Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225181 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector Linda Filewood

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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 September 2002. She lives with her two children aged 12 and 17 years. 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 minding three children all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local childminding group.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well looked after in a clean environment and carefully protected from illness and infection, as the childminder implements effective policies and procedures. For example, children are beginning to understand good hygiene routines after using the toilet as the childminder washes the children's hands, as well as her own, after nappy changing. However, children are not consistently encouraged to wash their hands before eating at snack time and the risk of cross infection when drying hands is not fully considered. Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions as children and the childminder sit together around the table to enjoy their food and each other's company. Children's individual likes and dislikes and any food allergies are well catered for when planning the weekly meals. The clear menu is available for the parents showing the meals their children will be enjoying the following week. Children are beginning to learn about

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Helping children to be healthy

making healthy choices, such as choosing fruit at snack time, as the childminder promotes good healthy eating. They have good access to drinks throughout the day. Children are helped to develop a positive attitude to exercise. They use and enjoy a good variety of physical play opportunities both indoor, at local play gyms, and outdoor, in the well enclosed garden and local park. For example, younger children show enthusiasm for playing football and going down the slide in the park. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their home routines as the childminder co-operates well with parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. A good awareness of safety is promoted by the childminder both inside and outside the home. The safety features in place ensure that children can play in a safe and secure environment, although the fire blanket cannot be accessed quickly in an emergency. Children are helped to learn the importance of keeping themselves safe. They talk about road safety as they walk to school and know not to touch the oven door when baking, as it is hot. Children understand what procedure to follow in the event of an evacuation and know how to exit the house quickly. Children benefit from the well organised space which allows them to move freely and safely around the home. They are encouraged to tidy up, minimizing their risk of injury and allowing them space to play safely. Children can easily access toys and equipment, giving them independence and choice. The childminder rotates toys on a regular basis giving children good variety of play opportunities. Resources are clean,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in good condition and suitable for the age and development of the children attending.

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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 Security of the premises is good and there are effective systems are in place to ensure the safe collection of children. They are well protected as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has a good awareness of safety when taking children on outings and always ensures that emergency contact numbers and a first aid kit are taken.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A caring and attentive approach by the childminder ensures the children are happy, relaxed and settled. They are engaged and interested in a good range of activities which support their all round development. The childminder incorporates many opportunities to talk about colours and counting into play and her everyday activities, contributing to developing the children's communication skills and learning. For example, looking at cars on the walk to school helps a child learn about colours. Children select, look at and enjoy books of their choice which helps them to develop good concentration skills. The childminder enjoys the children's company, knows them well and uses her time efficiently, helping them to learn and have fun. Children are given good support and encouragement through the effective use of praise and questioning, which helps them develop their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are becoming more independent as they begin to make choices in, for example, which fruit to have at snack time or when to move on to the next activity. Children's individual needs are skilfully catered for as the childminder has a good understanding of their differing abilities and offers good support when needed. Children have good opportunities to socialise with others through regular attendance at local childminding/toddler groups. A good variety of outings, for example, to local museums, farms and parks, is enjoyed by all the children and used well to extend the experience. For instance, finding caterpillars in the garden leads to a trip to the nearby tropical house to look at the different butterflies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are becoming aware of their environment, past and present, through well planned regular outings. For example, during school holidays they enjoy trips to local museums as well as other places of interest. Resources and activities, however, which reflect the diversity of our society are limited and do not fully raise the children's awareness of the wider world. Equal opportunities are well considered throughout all the activities and resources the childminder provides. This enables the children's individual needs to be well met and encourages them to show respect for others. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged and as a result children behave well and are beginning to understand what is expected of them. Good use of praise for positive behaviour gives strong support to the children and helps build their self

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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 esteem. They are developing a good sense of belonging and happily match pieces of furniture and toys in photographs with what they can see around them. Effective behaviour strategies, appropriate to the age and development of the children, are used and shared with parents to ensure consistency of approach. Children are helped to understand the need to share and take turns through clear explanations by the childminder. Relationships with the parents are good, friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis so parents are confident that they are kept informed of their child's achievements and progress. Good use is made of scrapbooks, which include photographs, for each child showing their development and enjoyment of a variety of activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The welfare, care and learning of the children are well supported, as the good written policies and procedures are shared with parents and implemented successfully. All required permissions and parental consents are in place to ensure the children are well looked after. Records are clear, up-to-date and easily accessible, stored confidentially and contribute effectively to the organisation of the setting. Parents are kept well informed about the service the childminder provides giving them confidence that their children are being well looked after. The childminder uses her space and time successfully to create a child friendly environment. Children are at home, settled and at ease giving them confidence to extend and develop their skills and learning. Children are helped to become independent as they freely and confidently access the resources available to them. They are well supervised and older children given time and space in which to do

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Organisation

homework after school. The adult: child ratio is good and a well planned daily routine is maintained, giving children security and confidence during their time with the childminder. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received on 28 June 2004, regarding National Standard 6: Safety, in relation to children having access to a neighbours drive. The Complaints Investigations and Enforcement Team investigated the complaint. As part of the investigation the childminder provided a satisfactory report to demonstrate how she ensures children's safety is not compromised. No actions were necessary. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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

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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): • ensure good hygiene practices are put in place regarding hand washing and drying • ensure that the fire blanket in the kitchen can be accessed quickly in an emergency • ensure that resources and planned activities encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards diversity and the wider world.

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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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