Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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321918 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Maralyn Chiverton 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 August 1995. She lives with her family in Sandal, on the outskirts of Wakefield, within walking distance of local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, and there is an enclosed area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years of age at any one time. At present there are five children who attend on a part-time basis only. She takes and collects children from school as well as to the local park and places of interest. The childminder attends the local playgroup as well as a childminder support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a very clean, warm and comfortable environment. The childminder is very pro-active in maintaining a clean and hygienic setting. She ensures that surfaces are

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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 sprayed with an antibacterial solution before the preparation of food as well as before and after meals. Children are provided with liquid soap and individual towels to prevent the spread of cross infection. Tissues and wipes are readily available for children to use when necessary. 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. The childminder reinforces children's understanding by explaining how germs can spread if other children do not wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept free from infection through the understanding of parents not to bring children who are unwell. Parents have access to information with regard to infectious childhood diseases and accompanying incubation periods. Children's dietary needs, good health and well-being are well promoted through the provision of a nutritious diet which includes daily fresh fruit and vegetables as well as regular drinks of water. Children have a very good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating which is promoted through discussion and comparison. For example, the childminder explains that eating healthily makes bones strong whilst eating too many sweets can damage teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to an outdoor area, weather permitting as well as a very good range of outdoor equipment. Their enjoyment of physical exercise is further promoted through daily walks and regular visits to a play gym. Children are provided with quiet periods throughout the day for 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. The childminder ensures that all appropriate safety precautions are in place. For instance, doors are kept securely fastened with keys accessible and the outdoor area is checked before children go out to play. The implementation of effective policies and procedures, such as lost or missing children further ensures children's safety. Written risk assessments identify any hazards and actions to be taken to minimise them. The childminder ensures that space and resources are effectively deployed to allow children to move freely and independently. Children are provided with a broad range of resources which are safe, suitable and developmentally appropriate.

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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 simple explanation and discussion. For example, children know not to run indoors or climb on furniture as they may fall and hurt themselves. The childminder has implemented effective procedures for ensuring children are kept safe when on outings. For instance, children learn the Green Cross Code and know whenever possible to cross the road at a pelican crossing and wait until the green man is shown. Children are kept safe from harm through the very good understanding of the childminder with regard to her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children in relation to child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident independent learners who settle quickly at the provision. They play independently and with each other. The broad range of toys and activities provided keeps the children focused and interested in their play and supports their individual development. Children benefit from the childminder's very warm and caring manner as well as her enthusiasim and

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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 motivation. They feel confident to go to the childminder for support and help when needed, but are also given good encouragement to become independent and to do things for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows genuine interest in what children have to say, she gives lots of praise, listens attentively and allows children time to think before answering. This allows children to be self-confident and assured. The childminder provides activities and resources which are fun and age appropriate. Children's understanding of number, colour and shape is very well promoted through everyday routines. For example, when out walking the childminder encourages children to recognise the colours of cars as well as registration letters using phonic sounds. Children's understanding of right and wrong is well promoted through simple reminders, such as 'we need to take turns and share, then everyone has a turn'. The sharing of information ensures children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled. They show a good sense of belonging and are confident enough to make a positive contribution. Children's ideas and views are well respected and valued and they benefit from the childminder's very good awareness of how to promote equality of opportunity, as well as her understanding of the individual needs of the children in her care. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is well promoted through a very good range of cultural resources, which include positive images of gender and disability as well as a range of cultural dressing up clothes. Children are taken on walks to local places of interest which furthers their perception of their own environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved and encouraged to share and take turns which is reinforced, when necessary by the childminder. The childminder has a well informed understanding of how behaviour management needs to be appropriate to children's age and stage of development. Good behaviour is always encouraged and rewarded with lots of praise, whilst unacceptable behaviour is managed in a calm and reassuring manner. Although the childminder has little experience of caring for a child with learning difficulties or disabilities she understands the importance of working closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A well-established partnership with parents as well as daily verbal exchanges of information ensures that children are well cared for and parents are aware of how their child has spent their time. A file of general information is shown to new parents which include a range of written policies and procedures as well as information about the childminder and the aims of her provision. However, the complaints procedure does not include the timescale for resolving complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy confident learners who benefit from a child friendly environment which is well managed, safe and secure. Their learning is promoted through the well-organised time of the childminder and excellent use of resources and space. The childminder has a very good understanding and awareness of her responsibility and role in furthering children's development. She furthers her own knowledge and understanding through accessing relevant training. The childminder ensures children receive lots of praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem and enhances their learning. Children are supervised at all times to keep them free from harm.

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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 Well written policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution. Children's needs are met efficiently through a very supportive and effective working partnership with parents who are encouraged to share their views and ideas as well as personal information. This helps to ensure children's individual needs are taken into account. Children's individual records are regularly shared with parents.

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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

Since the last inspection the following recommendations were made to improve children's safety through the practising and recording fire evacuation procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken very positive steps to improve children’s safety through ensuring fire evacuation procedures are practised on a regular basis and recorded to identify and minimise any concerns.

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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): • further develop the complaints procedure to include the timescale for resolving complaints.

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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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