroup. She attends local childcare groups with the children. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a small enclosed area to the rear available for outside play.

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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 and is currently minding 16 children 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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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 enjoy a varied selection of activities which contribute to their good health as they visit the local parks and play areas. Children have their own hand towels that provide positive steps for good healthy practices which help to prevent cross infection. Effective procedures are in place for when children become ill and detailed recordings are up to date for accidents. Children's awareness of germs is developed through discussion and good daily routines such as regular hand washing practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular drinks and nutritious snacks which include healthy choices, such as fruit. Meal times are social occasions where children are given opportunities to enjoy their food, feed themselves and to develop their conversational skills. The childminder recognises when babies and children's behaviour changes as they become hungry and tired. She has in place appropriate documentation, such as permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, to help her attend to their health care needs. Children's minor accidents and emergencies are appropriately dealt with as the childminder keeps up to date with first aid training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are active and alert. They enjoy regular physical activity, such as playing outside and going for walks in the fresh air, which contributes generally to their good health. They develop confidence as they learn to negotiate steps and activities to help them develop physical skills.

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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 clean home where risks are identified and minimised which allows them to move around safely and independently. Outings to local parks are given high priority and the childminder is vigilant in checking the environment for safety before allowing children to play. Children are well-supervised by the childminder who stays close by and makes sure children are usually within sight and always within hearing distance. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, they learn about road safety on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well 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. This ensures that the safety of children in her care is always a priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently self select toys from a good range of toys and equipment which promotes their choice. Children are free to explore the safe environment which promotes their confidence. Resources are organised in storage boxes at child height so children can reach them easily. This gives children opportunities to develop their independence and choice in their play. Equipment is of a suitable design and helps to create a stimulating play area for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enthusiastically enjoy an interesting range of activities and experiences that offer challenge appropriate to the stage of children’s development. Babies gurgle with delight as

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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 reacts to their responses showing they have a warm relationship. They develop independence as they as they choose from the varied selection of toys placed at their level. For example, the childminder creates a stimulating atmosphere as she involves baby in playing with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy and comfortable at the childminder's home. Time is given to children for their pace of learning as they make connections with the environment and toys. Written daily plans are in place and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s day. 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.

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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. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed successfully. Children are very happy and content and show a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines 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. 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.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and comfortable within their surroundings. The premises are well organised and space is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for children. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure in their surroundings. The childminder has a good portfolio containing a selection of written policies and procedures, which contributes to the effective 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Most documentation is kept in a well-organised manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. All certificates are kept in a folder that is available for parents. However, the registration certificate is not displayed. Although the childminder is aware of the complaints procedure, there is no system for the recording of complaints in place. The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to improving her practice through relevant training opportunities and keeping up to date. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve her practice.

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Organisation

Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully. Children's daily written records are in place, which enables them to progress in their areas of development. The childminder has completed appropriate courses and has effective 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to address some aspects of record keeping. The childminder has reviewed her recording systems and has now revised the recording of accidents and medication ensuring greater detail is included. She has also has introduced a system to ensure fire drills are recorded.

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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 that the registration certificate is displayed • 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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