Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357946 Unique Reference Number 11 July 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 was registered in 2007 and lives in Wakefield with her family, close to the town centre and many local amenities. Care is provided downstairs and there is an enclosed garden in which children can play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and there are five 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 enjoy good health because the childminder follows hygienic practices which prevent the spread of infection. Priority is given to ensuring children wash their hands at relevant times, such as before eating or after using the toilet. Nappies are changed promptly with good attention to hygiene. Children are not cared for if they have any infectious illnesses and parents are made aware of this policy. Minor accidents to children are recorded and the details shared with

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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 parents. If medication is given at the parents' written request, this is documented well and the information shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is very well promoted; menus are varied and nutritious and shared with parents. The childminder is very aware of each child's individual dietary requirements and she provides suitable meals and snacks for their needs. Children enjoy being involved in preparing food through activities, such as making pizza. They enjoy plenty of fresh fruit and they have drinks of juice or water whenever they feel thirsty. Older children access their own drinks and younger children each know their own cups and these are kept refilled throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy many opportunities to develop their physical skills in a variety of activities, such as playing in the garden, going on a bike ride or visiting the nearby local park. Children have many daily opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise as part of their routine with the childminder. The childminder understands the need for children to be active and she provides activities and resources to support fun outdoor play, such as a 'sports day' set.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety and security are given priority in a friendly, welcoming environment. They confidently explore the childminder's home and freely access what they need to support their play. Toys, resources and equipment are safe for children to use and the childminder ensures regular safety checks take place of all items used by the children. Children enjoy using the trampoline, although there is no risk assessment in place or parents' consent for their child to use it. The childminder has thorough systems in place for keeping children safe and secure. For example, doors are kept locked and there is appropriate safety equipment in place. Children are never released to unauthorised adults and the childminder supervises them closely at all times. Minor accidents to children are recorded and information is shared with parents, although records are not kept of any existing injuries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept very safe on outings and when travelling in the childminder's car. For example, suitable car seat belts are used at all times and the childminder firmly reinforces this safety aspect with children. Around the home, children are reminded how to keep themselves safe, such as through fire evacuation and discussion. Fire safety is promoted through practising fire drills and through smoke and gas detection systems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well safeguarded through the childminder's knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern or allegation. Contact numbers are readily available should the childminder need to report any concerns and a clear and detailed policy is available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and confident in the childminder's care. There are trusting relationships between children and the childminder, which helps children to feel secure and content. Children understand the familiar routine for their care, learning and play and they know what to expect next. The childminder has a clear knowledge of each child's personality and interests and she responds promptly to meet their individual needs. Children approach the childminder for hugs, cuddles and kisses and she makes plenty of time for this aspect of their

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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 care, including their special items of comfort. Children enjoy the one to one attention the childminder gives to them and they play games, such as 'peek-a-boo', with squeals of delight.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, in and out of the home. They enjoy going on trips with the childminder to places of interest, such as the seaside or the zoo, and they like to talk about these events. Children enthusiastically play with toys that they can choose for themselves and the childminder joins in to enhance their play. For example, children select small animals and dinosaurs and the childminder encourages them to make the animal noises. The childminder is skilled at interpreting the early speech of very young children and she encourages their developing language through plenty of conversation and chatter. She responds promptly to children's cues for play and for sleep, enabling them to determine the pace of their care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to make a positive contribution to all aspects of their care and the childminder ensures they each feel valued. Children learn about the wider world through acknowledging other cultural festivals and the childminder is aware of how to support the topics they do at school. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents and carers so that the childminder can provide suitable care for each child. The childminder is aware that children have differing abilities and she makes activities accessible to them all. Toys and resources are accessible fairly, some of which show positive images to help children to celebrate diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to realistic expectations from the childminder, who is very aware of their stages of development and understanding. Strategies for managing behaviour take into account children's understanding and the childminder encourages positive behaviour through knowing each child and acting as a positive role model. Children are aware of simple rules and know what behaviour is expected. The childminder is consistent with children and she works closely with parents to ensure they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers supports children's individual needs well and they are happy with the level of care their children receive. The childminder makes time to discuss issues with parents and she ensures they are kept verbally informed of relevant aspects of their child's care on a daily basis. Parents enjoy the flexible care the childminder provides and she supports their childcare needs effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well organised care and attention appropriate for their needs. The childminder ensures they can access activities, toys and resources appropriate for their development and there is a familiar routine which they all know. The childminder is aware of the requirement to ensure all household members or regular visitors over the age of 16 years are vetted, although these checks are not fully completed.

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Organisation

The childminder clearly enjoys her role with the children and she is aware of any changes affecting the way she offers her service, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage. All documentation meets the required standard and is up to date, comprehensive and securely filed. Policies and procedures are clearly in place and support the childcare practice.

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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 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): • ensure checks are completed for all regular visitors to the household • ensure existing injuries to children are recorded • conduct a risk assessment for the trampoline and obtain parents' consent for their child to use it.

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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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