Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY254526 Inspection date 26 September 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Patricia Walter

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 originally registered from 1995 to 2001. She then re-registered in 2002. She lives in Castleford in West Yorkshire, with her husband, two adult children and one child aged 4 years. The toilet facilities on second floor and the whole of the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children aged between 1 and 7 years and one child aged over 8 years, on a part time basis.

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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 The family have a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows most current and appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, a good sickness policy is in place, which includes collecting information on children's health, implementing exclusion periods for children with infectious conditions, which helps to reduce the spread of infection and written consent from parents to seek emergency advice and treatment. The childminder has a first aid kit available that is safely stored however, she has not ensured it is suitable stocked. Children are well nourished through the parents and childminder working effectively together and providing appropriate food and drinks. The childminder takes account of the children's special dietary requirements, their parents wishes and provides healthy and nutritious snacks such as, fruit and biscuits. Children are offered regular drinks at

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Helping children to be healthy

meal times and older children are able to access drinks independently with parents providing their own cups and drinking bottles. This in turn encourages them to take on some responsibility for their own needs. Children are developing a very good understanding about healthy living through participating in everyday good practice such as, washing their hands after using the toilet. They engage in planned activities about healthy eating, which helps to focus their attention. For example, they complete a large collage picture of healthy foods whilst discussing the different types of food they know. Older children are independent in personal skills and the childminder encourages the more able children to take on responsibility for their own health by placing hand wipes at their level so they can independently wipe their hands before their meals and after touching the cat. The childminder also talks to children about the importance of hygiene as they

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Helping children to be healthy

help her with small cleaning jobs such as, wiping the table. Children have good opportunities to develop physical skills both inside and out side the premises. The childminder supports babies well when trying out new skills such as, walking, which has a positive effect on encouraging them to set their own challenges and acquire new skills. Children have opportunities to participate in dancing activities inside the home and are able to access the garden most days where they can enjoy developing their skills using a good selection of equipment. For example, a small slide, bikes, scooter and a sand pit are all available. Older and more able children are able to extend their skills through occasional visits to the local park where new and larger equipment has recently been installed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder takes some positive steps to ensure risks to children are minimised, which allows the children to independently use most rooms and resources safely. For example, a fire guard is fitted in the lounge, electrical sockets are made safe throughout and her toys and resources are cleaned and checked for breakages. However, children are able to access the cats feeding bowls which are situated on the kitchen floor. The childminder takes good steps in promoting fire safety. For example, she has smoke alarms fitted on every floor which are checked regularly, a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen and she has an emergency evacuation procedure in place, which is practiced

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with most of the children. As a result risks to children involving fire are significantly reduced. Children are kept safe on outings. The childminder uses reigns and pushchairs with younger children, which ensures their safety. She has devised and implemented procedures in case there is an emergency. For example she takes a mobile phone with programmed contact numbers and a First aid kit with her. Children are developing suitable understanding and learning in keeping themselves safe. They talk through and implement appropriate safety procedures with the childminder when crossing the road and the childminder explains the reasons for the safety rules within her home. For example, why they cannot go in the rooms upstairs. However, children are not involved in devising any safety rules to encourage them to be responsible for their own safety. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good awareness of the signs and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of child abuse. She is clear on the procedures she should follow if she has concerns about the children or any allegations of abuse are made. All the required safety documentation is in place to ensure children's safe welfare. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and accidents are recorded and all signed by parents. This in turn ensures consistency is upheld and parents are fully informed of the care of their child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled as a result of lots of warm responsive one to one interaction from the childminder. They are developing confidence and good self-esteem through praise and continual encouragement in their activities. For example, young children vocally respond as they enjoy the praise given by the childminder and the repetition of movement in a musical activity. Children very clearly demonstrate their wants and needs. The childminder echo's the sounds of very young children and interprets the meaning of their words, which encourages their language development. Children are able to choose from a good selection of toys, play materials and activities, which are age appropriate and available both inside and outside the home. For example, soft and sensory toys, books and role play equipment is all available. Resources are organised age appropriately, some are set out at the children's level

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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 easily accessible for when they arrive. Other resources are stored in a large cupboard, which children can see and request, which encourages the development of choice and decision making skills. Children's overall development is supported well through good interaction. The childminder uses her resources effectively. She encourages babies to explore and investigate by making resources easily within their reach. She supports them well, demonstrating how the toys work or move and then encouraging the child to be independent in activating them. As a result children are curious and interested in what is available. Some activities are planned and encourage children's effective learning. For example, older children are able to note changes in the days and weather through use of a chart displayed on the wall and they obtain suitable

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowledge and understanding of the local environment through first hand experiences such as, visits to the local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets their needs successfully through a shared understanding and effective partnership with parents. For example, parents views on children's needs, likes and interests are collected before care commences and agreements are drawn up and implemented regarding issues such as who and what foods are to be provided for the children. This helps to ensure children settle well and continuity and consistency in their care is upheld. The childminder provides some resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. For example, she has puzzles and books which promote positive images of disability and cultures and children engage in activities such as, discussing differences in people whilst making a collage picture about different cultures. As a result they gain a suitable awareness and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of the diversity of the world. Children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder has clear management strategies which are consistently upheld. For example, reasons why behaviour is inappropriate are sensitively challenged and fully explained to the children that are old enough to understand. The childminder encourages positive behaviour by offering lots of praise and encouragement and as a result children respond and behave well. Children are happy in the childminders care. They relate to her well and are able to make choices and decisions independently. For example, when choosing their activities or in accessing drinks.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Policies and procedures are clear, some are written up, all work in practice and are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service the childminder provides. The childminder currently cares for only one very young child most of the

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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 time. This results in her knowing the children well and the time spent in the setting being effectively organised. For example, she provides lots of one to one attention and is successful in meeting children's individual eating and sleeping needs. As a result children are confident in her care and look for reassurance and security when unsure. Accommodation is used appropriately giving children enough space to play and work. This means that children can extend their own play and learning The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of child development. The adult-child ratios are consistently upheld which ensure children have appropriate adult support. The childminder has a good regard for the well-being of all children. She reviews her practice and is committed to improving the service she provides. For

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Organisation

example, she has extended her knowledge and understanding of childcare by completing a Level three qualification since her last inspection. This in turn has benefited children's all-round development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the health and safety of children by ensuring that a first aid kit is available at all times. However she has not ensured that it is appropriately stocked. She now also practices her emergency evacuation procedure with most children and has obtained up to date information on child protection procedures, including emergency contact numbers. The childminder has effectively improved procedures that keep children healthy and communication with parents. She has now devised systems to collect written permission from parents to seek emergency advice and treatment and provides procedures for parents to follow if they have a complaint they wish to raise. The childminder has developed her resources to encourage children's understanding and awareness of equality of opportunity by providing, art and craft activities that reflect different festivals and cultures.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the first aid kit is appropriately stocked and pet feeding bowls are inaccessible to children • provide opportunities for more able children to develop further understanding of safety and behaviour and take on responsibility for their actions.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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