Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY312215 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Alexandra Cole

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since July 2005. She is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for two children that attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two children in a three bed roomed semi-detached property within close proximity to local amenities. Rooms used for childminding purposes are the lounge and kitchen on the ground floor and the bathroom and third bedroom on the first floor.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about good health and hygiene through daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands and individual towels are provided which helps to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder provides a good example through following strict hygiene procedures. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. For example, they attend a music and movement class and visit the local play gym on a weekly basis, as well as regular opportunities to develop their physical skills at the local park. The childminder ensures that children's interests are paramount and clear policies inform parents of the procedure should a child become ill whilst in her care. Children are well nourished because the childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet their dietary needs. For

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

example, all meals are home cooked and fresh fruit is provided on a daily basis; helping children to learn about the importance of a healthy diet. Effective arrangements are in place to allow children to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and routines.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps are taken to promote safety and keep children safe. The childminder regularly carries out a written risk assessment of the home in order to identify and minimise risks; ensuring that the environment is a safe place in which children can play and learn. The environment is warm and welcoming with photographs of children undertaking activities displayed. Children effectively learn to keep themselves safe whilst on outings through the childminder talking to them about road safety. They also learn to stay safe within the home, for example, as she helps children to sit on their chairs properly and tidies toys away so they do not trip over them. Children are able to independently select toys and equipment from a wide range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. Although the childminder has devised a written fire evacuation procedure, this is not

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practiced with the children, which does not ensure that children understand the course of action to take in an emergency. Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in Child Protection and is able to put relevant policies and procedures into practice.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and fully involved in

p.3

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 their play. They relate very well to the childminder and have regular opportunities to develop their social skills at the local toddler group. Very warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children; contributing to the children's sense of belonging. Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminders effective use of praise and support. For example, as she praises a young child when they point out the birds in the garden. They become independent as they are able to self-select from the good range of toys and resources, suitable to their age and stage of development. Children are able to develop their creativity through activities, such as imaginative box play, baking and painting. Children play happily with the childminder, for example, as they construct with the

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

building bricks with her support. The childminder has a good understanding of children's needs, she informally plans and evaluates activities to ensure that children enjoy a range of experiences that meet their developmental needs. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. An example of this is when they thoroughly enjoy listening to a story with the childminder for a long period of time.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively met and they are fully included, the childminder values and appreciates all children. She provides a good range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children understanding of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, she has incorporated the celebration of Chinese New Year into the planning and accesses the local library for additional resources. Clear and consistent boundaries ensure that children know right from wrong. For example, simple house rules have been devised which are displayed within the home. The childminder is able to use effective strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction and redirection to other activities. Helping children to understand the boundaries and play together harmoniously. Partnerships with parents are positive, the childminder respects parents wishes and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

keeps them well informed through giving them detailed written information about her service. Children settle well because she works closely with parents to ensure that she follows their home routine. She shares important information about their personal care. For example, she records details of how much children have eaten and how long they have slept as well as daily informal discussions. This ensures that there is regular information sharing with parents; ensuring continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. All of the documentation required for the safe and effective management of children

p.4

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 is in place and appropriate. Policies and procedures are used effectively and are very well organised, promoting the care and welfare of the children. The childminder has completed all of the necessary background checks to ensure that all adults living at the premises are suitable to do so. The childminder is proactive in pursuing further training that enhances her childcare knowledge. The required adult-child ratios are met ensuring that the childminder is able to provide good levels of care and supervision. In response, children are confident and secure in their surroundings. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure the fire evacuation procedure is practiced with children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5