Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349106 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 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 2007. She lives with her husband and their three children aged seven, nine and 13 years in Ossett, close to Wakefield. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes and the toilet and bathroom facilities are on the first floor level. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. 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 are cared for in a clean, well maintained environment in which their health is effectively promoted. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands by making it fun. For example, she has a frog shaped bin, into which children 'feed' their paper towel after hand

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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 washing. Older children can see a poster which shows diagrams of how to wash hands properly. Children are not accepted if they have any infectious illness so that the health of all others is protected. Minor accidents to children are well recorded as are details of any medication given and parents are kept fully informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied, balanced diet whilst in the care of the childminder. They sit and eat together at the table, promoting good manners and conversation. Children enjoy healthy, nutritious meals and snacks and the childminder discusses their individual dietary needs with parents. Drinks are made available at all times so that children do not become thirsty and the childminder ensures they have a drink with every meal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical exercise is promoted through the childminder being aware of their individual development needs and ensuring opportunities are in place. Children enjoy daily walks in the fresh air and they have access to the childminder's garden, parks and soft play areas depending upon their needs. Children rest and sleep as they need to and the childminder understands their preferences for where they like to sleep. For example, some children like the sofa, whilst others prefer their pushchair and this is agreed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment in which there are no hazards. The childminder makes sure all indoor and outdoor areas used by the children are safe and she uses constant supervision at all times. Toys and resources are varied according to the needs and the interests of the children and these are checked to ensure they are safe to use. Toys and equipment mostly meet the needs of the children, although there is limited equipment available for outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder uses everyday opportunities to explain safety to children and she takes into consideration their understanding. Fire safety is discussed with children, although no fire drills have yet been carried out to help children understand how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. When out walking with children, the childminder ensures they are in close contact with her at all times. For example, she makes sure small children hold onto the pushchair and babies are securely fastened in. Older children know they must stay with her at all times when walking to school to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures in place for safeguarding children and the childminder understands her duty to report any child protection concerns or allegations. There is a written policy which supports the childminder's knowledge of child protection and this is available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in a secure routine in which they develop a sense of belonging. For example, the childminder ensures they play and sleep according to their own personal needs. The childminder has a very thorough knowledge of each child and their individual personality and interests, and this means she is able to meet their needs well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many play opportunities that are appropriate for their development. They visit local places including childminding groups where they can socialise with others, and farms where they can look at baby animals. Home based activities offer suitable challenges to children

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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 and they can choose what they wish to do. The childminder develops her ideas for children's play through using resources, such as the internet to ensure they have a stimulating range of activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated fairly in the setting and the childminder ensures she is consistent in her relationship with them all. Children are all equally able to access the activities on offer and the childminder knows each child's abilities. Children learn about other cultures and they have access to some resources which have positive images, although there are few which reflect disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to encourage children to behave well. They understand simple rules which are in place and these are applied consistently. The childminder uses friendly tones of voice and positive praise when speaking with children and they respond well to this. All aspects of children's behaviour is discussed with parents and they support the childminder in her approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is positive which enables the childminder to provide care for their individual needs. Communication takes place daily to enable important information to be exchanged. The childminder is very aware of the needs of working parents and she provides flexible care that best suits each family. Parents express their satisfaction at the level of service they receive and the standard of care given to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is extremely well organised and she effectively manages her time to ensure the smooth running of the provision. For example, whilst children are asleep, she prepares their afternoon meal. Space is used effectively for children's care and play and the childminder manages different ages of children well.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with changes affecting her role, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage and she links up with other childminders to exchange ideas and discuss training. Documentation which supports the practice is up to date and filed securely. Written policies and procedures outline the service and these are available to parents at any time.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • extend the range of toys and resources for outdoor play • extend the range of activities and resources with which to develop children's understanding of diversity, particularly with regard to disabilities • further develop children's understanding of fire safety, for example through practising emergency evacuation.

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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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