Childminder in Bradford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295623 Inspection date 21 April 2005 Inspector Rachel Ayo

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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 November 2004. She lives with her partner and adult child who also works as the childminder's part time assistant. The family live in a mid town house close to local amenities in the Cottingley area of Bradford. On the ground floor the lounge and kitchen diner are used for childcare purposes. Toileting facilities are on the first floor along with a bedroom which is used for sleeping children only. Children have use of secure front and rear gardens for access to outdoor play. The family have two cats, a dog and a rabbit.

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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 Childminders Association and she is completing the Children Come First Quality Assurance Scheme. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and she is currently caring for three children under five on a full and part time basis and two children over five after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute well to their good health. Regular visits to the local parks, playgrounds and play centres help children enjoy physical activity, develop control of their bodies and improve their physical skills. Children are able to rest, sleep or be active according to their individual needs which helps their growth and development. Children are well nourished. Their general well being and development is supported fully by young children having access to their beakers, which are regularly filled. Children enjoy varied, well balanced and nutritious meals and snacks, such as, fresh fruit and dairy products. When providing meals and snacks the childminder takes into account children's choices, likes and dislikes and meets individual dietary requirements well. Children are well cared for in a warm, clean, home. Children stay healthy because

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder implements good hygiene practices which help to prevent the spread of infection. For example, the changing mat is cleaned after each use, disposable gloves are used and nappies are disposed of appropriately. Children are helped to understand simple good health and hygiene routines in the daily care routines. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after their nappy has been changed. Children are protected from illness to a good standard by a well devised written policy, supported by up to date health information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a welcoming, secure environment. They are able to move around safely, freely and independently because of the comprehensive risk assessment that has been carried out. Safety is supported well by a very good range of equipment, such as, safety gates, a fireguard and socket covers. The childminder is very mindful and vigilant about keeping children safe at all times, such as, cleaning up spilt liquid to prevent accidents. Children effectively learn about fire safety by very good procedures including regular practice of the emergency escape plan. Children learn about keeping themselves safe to a good standard. The childminder explains safe practices, such as why children should not climb on the safety gate, or why some resources need to be tidied away so that they are not tripped over. Children's all round development is supported well by a very good range of clean,

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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 well maintained and age appropriate equipment and a sufficient range of resources. Children are protected well in some aspects. The childminder is fully aware of ensuring that children are not left with any person who has not had appropriate checks carried out. The childminder has a good knowledge of possible signs of child abuse or neglect. However, she is unclear about the correct procedures to follow in reporting any concerns. This could result in a less effective response to the concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children present as happy. They are learning to be settled and are very confident in exploring their environment. Given their age and stage of development young children are beginning to relate well to each other. This is supported by socialising with other children through regular attendance of various groups. Children are secure and gain a sense of belonging because of warm, positive relationships with the childminder and they benefit from good routines. Children become independent by learning to choose their preferred activity. Children are learning to use a sufficient range of resources which support their intellectual development, such as, books, puzzles, games and sensory toys for younger children. Their imagination and creatively is developing well by the provision of activities, such as, painting, singing, dancing and dressing up. Children's learning is enhanced by outings which are then linked to resources at home. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

following a visit to the farm the childminder consolidates children's learning by looking at animal books, providing animal figures and talking to children about their outing. The childminder is planning on attending a course within the near future to implement the Birth to three matters framework. This will further enhance her skills in implementing quality and effective practice with children from birth to three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of diversity is increased by the provision of a good range of resources which promote a positive view of the wider world, such as, puzzles, dolls and books. Children are acknowledged and respected as individuals and are treated equally and fairly. This helps children to develop a positive self image and feel valued. Children benefit from the positive partnerships promoted between their parents and the childminder. They are well cared for because information is obtained from parents to ensure that their individual needs are being met successfully. Policies and procedures are shared effectively with parents before placement to ensure that they are fully aware of the childminder's practice. Good systems are in place for sharing information, such as, diaries completed daily and sent home with parents. This contributes to continuity of care and positive relationships with parents.

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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 Young children are beginning to learn about boundaries for behaviour and although they display some challenging age appropriate behaviour their self esteem is supported well by the good use of a variety of strategies and positive praise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children become independent and make choices about their play as they freely access all areas on the ground floor. However, at times the environment and resources are not organised effectively to ensure that all children are able to engage in their own activity. The childminder has a positive attitude in relation to her own personal development. She is pro-active in organising new training for herself to enhance her knowledge and keep up to date with current practice which contributes to the quality of care. Policies and procedures, some written, are used well to promote the welfare, care and learning of children along with documentation which is well organised and maintained to a very good standard. Children's care, learning and play is positively supported by ratios being maintained and children receive additional support by the use of a part time assistant. Overall the provision meets the needs of

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed where there are any child protection concerns

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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 • further develop the use of space and resources to effectively meet the development needs of all children

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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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