Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY362452 Unique Reference Number 16 June 2008 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her son aged four years in the Brackenhall area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom and one bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis and three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She visits the local parent and toddler group, the library and parks.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a healthy environment where they are beginning to learn about healthy lifestyles. For example, they actively use hand wash to clean their hands at relevant times during the day, talking about why this is important. The childminder has a clear understanding of good health and hygiene procedures and is diligent in keeping children and the environment clean.

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 Children are well protected in cases of accident or illness as there is a very well stocked first aid kit and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Comprehensive procedures ensure spillages are promptly dealt with. Routine cleaning practices keep the house clean and reduce the risks of cross-infection. The childminder has a clear understanding of the need to record accidents and medication and all files are up-to-date. A very detailed sick child policy ensures appropriate measure are taken should a child become ill. Children have access to fresh air each day and they enjoy exercise in the garden or at the park. Children's rest and sleep requirements are discussed with parents and individually accommodated.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular supplies of healthy, nutritious snacks in consultation with parents. The childminder is aware of the importance of meeting special dietary requirements and ensures that any individual needs are suitably met. Children are encouraged to try new foods and enjoy getting involved in preparing their food. For example, they have helped make fruit crumble for dessert. Drinks of water are provided but are not always accessible to all children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a safe and secure home with an enclosed garden area. The house is very child friendly with attractive posters and toys in evidence throughout the play areas. Children benefit from an extremely wide range of accessible, fun toys and play resources which are highly suited to the ages and stages of development of the minded children. Children really enjoy playing with the hairdressing cart, toy kitchen area and dressing up clothes, which encourages their creative and role play skills. They confidently select toys from low-level drawers, which have photographs of the contents to help children who may not yet be able to read.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has effective policies and procedures including accurate, current risk assessments. The childminder is highly vigilant and takes positive steps to minimise hazards to children. For example, she reminds children not to put small objects in their mouths and she is teaching children about road safety. Children are very well protected because the childminder has a very clear understanding of her role in child protection procedures. A highly detailed, written child protection procedure is shared with parents and contact details of relevant agencies are stored on file.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress because the childminder has a high level of awareness of their individual needs and works effectively to promote their welfare. Children are very settled and separate from main carers with ease. Children benefit from activities which offer good levels of challenge and are appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, they enjoy baking, painting, puppet making and a trip to a children's museum. The childminder has prepared a detailed file for each child showing artwork, daily activities and observation records.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children chat happily, move around the house with confidence and approach the childminder for a cuddle before falling asleep in her arms. Children benefit because the childminder enhances aspects of the children's play by enthusiastically joining in the child directed games. Younger children are developing their vocabulary because the childminder encourages them to repeat

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 new words and explains the meaning of new phrases. Children are motivated and interested in the world around them because the childminder enhances their play opportunities by taking the children to the library, the museum, local parks and toddler group.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder takes care to respect their individual needs and preferences. The childminder promotes anti-discriminatory practice by explaining to children, for example, why some people use crutches. However, children's opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world are limited due to restricted resources and activities which promote equality of opportunity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are welcomed by the childminder who understands that some children may have learning disabilities or difficulties. Children are well catered for as the childminder understands the importance of working with parents and external agencies to provide suitable support to all children. Children behave well and are friendly and polite. Older children work with the childminder to formulate house rules by asking them what they would and would not like to happen when in her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A comprehensive complaints procedure is shared with parents and the childminder has a clear understanding of the regulations concerning complaints. Parents are given well informed daily written feedback for younger children and babies and the parents of older children are given verbal feedback. Parents say the childminder is 'fantastic, brilliant, my children have really taken to the childminder and they like coming here'.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a highly organised childminder with a very professional approach. Monthly play plans, meetings and events are displayed for parents and there are many useful notices on display. Children are well protected because the childminder is fully aware of the importance of ensuring all adults in the household undergo the necessary checks and that children are not left unsupervised.

p.4

Organisation

Children's records are thorough and well maintained. A clear confidentiality policy is in place and records are stored in a locked cupboard. All relevant consent forms are in place and have been signed by parents. A comprehensive range of high quality policies and procedures is in place. These are actively promoted by the childminder who ensures parents are fully aware of policies and sign a document to say they have read and understood these documents.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 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.4

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 good. 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 free access to drinking water at all times • continue to develop resources and activities which promote equality of opportunity.

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