Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363566 Unique Reference Number 16 July 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 satisfactory. 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 November 2007. She lives with her family in Robin Hood, 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 four children under eight years of age at any one time. At present there are seven children who attend on a part time basis only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from school, takes children to the local park, as well as attending the local toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home environment. The childminder adopts good standards of hygiene and promotes effective practice which prevents the spread of

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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 infection and minimises the risk to children's health. For example, appropriate sickness policies and procedures are in place and parents receive information about infectious diseases. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication satisfactorily meet requirements and protect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of healthy eating. They are offered nutritious meals, such as pasta bake and fish fingers. Fresh fruit and drinking water is readily available and children's enjoyment of physical exercise is well promoted through regular outdoor play as well as daily walks to school and access to the local park. Children have access to comfortable seating and are encouraged to participate in quiet activities to allow periods for rest and relaxation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a home which is welcoming, comfortable and suitably furnished. Children have appropriate opportunities to safely make independent choice with regards to selecting play activities. The childminder checks all areas before children arrive to ensure they are safe for children to play in. She ensures toys are safe through checking to ensure there are no sharp edges and they have a safety kite mark. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are safe, suitable and purposeful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop a good awareness of keeping themselves safe through everyday routines and the childminder's simple explanations. Their understanding of how to avoid accidental injury when outside is suitably promoted. For instance, the childminder ensures that safety harnesses are in place for younger children, and older children hold on to the pushchair when walking. Children are kept free from harm through the childminder's sound understanding of the issues and procedures with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time spent with the childminder. They have access to a good variety of suitable toys and resources, which include building bricks, small world figures, a selection of relevant books and a sufficient range of creative materials. For example, children enjoy painting and making cards. Children's understanding of colour, shape and number is promoted through everyday opportunities and appropriate questioning. For example, children are encouraged to recognise colours and shapes when playing with toys and interacting with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy warm, caring relationships with the childminder and receive lots of support and encouragement, which raises their levels of self-esteem and confidence. They are beginning to develop a good understanding of right and wrong which is promoted through reinforcement and simple discussion. The childminder takes children to a local childminding support group where they learn to develop social skills as well as places of interest. Children's understanding of right and wrong is promoted through simple explanation. Parents have access to a daily diary which records how children have spent their day.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy warm, caring relationships with the childminder and receive lots of support and encouragement, which raises their levels of self-esteem and confidence. They are beginning to develop a good understanding of right and wrong which is promoted through reinforcement and simple discussion. The childminder takes children to a local childminding support group where they learn to develop social skills as well as places of interest. Children's understanding of right and wrong is promoted through simple explanation. Shared information between parents and the childminder ensures children's welfare and individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and settled. They form comfortable relationships with the childminder and her family. Children respond well to the childminder's sensitive support and encouragement, which promotes their security. Their independence is well promoted. For example, older children come in from school and quickly settle into the teatime routine. Children are respected as individuals and included fully in the setting. They benefit from the positive attitude and sound understanding of the childminder with regard to promoting equal opportunities. A satisfactory range of resources help to promote children's awareness of diversity and the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved and are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. The childminder actively encourages good behaviour through lots of praise and encouragement. Children's individual needs are catered for through the childminder's appropriate awareness of the surrounding issues, such as working closely with parents to ensure children's needs are effectively met. Parents' views and wishes are respected and they receive written information about the policies and procedures used to underpin the running of the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well managed setting, regular routines and a warm, caring environment. Space is appropriately utilised and adequately organised. Play areas are appropriately monitored to ensure children access their resources safely. Children benefit from the childminder's consistent interaction, support and encouragement. This helps them to feel secure and confident. Their learning is promoted through access to a good range of appropriate activities and resources.

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Organisation

All mandatory documentation is in place which ensures the smooth and efficient running of the provision and promotes children's welfare and care. However, the complaints procedure does not include the address of the regulator. Children are kept safe at all times through the close supervision of the childminder. Their individual needs are met through the working partnership between the childminder and parents as well as the sharing of information including children's individual records.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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 the complaints procedure includes the address of the regulator.

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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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