Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302128 Inspection date 21 December 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 partner and child aged 18 months in Brighouse. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding in addition to some rooms on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed front garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children mainly on a full time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be arranged. The childminder attends local parent/toddler and play groups.

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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 a pet rabbit that occasionally has supervised access to the house. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children know to put their hands over their mouths when they cough and self-select paper hankies to blow their noses to prevent germs from spreading. The childminder maintains good 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. Fresh drinking water and juice is easily accessible for children to self-select. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise by playing outside. Garden games and visits to the local recreation ground help to improve children's physical skills and co ordination. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. For example, after lunch they rest and play quietly and the childminder ensures they are safe, comfortable and

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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. There are effective procedures in place to keep children safe during inside and outside play. Children's toys are checked regularly for repair and replacement. 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. Cupboards and shelves are regularly checked and tidied to ensure safe storage for children to safely select their toys and activities. Children are learning to discover boundaries and limits like not climbing on the furniture and not moving ornaments displayed in the living room. The childminder risk assesses areas used by children. This helps to identify potential hazards and appropriate action is taken to minimize risks to children. Effective routines, procedures and the strategic positioning of the Christmas tree demonstrate the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder’s commitment to keeping children safe. Children's records are well maintained and available to view to keep parents informed about their children's welfare, such as the accident record. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures to keep children protected.

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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 settle well in a relaxed, child-orientated environment, which is conducive to learning through play. Choice and independence is encouraged. The childminder ensures children's toys and equipment are attractively set out before they arrive. This helps to welcome children to the setting and encourages them to self-select their activities and resources. In good weather, the front door is open for children to decide whether they want to play outside or in the house. Suitable toys and equipment are available for indoor and outdoor play supporting 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. Their toys and equipment are age appropriate and planned activities support their overall

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development. The childminder has good understanding of child development and ensures children are appropriately stimulated and challenged in order for children to use what they know and to learn more. Children are able to express themselves through a variety of different media like drawing, painting, dressing up and role-play that help them develop creative and imaginative skills. Children thoroughly enjoy a variety of day trips and outings that are interesting, stimulating and educational. For example, swimming. They have visited Tropical World to see the butterflies, spiders, snakes and parrots. Children have been to Adventure Island and played in ball pools in play gyms. They have visited Ponderosa to see rare and exotic birds and animals such as eagles. At Harewood House they saw the flamingos and ostriches. This gives children the opportunity to learn from first hand experiences. The childminder effectively supports children's learning by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

providing a wide range of activities at home which reinforces children's learning through play.

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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 positive images of diversity, for example, disability and different cultures. This means children are not fully aware of the needs of the wider community. Children experience a sense of belonging at the childminder's home. The childminder has displayed children’s artwork on the kitchen walls to promote children’s self-esteem. Parents are building trusting relationships with the childminder who keeps them informed about the setting and their children's progress. Children settle quickly in their new environment and with their carer. They play well together. Minor disputes are settled efficiently and effectively through appropriate adult intervention. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are learning to share, take turns and consider consequences. They are beginning to

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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 understand the effect their behaviour has on others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised. She has a flexible approach to planning children's activities and outings. Free play is an integral part of the setting. This encourages children to make choices, initiate their play and learn from their experiences. The childminder deploys herself effectively ensuring activities are well supported. All available space and resources is used consistently to provide a stimulating environment for children to learn through play. All the required documentation and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning, which 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 have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • extend existing activities and resources to further promote positive images of diversity by using the Birth To Three Matters framework.

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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 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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