Moylan, Jacqui

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY240906 Inspection date 04 November 2005 Inspector Cathleen Howarth

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 10 and 11 years, in Brighouse. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding in addition to two rooms on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children mainly on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can be arranged. The childminder attends local parent/toddler and playgroups.

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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 family have two cats that have access to the house and a rabbit and guinea pig which live outside. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminder's support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn effective hygiene routines to promote their good health, for example, washing their hands after outside play and before meals. Paper hankies are available for children to self-select and blow their noses. Children use pump soap and individualised face cloths to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder maintains high standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the home. Children learn the importance of healthy eating. The childminder works closely with parents to provide a balanced range of nutritious food and drink throughout the day. Children independently access fresh water and juice. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise by playing outside. Garden games and visits to the local park improve children's physical skills and co-ordination. The very young rest and sleep according to their needs. For example, in the afternoon the baby sleeps upstairs in the travel cot and the childminder ensures the baby is safe,

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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 environment. The childminder demonstrated a high level of awareness of keeping children safe. She has well thought through systems in place in the event of an accident or emergency. The childminder regularly checks and tidies cupboards and toy boxes to ensure safe storage. This enables children to safely select their toys and resources. Children are learning to put their toys away to avoid trips. This teaches children to take responsibility for their safety and others. Children are learning to discover boundaries and limits like not climbing on the furniture and not moving ornaments. All reasonable measures are in place to comply with fire safety regulations and to keep children safe on trips and outings. Children's records are maintained and available to view to keep parents informed about their children's welfare, such as the accident book. The childminder has sound

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge and understanding of child protection 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 The provision is good. Children settle in a relaxed, child-orientated environment conducive to learning through play. Choice and independence is encouraged. Children's toys and equipment are attractively set out before they arrive. This helps to welcome children to the setting and encourages them to choose. A wide range of resources for indoor and outdoor play is used to support children's learning in all areas. Children are learning about their local community by going on regular walks, taking different routes to the park and helping to shop for basic provisions. Children relate well to each other and their carer. They are happy in their play. The childminder has good understanding of child development. She ensures children are appropriately stimulated and challenged, in order for children to use what they know

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and to learn more. Children are able to express themselves through a variety of different media like drawing, painting, dressing up and role-play, which also helps develop creative and imaginative skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The number of children present at any one time is low to provide a high level of support and to provide for the individual needs of children. Children have limited access to resources and activities that promote diversity such as disability and different cultures. This means children are not fully aware of the wider community. Children experience a sense of belonging at the childminder's home as there are effective systems in place to promote continuity of care and learning, such as use of a daily journal. Children settle in their new environment and with their carer. They play well together. Minor disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently by appropriate interventions from the childminder. Children are learning to share, take turns and consider consequences. They are beginning to understand the effect their behaviour has on others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds trusting relationships with parents and keeps them informed about the setting and their children's progress. Children's well being and development is effectively promoted through good partnerships with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. She has a flexible approach to planning children's activities. Free play is an integral part of the setting. This encourages children to make choices, initiate their play and learn from their experiences. All the required documentation and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder is committed to personal, professional development and regularly attends in service training and keeps up to date with

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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 current childcare practice. This is evident in the positive outcomes for children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children attending.

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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 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): • provide more activities and resources to develop children's awareness of diversity.

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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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