Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY350654 Unique Reference Number 21 April 2008 Inspection date Maralyn Chiverton 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 June 2007. She lives with her family in Normanton, on the outskirts of Wakefield, within walking distance of local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and there is an enclosed area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years of age at any one time. At present there are two children who attend on a part-time basis only. When working with an assistant, the childminder may care for no more than eight children under eight years at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from school as well as to the local park and places of interest. She attends a weekly childminding support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a recognised early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean, warm and comfortable environment. The childminder is very proactive in maintaining a clean and hygienic setting. She ensures that surfaces are sprayed with an antibacterial solution as well as using disposable gloves and wipe down apron when changing children's nappies to prevent the spread of cross-infection. Colourful posters displayed in the toilet promote children's awareness of how to wash their hands correctly to prevent the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept free from infection through parents' understanding not to bring their children if they are unwell or have a common childhood disease, such as measles, until they are completely clear. Information about incubation periods for infectious diseases is readily available to parents. All accident and medication records are in place and maintained accurately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a well balanced, nutritious range of home cooked meals and snacks which are wholesome and nutritious, and keep them healthy. Drinks are offered at set times and at children's request. The childminder provides a four week menu which is displayed for parents to see. Children's enjoyment of exercise is well promoted through daily walks and trips to the local park. The childminder introduces stories and games to allow children to have periods for rest and relaxation. Younger children benefit from regular routines which are recorded in a daily diary and meet their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept very safe in welcoming premises that are secure at all times. The effective registration of children and use of a visitor’s book ensures children are safe at all times. The childminder ensures that space and resources are effectively deployed to allow children to access toys and resources which are safe, suitable and appropriate. Children have access to a playroom and are provided with an excellent range of quality and well maintained play equipment which is checked on a daily basis to ensure it is safe for children to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's awareness of personal safety is well promoted through simple explanation and discussion. The childminder ensures children are kept safe when driven to places of interest and when walking to and from school. For example, all appropriate insurance, booster seats and safety belts are in place and children wear tags with the childminder's contact number on.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to safeguard and promote children’s safety and welfare. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a comprehensive understanding of child protection procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child in her care. The use of a list of guidelines and points to look for with regard to safeguarding children ensures children are kept safe at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their own playroom which is child orientated, bright, colourful and stimulating. The use of colourful posters as well as displays promotes well children's understanding of shape,

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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 colour and number. Children are provided with an excellent range of quality toys which are developmentally appropriate. For instance, the use of a range of natural materials promotes younger children's perception of their immediate environment as well helping to develop their natural curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated and clearly enjoys working with children, which is reflected in effective interaction with the children in her care. She knows the children well and plans each month to provide a rich, imaginative and varied range of activities to promote children's enjoyment and learning. Children are taken to places of interest, such as a farm, zoo and bird sanctuary as well as visits to the local library. The childminder provides regular opportunities for children to develop their creative skills through painting, drawing and making collage pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of how children learn through play and uses her skills and experience to further develop children's learning through the recording of observations which are shared with parents. She offers lots of support, encouragement and praise, raising the children's levels of confidence and self-esteem. Children's understanding of right and wrong is well promoted through simple reminders and reiteration. The sharing of information ensures children's needs are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and their individual needs are met each day. Younger children follow a daily routine that is discussed and agreed with parents. The childminder ensures that all children regardless of gender have access to the full range of activities and resources. A good selection of multicultural toys as well as the good role model of the childminder promotes well children's awareness of diversity. Visits to places of interest further promote children's understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has cared for children with a range of learning disabilities, such as Down syndrome and hearing and sight impairments. She has a comprehensive awareness and understanding of the importance of working closely with parents to ensure the individual needs of such children are well met. Children engage themselves well in their play and readily share and take turns. They are encouraged to be aware of their needs and those of others. For example, the childminder uses books to discuss why children wear glasses and need to go to the doctors. Children are well behaved and benefit from the childminder's well-informed understanding of behaviour management.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a strong and trusting relationship with parents which contributes significantly to children's well-being. She ensures parents' are kept well informed about her provision. For example, parents are given a parent information pack which includes all policies and procedures used to underpin the running of the provision. They are given opportunities to air any concerns or worries through the completion of simple questionnaires. Parents receive formal and informal information about their child's progress. For example, younger children have a daily diary which records how they have spent their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. A welcoming, child orientated environment ensures children are well settled and happy. The effective use of space and display of resources allows children to access all toys and activities freely and independently. The implementation of well written policies and procedures ensures the provision runs efficiently and smoothly. For example, an effective sick child policy ensures children are kept well and healthy. However, the complaints procedure does not include the timescale for resolving complaints. Children are offered an excellent range of resources as well as a range of creative activities and quiet periods to promote their learning and meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

The childminder is enthusiastic, motivated and has a recognised early years qualification. She uses her skill and expertise to promote children's learning and ensures children receive lots of support, encouragement and praise which promotes well children's self-esteem and self-confidence. The very effective working partnership between the childminder and parents ensures children's individual needs are well met. Records of individual children are shared with parents.

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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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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): • provide more detailed information in the complaints procedure so that parents are aware of the timescale for resolving complaints.

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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 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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