Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302123 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Ingrid Szczerban

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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 registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a semi-detached house in Bingley, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for seven, part-time children, two of whom are aged over 8 years. The childminder runs two sessions a week at a local parent and toddler group. Regular routines include daily outings with the children and taking and collecting children from school.

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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 have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents to seek, record and follow any individual needs of children. Children learn about good hygiene routines and know about preventing the spread of infections. For example, they know that they use anti-bacterial gel on their hands after using the toilet or before eating because it stops germs from spreading. The childminder sterilises toys used by babies each week so that they are protected from infection. The childminder has a written sickness policy which is implemented effectively, to ensure that children remain healthy. Children enjoy robust physical activity daily, such as skipping and hence develop good sense of control and coordination over their bodies. The daily routine includes time for children to have rests and sleep according to their needs to keep them healthy. Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet

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Helping children to be healthy

their needs. These are healthy and nutritious and include fresh fruit every day. For example, children are given choices of fruit such as bananas, plums, apples and oranges. Children respond very well to routines and sit at the table to eat together. The childminder sets the table with a tablecloth and eats with children thereby role modelling good table etiquette and enhancing the social experience for children. They learn about foods that are good for them through activities such as 'five a day' that the childminder has set up. The children receive a sticker for each portion of fruit and vegetables that they eat in a day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good use is made of the space available and children have plenty of freedom to move around the whole of the ground floor independently. The rooms used by children are clean, warm, bright and airy, toys are stored at child height making them feel welcome and promoting decision making. An excellent range of toys and equipment, which are safe, developmentally appropriate and of good quality, help to keep children safe. For example, for younger children the childminder uses harnesses provided on equipment such as high chairs and appropriate car seats are used for each child. Children are kept safe because the childminder has fully considered and minimised all potential hazards both on the premises and when taking children on outings. For example, when out with children the childminder carries in her handbag written information about being a childminder and numbers to contact should the need arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to avoid accidental injury to themselves and others because the childminder encourages them to tidy up, whilst reminding them that they need free space to play safely without tripping up.

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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 childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and how to report any concerns, thereby meeting the welfare needs of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their warm relationships with the childminder. They are happy, very well settled and receive plenty of reassuring cuddles. Children benefit from regular routines planned around their needs which contributes to their emotional well-being. For example, high priority is given to providing regular meals and sleep times. Children experience an extensive range of activities both inside and outside the home which expand learning in all areas of their development. Children are eager to learn and motivated in their play. For example, they initiate their own play, gathering together play kitchen items to make their own tea party. Children engage in fun, interesting and stimulating activities. For example, baking activities, such as making flapjack, extend children's mathematical, physical, scientific, language and social development. Younger children receive excellent support in their learning. For

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

instance, the childminder helps them to develop attention, language and pre-literacy skills as she reads stories when they are cuddled on her lap and they are thrilled to imitate the older children in role play. The childminder undertakes regular outings with children so that they learn about the world around them. Children communicate very well because the childminder asks questions to make older children think and younger children are encouraged to make decisions by pointing to their preferred choices. This enables children to feel good about themselves, develop a positive self-image and get on well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met through a variety of means including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child and the continuity of care. For example, the same children and their siblings have been cared for over a period of nine years. The childminder ensures that resources positively represent individuals from the wider community which helps children develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder has a good behaviour management policy which is effectively implemented. Lots of praise and encouragement was observed to be offered to children, boosting confidence and self esteem. Children are well behaved and display very good manners. They get on well together because the childminder teaches them to respect and consider the needs of others. For instance, she gently explains to older children that they must not be rough with younger ones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the very good partnership developed between childminder and

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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 parents. Children are cared for according to parents wishes which promotes continuity of care and their well being. There are very effective systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities. For example, through written policies, daily chats and written feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space is effectively organised to meet the needs of the children so that they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. For example, they move around freely and can independently reach their toys. The children receive excellent levels of individual time and attention from the childminder. Routines are organised around the needs of children demonstrating the childminder's high regard for their well being. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult child ratios are maintained appropriately. The childminder keeps accurate, up to date documentation which is generally adequately organised. She has all written permissions from parents regarding the care needs of children and keeps written polices about her service. The registration certificate is displayed and the childminder hold a current first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the provider agreed to have all persons over the age of 16 in the household vetted, develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and provide appropriate activities and resources to reflect equality and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder is now able to reassure parents that all household members are suitable because they have undergone appropriate checks thereby safeguarding the welfare of children. The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues because she has obtained and read the booklet from the Department of Health, enabling her to effectively deal with any worries regarding abuse and protect children. The childminder has improved the provision of appropriate activities and resources to reflect equality and anti-discriminatory practice. She has made available books, small world play figures, dolls and dressing up clothes which reflect diversity and raise

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Improvements since the last inspection

children's awareness and appreciation of similarities and differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report.

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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.

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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): • improve the organisation of documentation.

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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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