Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304144 Inspection date 21 October 2005 Inspector Angela Margaret Ellis

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and four children aged 2, 5, 7 and 12 years of age, in Huddersfield. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities and a playroom on the ground floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. There are three children on roll. She receives support from the Local Authority.

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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's good health is promoted well both indoors and out. The childminder applies effective standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of cleanliness through good daily hygiene routines. They learn they must wash their hands before eating and after the toilet. The childminder implements good procedures and acts in children’s best interest if they are ill and all written aspects of the medical consents from parents is in place. The childminder provides a varied range of physical activities that contribute to the children’s good health and emotional well-being. They engage in regular fresh air and physical activities to help them develop skills and confidence by undertaking local outings on foot. Children are helped to understand how exercise helps them to stay healthy. Young children sleep safely and comfortably according to their needs and

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Helping children to be healthy

are frequently monitored. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet well. They drink regularly throughout the day and enjoy a varied balance of nutritious meals and snacks. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Children are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. Meal times are a relaxed, social occasion and raise children's awareness of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Vigilant work practices help to prevent accidents and promote their safety and well being. Children learn to understand how and why to keep themselves safe. For example, when crossing the road on their daily walk to and from school. The childminder has a good understanding that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits. For example, very young children are encouraged to independently explore their safe environment. The childminder knows the children's capabilities well and appropriate types of activities and suitable levels of support gives the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. Children safely and independently select activities from a varied range of good quality toys and activities. These are appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. The childminder has all of the required documents to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure that she acts in the best interests of the children. She has a secure understanding of child protection and first aid procedures.

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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 Children are happy and settled in the child orientated environment. Children are motivated and interested in a varied range of developmentally sound, appropriate activities and outings. Children show pleasure, confidence and independence in making choices within their environment. However, there are limited opportunities for children under 3, particularly those in their earliest years to explore natural objects to extend their sensory awareness.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from individual routines that are consistent with experiences at home, resulting in them being secure and confident in their surroundings. The children receive lots of attention and good levels of interaction increase their sense of well-being. Children regularly socialise and extend experiences well through daily outings. The arrangement for sharing activities with parents includes verbal discussion, displays of creative work and individual books. These sufficiently inform parents of their children's progress and this has a positive outcome on their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of meeting children's individual needs and satisfactorily follows their daily routines which fit in with daily journeys to and from school. She values and respects individuality and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all and helps children to prepare for new situations, for example, starting school. The childminder is receptive and seizes upon spontaneous situations to extend learning. For example, an older child noticed a worm on his way to school. This led to a discussion about not being afraid of worms and not to hurt them. This enables the children to expand their knowledge and understanding of the environment in which they live and learn to care for other living things. Children learn to develop positive attitudes towards others who are different from themselves. They have access to a varied range of resources that reflect positive images and this increases their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

awareness of diversity. Children learn good knowledge about their local community through walking during their daily outings. The childminder has a positive approach to managing behaviour. She gives lots of praise within clear, consistent boundaries. These reasonable expectations encourage children to discover boundary limits and learn about rules. They show care and respect for each other and behave well. Children clearly benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has with parents and children settle well in response. This stable partnership promotes children’s well being and development, enhancing and enriching their experience. A range of information is available to parents about the service and most of the required systems are in place, however, new regulations regarding complaints have been insufficiently implemented.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and regard for the well-being of children. She organises the space and resources creatively to enable children to participate in activities and follow their individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development. Required adult-child ratios are met on the day of the inspection and provide good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported. In response, children are secure and confident in their surroundings. However, due to a misunderstanding it is highlighted that there has been a breach of regulations on at least one day within the month of October 2005. Most of required documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of children, however, it has been identified that the register of attendance was insufficiently up to date for a short period of time. Overall, the provision meets the

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times and that the register of attendance is accurately recorded and kept up to date • improve knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3, for example through the use of the Birth to three matters framework • ensure the new guidance regarding keeping a record of complaints is maintained.

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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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