Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303564 Inspection date 31 March 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 1998. She lives in a detached house in the Salterhebble area of Halifax with her husband, who occasionally works as the childminder’s assistant, and three children. The home is a short drive away from local amenities and schools. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes and minded children use the large dining kitchen as a main play area. There is a fully enclosed yard and garden area used for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat.

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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 Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a sound understanding of the importance of health and hygiene through daily routines and discussions with the childminder. Children wash their hands before meals, after the toilet and handling pets. Children know that they must wash their hands if they are dirty because they will get germs. Children independently blow their noses and dispose of tissues hygienically. Disposable wipes are provided for young children and babies to maintain a good standard of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Nappy changing procedures are adequate; however, they are not effective in preventing cross contamination. Family pets are in contact with children and do not pose a health risk to children. Children are protected from illness and infection as clear procedures and documentation means that the childminder acts in the best interest of children when they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they are supported by the childminder who encourages physical activity. Good use is made of both indoor and outdoor space, which allows children to move freely, and outdoor toys help children to gain control of their bodies and develop coordination and balance. Children also go on regular walks to the local park and to feed the ducks. Children rest and sleep in accordance with their needs and the childminder provides an area where children can sleep undisturbed. Children have their dietary needs met and clear records indicate children's dietary requirements and preferences, which the childminder takes notice of. Snacks provided are healthy, nutritious and promote children's healthy growth and development. Children have a clear knowledge of healthy eating, they know that fruit and drinks are good for you but sweets make your teeth sharp and rotten.

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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 and well-maintained environment. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and takes positive steps to ensure that hazards are minimised. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder consistently points out potential hazards. For example, children know that they must not touch the cooker, as it is boiling hot. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children use a good range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. These are organised effectively to encourage independent access. Strategies used for regular checking and maintenance of toys and equipment are appropriate in order to prevent later accidents. Children’s safety is promoted and the childminder increases their knowledge of road safety through discussion and during

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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 outings. Children know that they must walk on the inside of the kerb and hold on to the pushchair. Children always find a safe place to cross and wait until the green man appears, to cross the road. Children are protected, as the childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children's welfare. Relevant documentation is available and the childminder is able to implement these in order to protect children and keep them safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested in a range of developmentally appropriate activities, which offer a suitable challenge to help children take the next steps in their learning and development. Children learn about the seasons as they complete activities, which help them to identify each one. The childminder asks effective questions and gives children indicators for each season such as chicks for spring and a snowman for winter. Children are encouraged to learn the correct names of the seasons. Children recognise colours and can differentiate between many colours as they point out various colours whilst involved in an activity. The childminder asks questions, such as what, where, and why? She also encourages children to develop their vocabulary by feeding in new words. The childminder supports children but also lets children work on their own and lets them complete tasks independently to promote

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their self-esteem. Children learn about numbers and time and children talk about times for their individual routines. Such as when it is bedtime and children begin to learn about simple mathematical language as the childminder asks children about numbers and what is one more.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed and shown genuine, love and affection. This ensures that they are secure, confident and have a sense of belonging. They are included in the life of the setting and make some choices about their care and activities. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children have access to a range of resources, which promote equality of opportunity. However, these resources are limited and children do not have sufficient opportunities and resources to learn about diversity. Children learn to respond to expectations for their behaviour; they are well behaved and polite. Strategies used to manage children's behaviour are consistent and sensitive explanations ensure that children understand about responsible behaviour. This positive approach to behaviour management establishes clear and realistic boundaries for children and effectively promotes their welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works successfully in partnership with parents to meet the needs of

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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 children, who value her service. Parents are given a good range of clear policies and procedures about the setting, they are kept informed of their children' activities and progress through daily verbal discussion to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare and development. She organises the space and resources to enable children to make informed choices about their activities. She follows individual routines to support children's care learning and play, this means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Required documentation that promotes their welfare, care and development is in place. Policies and procedures work well in practice and meet children's needs. Although, additional documentation relating to significant issues and incidents is missing. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve records and develop the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. The childminder has made some progress and records are now amended to include details of the regulatory body. However, she has not significantly developed resources to ensure that children's understanding of equality and anti discriminatory is effectively promoted therefore this recommendation remains outstanding.

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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 complaint 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure nappy changes are hygienic and prevent cross contamination • devise systems to record significant issues and incidents, share these with parents. • develop children's knowledge of diversity through resources and activities.

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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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