Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283337 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Paula Fretwell 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 2004 and lives with her husband and two children in Ossett, near Wakefield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives within walking distance of local schools and other amenities. There are 10 children on roll, who attend on a variable 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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy through the childminder following good health and hygiene procedures. Children are cared for in a clean, safe environment and cross contamination is prevented through effective practice. For example, children are encouraged to use tissues promptly for runny noses

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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 and they know it is important to have clean hands before eating. The childminder acts in the children's best interests if they become ill in her care by contacting parents, and she excludes children with contagious illnesses until they are well enough to attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a good understanding of healthy eating and they enjoy the wide variety of healthy foods available to them. The childminder demonstrates her understanding of food and nutrition by providing children with appropriate snacks, such as fresh fruit, yogurt and cereal. Children talk about the benefits of healthy eating and say fruit makes them big and strong. Children have constant access to drinks throughout the day which ensures they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted well because the childminder makes sure they have a good variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities appropriate for their needs. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and they access the childminder's garden, parks and soft play centres.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around freely and independently in a very welcoming, safe and secure environment. They easily access toys and equipment from child sized storage systems, so that they can choose their own activities. Children learn how they can stay safe through appropriate discussion within the daily routine, such as not throwing toys and sitting nicely on chairs. Children's risk of accidents is reduced by the good use of safety resources and close supervision. The childminder joins in with the children's play, ensuring she can monitor their safe use of toys and equipment. There is a good range of toys and resources which are of good quality and comply with safety standards so that children can play safely. Children have access to a large trampoline outside in suitable weather, although this activity has not been risk assessed to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate knowledge and procedures in place to ensure children's safety. For example, she has a current first aid certificate and a clearly drawn fire plan. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder's awareness of the procedures for reporting child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Good relationships between the childminder and the children enable children to feel secure and confident. They are happy and settled in the childminder's care, and they engage in purposeful play. Children receive good amounts of individual attention because the childminder works effectively with her assistant. Children's needs are met well and their individual routines are discussed with parents and followed closely. Children are encouraged to share, play together and be tolerant of their peers through good role modelling and positive reinforcement. For example, the childminder shows children how they can share a box of dominoes together and she plays alongside them to facilitate the sharing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good range of child focussed activities encourages children's choice and independence. Children have opportunities to socialise with others through regular attendance at playgroups. The childminder has a good understanding of children's development and she joins in to enhance their play and support their learning. She uses skilled conversation to extend children's language and thinking, such as when discussing their recent holidays with them. Children approach the childminder with ease, such as when they play a game of marbles together and she maximises

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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 opportunities to build upon their learning, such as for counting and colour recognition. The childminder knows each child's personalities and she provides opportunities for play according to their interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are discussed with parents and the childminder values and respects children, welcoming them all into her setting. Children are encouraged to learn about themselves and others through positive images in books, toys and activities. Simple explanations are given to children about difference, which helps them to understand the needs of others. There is good support for children with disabilities and learning difficulties through close liaison with parents and carers. The childminder values the things that children bring from home, such as photographs, enabling them to share their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well and successful age appropriate strategies are used to manage their behaviour. The childminder uses positive language and encouragement to promote children's self-esteem and acknowledges their achievements by giving them plenty of meaningful praise. Young children's attention is diverted if unwanted behaviour occurs and the childminder ensures they are redirected to another activity. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents as part of the information sharing process.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to their parents' wishes and there is good verbal communication in place daily to enable the childminder to meet the children's needs. The childminder is aware that children are making rapid progress in her care, such as in their language development, and she is developing ways to share this information with parents. Newsletters inform parents of relevant matters and the childminder supports them well in their role.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well organised environment that promotes their independence and confidence. Children initiate their own play and all activity areas ensure children reach their toys and resources safely. Play areas are warm, bright and comfortable ensuring the children feel settled and relaxed. The childminder and her assistant work together to meet the children's needs and the children enjoy the individual attention that this provides.

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Organisation

Parents are assured of confidentiality and documentation is very well detailed, up to date and filed securely. Comprehensive policies and procedures support the practice well and these are shared with parents. The childminder is committed to her own professional training and development which enhances the care for the children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations made. The childminder was asked to improve resources that promote equality of opportunity and this has been addressed to ensure children have a good understanding of diversity and the needs of others. The childminder was also asked to review the child protection policy to include procedures if allegations are made

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Improvements 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 against herself or family members. This has been amended to ensure the safeguarding procedures are clearly in place.

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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): • continue to develop ways to share children's progress with parents • conduct a risk assessment in relation to the trampoline and the activities allowed on it to ensure that the manufacturer's recommendations are followed and all aspects of children's safety have been considered.

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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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