Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281156 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2008 Inspection date Carole, Jean Craven 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 satisfactory. 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 March 2004. She lives with her partner and four children aged from four to 17 years, in Mount, near Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler and drop in groups and takes children to the park. She is registered to care for five children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment. They are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Younger children who are unable to wash their own hands are encouraged in good hygiene practices with the use of anti-bacterial hand wash gel. They stay

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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 healthy because the childminder has good procedures to prevent cross infection, such as using disposable aprons and gloves for nappy changing and routines for cleaning toys and resources.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks which include fresh fruit and yoghurt. These take into account their individual dietary requirements. Children bring a packed lunch and are encouraged in good manners and social skills when eating. Drinks of milk, water or juice are available to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise which contributes to their good health. They have easy access to the enclosed garden where there is a variety of toys and resources such as sand, slides, a playhouse, stride and ride toys and football nets. This helps them further develop their physical skills and enjoy healthy exercise. Younger children have regular visits to the park, toddler groups and a Sure Start drop in group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children learn about staying safe through regular routines and are developing a good sense of road safety when out on walks or going to and from school. They understand rules, such as holding hands, walking in pairs and crossing the road with the lollipop man.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move about freely and make their own selections from toys and resources. All equipment is of good quality, age appropriate and safe. Resources are readily accessible to the children which contribute to improving their confidence and independence skills. Positive steps are taken inside and outside the setting, such as a well thought out evacuation procedure, doors kept secure, fire guards in place and the childminder taking emergency contact numbers and mobile phone on all outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected. However, the childminder's knowledge of recent changes to legislation and local child protection procedures is restricted. The childminder understands her responsibilities under the Children Act and the children's welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They are given lots of attention and are stimulated by eye contact, cuddles and questions which encourages their development and language skills. They are given good support in their activities and are encouraged to learn at their own pace. The children present enjoy a range of jigsaws, books, cars, creative activities, imaginative and manipulative play. Children who attend after school have access to electronic and board games, drawing and colouring and outdoor play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits outside the home to the park and toddler groups. They have very positive and suitable relationships with the childminder who listens to what the children are saying. She is aware of their individual needs and development files record children's progress in observations, craft activities and photographs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued. They are able to select their toys from a suitable range of resources and make independent decisions about their play. This increases their confidence and independence skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are fully discussed with parents and are competently met by the childminder. Children are learning about the world around them from books, resources and sharing their own cultures. They are encouraged to value people and themselves, as individuals. There is a satisfactory supply of resources reflecting the wider world and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of responsible behaviour. They are given lots of praise and the childminder speaks positively to them at all times. Their social skills and respect for people and property are developed through the use of good manners and house rules. Older children give help and support to the younger ones and encourage them in their play. The childminder takes into account their level of understanding and maturity which promotes children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership with parents. Continuity of care and consistency for children is ensured through good information about the service offered, the use of contracts and review meetings. Good settling in procedures are in place and parents and children have introductory visits to ensure that children are happy and secure before the placement begins. Pre-school children have individual development files which are available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for. They benefit from the good organisation of a well organised and committed childminder. Their development is enhanced by the individual, caring support they receive. Children actively contribute to their care by making decisions about their play. Good time management throughout the day ensures that children have their needs well met in relation to play, sleep, fresh air and meals. Space, time and resources are effectively organised.

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Organisation

The documentation and record keeping is effective and progress is shared with parents. The childminder is committed to her own professional development and attends training whenever possible and she holds an up to date first aid certificate. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's vigilance and supervision.

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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

At the last inspection three recommendations were raised which were to devise and practice an emergency escape plan, obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to develop a range of resources, which show positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. These recommendations have now been put into practice, leading to a safer and more stimulating environment for children.

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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

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 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 satisfactory. 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 knowledge of Safeguarding children and recent changes to legislation is kept up to date.

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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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