Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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321751 Unique Reference Number 24 April 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and three children. The family live in Horbury Bridge, near Wakefield. The family has hamsters and rabbits. Children access the kitchen, conservatory, playroom, lounge and toilet facilities, which are all situated on the ground floor. There is a secure garden, which has been designated for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for five children at any one time. There are 11 children attending on a part time basis. The childminder regularly collects and takes children to the local schools and uses parks and other local amenities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities, which contribute to their good health as they visit the local parks and play areas. The range of physical activities provides challenge and allows children to develop their all round physical skills in a positive manner. Children are well rested

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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 alert and so enjoy their play as they follow their individual eating and sleeping routines, ensuring children thrive and their individual needs are met successfully.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. Procedures are in place for when children become ill and detailed recordings of accidents are up to date. Young children have individual cloths when caring for their individual needs after nappy changing, meals and snacks, which maintains appropriate levels of cleanliness and helps to prevent cross infection. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, older children readily discuss germs and how they make you ill if you do not wash your hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks. Older children readily help themselves to drinks and help younger children. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

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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 comfortable home environment. Risks assessments are complete and any identified hazards are minimised which allows children to move around safely and independently. Children are familiar with the evacuation plan as this is practised regularly. Furniture is of a suitable design, conforms to safety standards, and helps to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Regular communication with parents is maintained which is developing an appropriate partnership between all those involved in keeping their child safe. The required documentation and procedures are in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities concerning child protection matters and recognises the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. There is a procedure in place that follows the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Equipment is of a suitable design and helps to create a bright and stimulating play area for children. Children are free to explore the safe environment, which promotes their confidence. Resources are easily accessed, allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, 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 childminder effectively plans interesting and stimulating themed topics. Good opportunities allow children to explore the immediate environment with interest, building on their natural curiosity. Children talk about sharks and their large mouths along with other fish. The childminder successfully plans activities considering children's age and interests to ensure activities are suitably challenging. Plans are flexible to allow children to pursue their own interests so that they discover more about what they like and dislike. Older children make their own choices about their play as they organise a game that they will complete when they come back from school.

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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 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. Younger children engage in concentrated play, such as the inset tray about animals, in which they extend their language and creative skills. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy activities that promote their self-esteem. Older children are learning a variety of new skills, as they access the internet to find out more information when doing a project about St George. Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder actively listens and responds, encouraging children to think and solve problems. Children are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with other children and adults. This results in them being able to build

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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. 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. In discussion with parents, they say they are very happy with the care and support their children receive. Parents receive daily information about their child’s day. Children's records of achievement are being developed although these are not currently being shared with parents. 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 good. 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 comprehensive 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 The documentation is kept in a well-organised manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. 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. 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 provider was required to obtain an appropriate first aid certificate. She has attended a course and now holds an appropriate certificate.

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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): • consider further developing ways of sharing information with parents regarding their child's achievements.

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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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