Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY347632 Unique Reference Number 28 July 2008 Inspection date Cathleen Howarth Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and four children aged 19, 17, 15 and 10 years in Fartown, Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play.

p.2

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 two children. The provision includes before and after school care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be arranged. The childminder attends the local parent–toddler group and playgroup.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are sufficiently protected from infection and are appropriately taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. Relevant policies and procedures are in place. Medication and

p.2

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 accident records are countersigned by parents to promote children's continuing care. Children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before snack and after using the toilet. The childminder maintains good standards of hygiene and cleanliness in areas used by children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy lifestyles as the childminder talks to them in age-appropriate ways, encouraging children to eat healthily and play outside. There is suitable provision to support children’s overall physical development in the back garden and at the local park. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. They use a mat and cushions on the clean floor in the back room.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently nourished when they eat a packed lunch from home. In addition, the childminder provides regular light snacks, such as fresh fruit and plain biscuits. She obtains relevant information from parents with regard to special dietary requirements. Food preparation procedures are sound.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe environment which is routinely risk assessed so that children have plenty of choice in where they play safely. They understand boundaries and limits in order to prevent accidental injury, such as not playing behind closed doors and not climbing on the furniture.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder systematically uses age-appropriate child safety seats and booster seats, actively promoting children’s safety and complying with current legislation. Road safety is continuously reinforced.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with quality resources and equipment that are of good design and condition. The childminder checks them regularly for repair and replacement. Children have learnt to tidy up to encourage them to take responsibility for their own and others' safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All fire safety precautions are in place. Children are learning about emergency evacuation procedures, in order to develop personal responsibility. The current public liability insurance certificate is available for parents to view.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are professionally safeguarded because the childminder has secure knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She knows the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's self-esteem is appropriately developed when they engage in challenging activities. They are learning to persist for some time when they construct towers and a garage for small world cars. However, there are limited opportunities for children to develop all their senses. Natural resources are not easily accessible, such as those in the treasure basket, which hinders their overall development.

p.3

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 are happily engaged in planned activities and spontaneous events. Trips and outings are organised to extend social networks. They are learning to take turns and to be kind during their play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate. They like to sit on the floor to complete jigsaws, which develops hand and eye coordination. They sort and match numbers, shapes and colours, and have great fun dressing up in fairy wings and the witch's hat. There are sufficient opportunities to develop listening and speaking skills. Children's vocabulary is appropriately developed when they sing along to nursery rhymes and read stories. They also like to sit quietly on their own and look at picture books.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain new knowledge and skills when they help the childminder make chocolate rice crispy buns. They look forward to eating what they have made. Children relate well to their carer and go to her for cuddles. Their hobbies and interests are appropriately supported, such as playing imaginatively with model animals and creating new environments for them to live. There is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the childminder's house.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are fully included and involved. They are beginning to learn about human differences in the wider community, such as gender, culture, disability and ethnicity through resources and activities. There are appropriate systems in place to provide for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand consequences to their actions. The childminder effectively explains what is right and wrong in age-appropriate ways, and generally affirms good behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive useful information about the setting at registration. They are kept routinely informed of children's activities and progress through informal discussions at departure. They know how to raise concerns through the appropriate procedure.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has developed a very clear sense of purpose, and a strong commitment to continual improvement. Actions from the previous inspection are successfully addressed. The childminder has good working knowledge of vetting procedures to safeguard children. She is a competent and caring person.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation of space is effective. Daily routines are well established, and children feel secure in a familiar, predictable environment.

p.4

Organisation

All the required documentation is in place to promote children’s care, welfare and learning. Children’s records are stored securely and maintained in an orderly way for parents to view. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three actions were raised to improve children's safety. The childminder has a system in place to record accidents. Children now practise the emergency evacuation

p.4

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 plan, the fire blanket is now in the kitchen and all the fire exits are clear. Children's toys and equipment are risk assessed and age appropriate. These measures are in place to promote children's safety at the setting.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children have easy access to natural resources, such as those in the treasure basket.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5