Childminder in BradfordOfsted inspection, 24 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302091 Inspection date 24 January 2006 Inspector Shaheen Matloob

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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 satisfactory. 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 the early 1980s. She lives in the Heaton area of Bradford with her husband and two teenage children. Rooms used for childminding purposes include the whole of the ground floor, consisting of the lounge, front room, hall and kitchen. The bathroom is located on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the property for outdoor play. The childminder lives within walking distance of schools, parks and shops and collects children from one of the 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn and understand the importance of personal hygiene and health through daily routines and discussion. The childminder generally adopts good standards of hygiene throughout the home. However, children are not consistently encouraged to wash their hands and a changing mat is not used when changing nappies. These practices do not ensure that high levels of hygiene are sustained. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children. Children have opportunities to gain control of their bodies and are supported by the childminder who encourages physical activity. Good use is made of the spacious outdoor area, which provides room for children to move freely, and resources that promote children's physical development. Daily walks to school, playgroup and outings give them further opportunities for healthy exercise. Children rest and sleep

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Helping children to be healthy

according to their individual care routines and needs. A separate sleep area is provided for children to sleep undisturbed. Children's individual dietary and religious needs are met as the childminder works well with parents in addressing their wishes. Children are provided with a range of meals and snacks that are healthy, nutritious and promote their healthy growth and development. They happily choose fruit as their snack and enjoy their food. Regular drinks are provided and stored where they can access them independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and well-maintained environment where appropriate steps have been taken to promote their safety. Daily risk assessments ensure their safety and prevent accidents. Children learn to keep themselves safe, as the childminder points out potential dangers, such as, not to touch the oven as it is hot. Children learn about road safety when they are out; they talk about how to be careful near motor cars and use a zebra crossing where possible. Children are adequately protected from harm. The childminder has relevant publications available. However, she does not have a sound knowledge of child protection issues and appropriate records to safeguard children's welfare, which affects the childminder's ability to recognise and record any significant concerns if necessary. Children have ample space to move easily within both the indoor and outdoor areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They have suitable opportunities to safely make independent choices about their play as all toys and equipment are organised at child height. These are checked and cleaned regularly to ensure that they remain safe.

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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 content and extremely settled in the family environment. They show a sense of trust, due to the effective and supportive relationship they have with the childminder. Children are interested in a good range of stimulating and developmentally appropriate activities; these provide sufficient challenges to assist children in progressing to the next stage of their development. They are encouraged to make choices and develop independence by having play materials readily available and well organised. All children spend their time purposefully. Children play happily in the play kitchen and show off their cookery skills. They learn how to use various utensils to improve hand/eye coordination and develop language skills as they chat whilst they make dinner. The childminder promotes their language development through interesting conversations, feeds in new vocabulary, and repeats children's phrases.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and treated as part of the family. They receive support, attention and are shown genuine love and affection. This results in them feeling secure, confident and having a sense of belonging. The childminder is proactive when caring for children with special needs and works closely with parents to ensure that children receive appropriate care and support. Children are valued and their individuality is respected. The childminder includes them in all activities and values what each child has to offer which promotes their self-worth. Children learn about various cultures and the wider community through planned activities, such as, making Eid cards and the celebration of Chinese New Year. This increases their knowledge of diversity. A range of resources that positively represent the children who attend, as well as the wider community, helps children to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop a positive attitude towards others. Children play together and have a good relationship with each other. Older children show concern for less mobile younger children and get them toys to play with. Strategies used to manage children's behaviour are consistent and take into account children's age and level of understanding. This positive approach to behaviour management ensures that children know what is expected of them and begin to understand responsible behaviour. A positive partnership with parents ensures that children benefit from this relationship. Children settle well because the childminder follows home routines and their individual needs are met. The childminder shares important information about children's activities and their well-being through daily verbal communication, which promotes continuity of care.

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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. Children's needs are generally met through the effective organisation. The childminder has a wealth of experience and sound knowledge of childcare and development. She organises space and resources to enable children to move freely and explore their environment. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. All legally required documentation is in place. A range of suitable policies and procedures are implemented and shared with parents to keep them informed about the service. The childminder takes appropriate steps to protect children, promote their well-being and support their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety. She has secured trailing wires to prevent accidents; a first aid box is available and the contents are checked and replaced when required.

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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 satisfactory. 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 of child protection issues • ensure that good levels of hygiene are promoted

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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 • devise systems to record significant issues and incidents relating to physical restraint.

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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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