Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302471 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Helene Anne Terry

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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 1985. She lives with her partner and 2 children in an end terrace house in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The whole of the downstairs and the bathroom upstairs is used for the children. There is fully enclosed garden at the front of the property that is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children between 8 and 9 years, before and after school. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment where effective procedures and practices ensure that children's physical, nutritional and health needs are fully addressed. The childminder provides good support and guidance to ensure that children develop a good understanding of hygiene, such as encouraging them to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Children are protected from cross infection through the use of satisfactory procedures and practices; such as the use of individual wipes and a sickness policy, of which parents are informed. Children are developing good eating habits; they have free easy access to drinks throughout the day and benefit from well balanced nutritious snacks, including lots of fruit. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into consideration and they are given a choice of snacks that they would like to eat on arriving from school. Healthy options

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Helping children to be healthy

are offered, such as scrabbled eggs on toast and granary bread. Children are beginning to understand about food that is good for them and individual dietary needs are fully considered to promote their well-being. Children enjoy a wide range of good physical activity, which contributes to their good health. They enjoy playing in the parks, garden and going on long walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around safely and freely in a secure environment both indoors and outdoors, where risks are minimised because the childminder takes the necessary precautions to keep children safe and secure on and off the premises. They have access to the necessary facilities to promote their development and furniture and equipment are very well maintained. Children learn about their own personal safety through everyday activities. Children use a good range of developmentally appropriate resources, many of which are easily accessible enabling choice and promoting independence. For example, resources are stored in containers in the kitchen and lounge. These are effectively organised, rotated and updated as required. The children's welfare is fully addressed. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a good understanding of child protection issues, having attended

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

training and she holds a current first aid certificate.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the child friendly environment, where they have good access to a very wide range of activities which enhances their development in all areas. Some activities, although not planned, are extended to enable children to consolidate their learning. Children's interests are also followed. For example, the childminder has helped children obtain information to support topics they are doing at school through the use of the library. They do creative activities around special festivals and occasions, such as making pumpkins at Halloween and making Christmas decorations. The childminder has done training to enable her to support the learning of younger children, taking into consideration the Birth to three matters framework, however has no young children currently attending. Interaction between the childminder and the children is very warm and trusting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relationships have been developed, which increases children's sense of well-being and confidence. Children receive lots of affection and playful interactions were observed as the childminder and children did creative activities together and chatted. Children enjoy learning to become independent when they access resources, hang up their own coats and help themselves to drinks and snacks. This promotes self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met and welfare is promoted through a variety of means, including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individuality and responds well to their needs in respect of hunger, tiredness, likes and dislikes. Resources representing diversity in society are good, which promotes children's ability to understand the wider world and people's differences and similarities. The childminder has a good awareness of positive behaviour management techniques to enhance children's well-being and their social development. She speaks to them calmly, giving explanations and uses lots of appropriate praise and encouragement, thereby boosting self-esteem and confidence. Children are valued and well respected which impacts on the positive behaviour observed. Children benefit from the good partnership developed between the childminder and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. They are cared for according to parents' wishes which promotes continuity of care. She is also sensitive to parents' needs. There are effective systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities; for example, through daily chats and for younger children a daily diary. Parents receive good information about the setting in the form of policies and procedures. This promotes the two way process in enhancing children's well-being.

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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 organises space and resources to meet the needs of the children well; as a result children feel at home and at ease. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults having supervised or unsupervised access to the children and adult to child ratios are effectively maintained. The children benefit from the childminder's good experience in child care, and she continues to extend her training to enhance the service she provides for the children. The good range of policies and procedures available are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, some aspects of storing information is a little disorganised. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve documentation, resources representing diversity in society and safety, owing to glass in the lounge doors. Good improvements have been made in promoting children's understanding and awareness of people's similarities, differences and needs. Resources have been obtained and are used as part of the play provision. Accident records are maintained effectively and the glass in the lounge doors have been protected to ensure children's safety.

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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):

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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 • ensure that all records and documentation are easily accessible for inspection.

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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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