Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308358 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Judith, Mary Horsfall

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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 two children aged 7 years and 20 months in Huddersfield. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group, playgroup and visits a local farm.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, such as wiping noses, washing hands after toileting and before food. The home is clean and hygienic as the childminder makes regular use of antibacterial spray and disposable gloves. The childminder provides nourishing meals for children. Drinks are readily available for children, which they independently access through the day in their own individual cups. Children begin to learn the importance of healthy eating through discussions about foods that are good for them. Children have some access to physical activities in the garden using age appropriate play equipment, plus walks to school and a local farm. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder has a weak understanding of some aspects of medication procedures which could put the children at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure environment. The childminder takes precautions to minimise hazards to keep children safe. However, the stone hearth is potentially dangerous to children. The play areas are colourful and welcoming with children's art work displayed on the walls. Space and resources are well organised to allow children to move around freely and safely. Children use a good range of suitable and safe toys and equipment. They are kept safe on outings because the childminder has put adequate safety measures in place such as carrying a first aid kit and mobile phone. Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussions about staying together and crossing roads safely. The childminder gives high regard to children's safety through close supervision both in the home and when on outings. Her awareness of fire precautions contribute to children's safety whilst on the premises. Children are well protected because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a robust understanding of her role in child protection and appropriate procedures to follow if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self esteem through the childminder giving them purposeful praise. They are thoroughly interested in a widely varied range of activities with the childminder responding to their individual preferences. For example, one child really enjoys crayoning at present so the childminder ensures that this activity is

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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 always available. Children acquire new skills and knowledge from time spent with the childminder discussing colours and numbers. They learn about counting from singing rhymes, playing games and making music. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships through understanding the needs of each other. They freely make choices in their play and pursue their interests, such as selecting a favourite toy. Resources are organised to help children become independent learners. Children are happy and settled because the childminder gives them individual care and attention

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met by the childminder who works in close partnership with parents. Their care is enhanced through the daily exchange of information regarding their progress and welfare. Children feel a sense of belonging through a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder. They are valued and made to feel important through praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements. However, children lack opportunities to become aware of the wider world because of limited play resources and activities. Children behave well and are beginning to understand responsible behaviour through clear boundaries and explanations which are adapted to each child's level of understanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe and protected through the childminder's awareness of the vetting of household members. She maintains adequate ratios, thus improving the safety of children. The childminder organises time, space and resources well to meet children's needs. Children benefit from visits to facilities in the local community. Their care and well being is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to broadening her knowledge and skills through further training. All required documentation is up to date, shared with parents and kept confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection four safety issues were raised; the low garden wall, the

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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 inadequate fencing, the cords on some blinds and child protection training. These issues have all been fully addressed, resulting in the environment and procedures being safer for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • develop resources and activities which promote equal opportunity and children's understanding of the wider world • review medication procedure • ensure hearth is made safe.

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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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