Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272606 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Helen Blackburn 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 October 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 years and 10 years in the Netherton area of Huddersfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a dog.

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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 five children, on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or occasionally uses her car to local school and nursery to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She attends local toddler groups and the local childminder group. She 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. The environment for children is clean and the childminder adopts good hygiene procedures to ensure she maintains this for children. For example, daily cleaning routines and the completion of food and hygiene training contribute to controlling infection within the home. The childminder and children have good personal hygiene practices. The children understand the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. For example, they talk about using soap to wash the germs away after they have used the bathroom. The childminder gives good consideration to managing illness within the home to minimise cross-infection or cross-contamination. For example, her written sickness policy outlines that any ill children should remain at home. This reduces the risk of infection to others. The childminder also has access to a wide range of literature on infectious illnesses so that she can act appropriately if

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have good opportunities to be active and to exercise. This supports their physical development and encourages them to lead a healthy lifestyle. The children enjoy playing in the garden, going on walks, visiting local parks, dance sessions and playing at the local soft play centres. The children access a good range of resources to support their physical development, such as slides, bikes, bats and balls, drawing and jigsaws.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of promoting healthy eating to support children’s healthy growth and development. She plans a three week menu to ensure the children have a broad and varied diet. The children enjoy healthy nutritious meals and snacks that include home-cooked pasta dishes, chilli, meat, fruit and vegetables. Through activities, such as baking and helping to prepare some food the children are learning about the benefits of eating healthily. The childminder provides a positive and relaxing experience at mealtimes. For example, the children sit together at the table and socialise with their peers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There are good safety precautions in place within the home to minimise accidents. This contributes to providing children with a safe and secure environment. For example, the childminder vigilantly carries out daily risk assessments in all areas accessed by children. The children are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They talk about road safety when on outings, they use car seats so that they travel safely in the car and they practise fire evacuations so that they know what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children access a good range of resources that are safe and maintained in good condition. The equipment is regularly checked to make sure children play safely. Through organising the resources on low shelves and in boxes the children make safe and independent choices in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and this enables her to protect children from harm. She has attended some child protection training to raise her awareness of her responsibilities in keeping children safe. For example, she knows how to record and monitor concerns. She is aware of the changes regarding the Local Safeguarding Children

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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 Board, however, she is unable to easily locate these documents and her own child protection policy relates to some out of date procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The friendly approach of the childminder provides a relaxing and welcoming environment for children. This results in children feeling secure, happy and settled. A selection of children’s artwork and posters displayed in the conservatory contributes to this welcoming feel and gives the children a real sense of belonging within the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are excellent relationships between the childminder and children. She is highly involved in children’s play and interacts with them successfully. The childminder makes efficient use of her time to get to know the children really well, which means she effectively meets their individual needs and supports their development. For example, she ensures children’s individual routines are built into the day to promote continuity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a wide range of resources and exciting and stimulating activities to help them flourish and develop. For example, books, creative play, baking, dressing up, role-play, construction, games and jigsaws. In addition to the home-based activities the children enjoy a wide range of experiences away from the home. This includes, visits to parks, museums, farms and other places of interest. The children become fully engrossed in their play, they are enthusiastic and motivated learners. For example, they thoroughly enjoy making worms with the play dough and concentrate really well when completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a secure understanding of how young children learn. To support her in this she has attended training on child development and play. She uses her skills really well to ensure children progress and learn through the purposeful activities and interaction she provides. For example she constantly talks to the children, asks questions and encourages them to use their initiative. Through knowing the children really well, she builds on their likes and interests and takes their lead when planning play. This results in her successfully supporting and challenging their development taking into account their individuality.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children’s behaviour is good and their relationships with other children are positive. They play well together and through play and good role models they learn about the importance of sharing and taking turns. The childminder sets clear boundaries so that the children know what is expected of them. When dealing with minor disagreements she clearly explains why the behaviour is unacceptable and she praises children for behaving well. This supports the children in understanding about right and wrong. The children’s self-esteem is good; they are confident and respond well to the childminder’s praise. The children are polite and the childminder encourages them to use their manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are developing a good awareness of diversity and the world in which they live. The children access a varied range of resources that provide positive images of others, such as books and dolls. The children also enjoy celebrating some religious and cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year. These resources and activities help the children to develop a positive self-image and encourages them to respect others.

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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 The relationships between the childminder and parents are good. They work well together to promote children’s welfare and care. They regularly share and exchange information to promote continuity for children. For example, a daily journal used for younger children ensures the childminder provides concise information for parents about their child’s day, such as activities involved and foods eaten. A parent’s file is available that includes written policies, which clearly outline the service provided for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder utilises her home and space well to promote children’s welfare. She uses each area of her home for different purposes, such as the living room for sleep and quieter activities. She organises resources in her conservatory to create a stimulating child-orientated environment. The children move freely around the home and independently make choices and initiate their own play. The childminder organises her time effectively to meet children’s individual needs. For example, preparation of meals and school runs.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the benefits of further training. She has attended a varied range of training courses and she uses the knowledge she gains to influence her practice. In addition, she has a future training programme in place, which demonstrates her commitment to promoting positive outcomes for children. This includes training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and child protection.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains a good range of documentation to promote the safe management of the setting and children’s welfare. For example, children’s record details contain all the relevant information to effectively meet children’s needs. She has devised a number of policies, which outline the service she provides for children. The storage of the documents is organised and ensures confidentiality. 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 provider agreed to extend resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Through purchasing new resources, such as books and making effective use of the toy library the children access wider range of resources that promote diversity. The childminder also plans activities around festivals and celebrations so that children learn about other cultures and traditions. These activities help the children learn about diversity and the world in which they live.

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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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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): • ensure any child protection information is readily accessible and that any written policies relate to up to date procedures.

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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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