Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225040 Inspection date 26 September 2005 Inspector Andrea Rockett

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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 has been registered since August 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 16 years. The ground floor is used for caring for children and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. There are shops and schools within close proximity of the setting. She is registered to provide care for four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 10 children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The family have goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a qualified nursery nurse.

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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 are cared for in an environment that is clean and tidy and the childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. They understand healthy hygiene procedures such as hand washing after using the toilet because the childminder gives clear explanations about germs. Effective measures are in place to reduce cross contamination as children use liquid soap and paper hand towels. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. A wide varied selection of activities are offered to children which contribute to their good health as they go for regular walks and play on the outdoor equipment. They enjoy peddling the bikes which helps to develop their control and co-ordination as they negotiate obstacles in the garden. Clear records indicate dietary requirements and preferences and children's needs are

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Helping children to be healthy

well catered for in accordance with parents wishes. The childminder provides regular drinks for children and good arrangements are in place for those who cannot ask. Fresh fruit and vegetables are provided to meet children's dietary needs and requirements, essential for their well being, healthy growth and development.

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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 clean, safe and colourful environment, their work is attractively displayed which promotes their self esteem. Children are supervised at all times and can safely access toys and resources which are in good condition. Safe and well maintained furniture and equipment is provided that meets the varying needs of the children. This allows them the freedom to make choices and access opportunities within a safe environment. However, the garden gate is not totally secure. The childminder is very safety conscious and performs daily risk assessments within the environment to ensure the safety of the children. For example, toys are checked for safety and if they are broken they are discarded immediately. The childminder is skilled in achieving a good balance between freedom and safe limits and offers explanations to highlight children's awareness of 'cause and effect'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

For example, " don't climb on the chair or you will fall and hurt yourself". This allows children the opportunity to explore and increase their capacity to learn in this way. Children learn about fire safety; they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency as this is practised with them regularly. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of how to protect children and is aware this is her first priority.

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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 The provision is good. Children are settled in the welcoming, child friendly home. They choose freely from a good range of stimulating resources and activities which support and challenge their development. Children explore the environment, both indoors and out, with curiosity. They enjoy warm interactions and conversations, and are encouraged to share their emotions. The childminder develops children's understanding of linking letters to sounds for example, "what does duck begin with"? They enjoy fixing pieces into the jigsaws which promotes their hand and eye co-ordination and the childminder helps them link picture to words " look for the rabbit with the floppy ears". The childminder is sensitive and attentive towards each child's individual needs. As a result the children have close relationships with her which increases their sense of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children begin to be caring and helpful as they learn to share and take turns, and tidy away the toys when they have finished playing with them. The childminder provides stimulating activities, for example, role play is encouraged as children act out stories from books such as 'The Gingerbread man' which highlights how books can be linked with role play. Children are offered lots of praise and encouragement which promotes their self esteem. Baking activities helps children to learn about theme's and seasons which occur throughout the year, for example on Red nose day they made Cherry buns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of toys and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, they have access to Spanish, Chinese and Asian dressing up clothes. Children are treated equally and learn to make their own decisions and manage their own needs. Behaviour is very good as the childminder is an excellent role model for the children to follow. Her effective use of praise and encouragement ensures children feel self assured and supported in becoming confident in what they can and can't do. They have a clear awareness of the boundaries and expectations of behaviour; for example, they know they must hold hands with the childminder when accessing the stairs. A positive relationship is developed with parents to meet the needs of the children effectively. Parents receive verbal information about their child everyday and share

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminders policies and procedures. Children benefit from this good relationship and settle well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and enjoyment is promoted by good organisation and flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and effectively support

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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 children's care and development. They are able to participate actively within a well organised, safe environment. Resources are stored accessibly so that children can independently select their own activities. Documentation is in place and ensures the service operates safely and efficiently. It is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development and attends childcare courses regularly to keep up to date with all child care practises. Children are protected by the childminders' clear understanding and implementation of her policies and procedures. The childminder discusses children's needs with parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were in place to ensure that children have an appropriate range of toys and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Also to establish a written agreement with all parents that sets out the expectation of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements. There is now a suitable range of toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti - discriminatory practice. For example, a selection of dressing up clothes, dolls and books which provide positive images for the children. All parents are now provided with a written business agreement and share the settings polices and procedures. They also receive a newsletter to help keep them up to date with the childminders practices. These help to provide a positive impact on the care of the children.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the safety of children in relation to the garden gate.

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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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