Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303521 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Frances Turner

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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 1992. She lives with her husband, also a co-childminder, and three older children. The family have a pet cat with which minded children have contact. The home is situated within close proximity to Brighouse town centre and is within walking distance of local shops and parks. The childminder collects children from a local school. Children are accommodated on the ground floor of the home. They have use of three reception rooms and a hallway. Toilet and bathroom facilities are accessed on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder

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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 is registered to provide care for six children in total and has four children on roll. Children attend on a part time basis. The childminder holds an National Vocational Qualification at level three in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and Calderdale's Children Come First Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and hygiene is promoted within a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder understands and meets all required health and first aid procedures including recording accidents, medication administered and attending first aid training courses. Children learn about good health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands and help wipe surfaces before and after mealtimes. They discuss the fruit and vegetables they like and dislike. The childminder supports and encourages individual health. She demonstrates good practice for cleanliness when changing nappies and respects children's needs for their own routines. Agreements with parents and the childminders' provision of healthy snack foods ensure children's dietary needs are met. Children benefit from sociable meal and snack times. They enjoy and share conversation whilst sitting with their carers at the table. Good social skills and manners are used.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children with frequent opportunities to be physically active. Children enjoy ball games, woodland walks and using playground equipment as part of their play. This encourages muscle development, growth and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a safe and welcoming environment. They benefit from the safety equipment in place that encourages them to explore within safe surroundings. The childminder displays health and safety information individual to the setting for parental information. Additionally, children's pictures, registration certificates and the low-level accessible play provision help to welcome children and parents. Though good storage systems are in place overall, some items within the lounge room impact on children's play space. The childminder promotes children's awareness of personal safety. Children take part in regular fire evacuation practices. On outings, they learn about road safety and through gentle adult guidance, such as helping to tidy up, they minimise hazards during play.

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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 The childminder understands and implements appropriate child protection procedures. Individual written procedures, recording systems and parental information help to protect children from abuse and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle easily in the stimulating and child focussed environment. They hold positive warm relationships with the childminder from whom they seek support and close comfort. Babies receive plenty of good quality interactions, their attempts to communicate are warmly encouraged. For example, a babies' verbal babble is rewarded with the tickling rhyme 'round and round the garden'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A very wide range of age appropriate activities are planned for children. Activities incorporate all areas of learning and development against the Foundation Stage and Birth to three matters framework. Children benefit from the skilfully organised and labelled resources that promote reading skills and independent selection. They enjoy pretend play using kitchen utensils and plastic food, exploring activity centres and selecting cars to line up or pretend to drive. They talk confidently during play about what they are doing, their likes and dislikes and events at home. Behaviour is good. Children learn to share their toys, activities and attention. They participate in activities for a good length of time, showing interest, motivation to learn and enjoyment in what they can do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are held in high regard. Their contributions are valued. For example, pictures are displayed throughout the environment and interactions cherished. The childminder seeks and incorporates individual needs within the care provided. Through activities, children learn about diversity. They see different texts, explore costumes through dressing up and share in cultural and faith celebrations. Though no children currently attend with special educational needs, the childminder has effective procedures for inclusion and promoting development. Children's behaviour is good. Through gentle adult guidance, they are encouraged to share toys and consider others. The written behaviour management policy is effectively implemented. Children are cared for by positive role models who understand positive behaviour management strategies. A good partnership with parents is established. Parents receive written and verbal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information about the setting and their child's activities. The childminder records and shares children's progress and development. Agreements and consents for individual care promote children's well-being. These are successfully used to ease transitions between home and the setting.

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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 good. The childminder effectively organises her time, space and resources to promote children's development and well-being. The flexibility of daily routines take into account children's needs and successfully incorporate school collections and outings. Adult:child ratios are met and carefully considered when working with a co-childminder. Most practice and information is shared between the co-childminders to meet children's individual needs. The written individual policies and procedures exceed requirements. Documents are well organised and accessible. The childminder liaises with external agencies to access training and increase her knowledge of childcare and development. This demonstrates a good commitment to enhancing children's care and learning. The childminder continually evaluates the provision for children and holds informal future plans. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a number of actions relating to health and safety. The childminder has implemented a satisfactory barrier to prevent children's access to the second floor. She also accompanies all young children when accessing the bathroom and toilet facilities, whilst maintaining suitable privacy. This helps to ensure children access only safe areas within the home. The childminder maintains an accessible fire blanket in the kitchen to enhance fire safety. Medication records now contain all required information and are shared with parents. This promotes children's health ensuring that medication is administered in the correct dosage at the correct time.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints reported to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve storage systems in the lounge room • increase the information and practice shared with the co-childminder

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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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