Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

310937 Unique Reference Number 16 June 2006 Inspection date Paula Fretwell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 for 21 years and lives with her husband in Dewsbury. There are three children on roll. The childminder's home is within walking distance of local toddler groups, pre-school, nursery, schools and close to transport links. Areas of the house that are used include the conservatory/dining room and ground floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the premises, providing both grass and paved areas to play.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's individual health and hygiene needs are well managed and this minimises the risk of cross infection. Careful, prompt attention is given to children's personal hygiene, such as, encouraging children to blow their noses, hand washing and nappy changing. Children who are

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 ill or infectious are asked to be kept at home until well enough to attend in order to properly protect the health of others and this information is explained to parents. Accidents and medication are appropriately recorded to safeguard children's health.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular, varied, nutritious snacks and meals to promote healthy eating. Children each know their own cups and drinks are continuously provided so they do not become thirsty. The childminder has a good understanding of children's dietary needs to ensure their individual requirements are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities for regular physical play through activities inside and outside. They enjoy walks to local parks and the childminder supports and encourages children's increasing physical skills through being involved in their play. Children enjoy regular access to a soft play centre which enables them to practise their skills in safe surroundings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted well in a safe environment indoors and in the garden. The childminder protects children from potential hazards and her close supervision helps to ensure children play safely as she ensures they are always within her sight. Everyday opportunities are used to explain safety in a simple way to children, such as, waiting for the green man when crossing the road. Children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun because the childminder ensures they wear sun cream and provides a large shaded area in the garden for outdoor play. Fire drills are not practised although the childminder is very clear what to do in the event of a fire.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely choose their own activities from a good range of resources which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures children play safely with the toys and equipment by joining in with their play and observing them closely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is clearly able to safeguard children through her awareness of child protection and her understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the setting and they have warm and caring relationships with the childminder to help them feel secure. Children's individual needs are met well through the childminder's knowledge of each child's personality and through close working with parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their play and they are busy and well stimulated. A varied range of interesting activities ensures children's learning and development is promoted well. They visit local toddler groups, go for walks and their independence is encouraged through their choice of play indoors. Very young children enjoy singing and stories and their language development is extended very well through the childminder's involvement in their play. For example, she has conversations with them on their telephone and shows them how her voice sounds funny when she speaks near the fan. Very young children repeat new words and the childminder gives them praise for

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 efforts. Children approach the childminder with ease and she responds warmly with affection and cuddles.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to choose their own activities and the childminder joins in to enhance their play. For example, when playing in the sand, the childminder helps children to make seaside shapes such as seahorses or when playing with the tool bench she joins in with pretend role play. Children receive high levels of individual attention and the childminder manages different ages of children well to ensure each child's needs are met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's own routines from home are closely adhered to help them feel settled and secure and their individual needs are met well through working with parents. Detailed information is exchanged with parents on a daily basis and parents' wishes are respected. Children have a lovely illustrative record of their development with written observations and photographs of activities. These are shared with parents to help them feel included in their child's time with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the setting. Positive strategies, such as, diverting young children's attention are used effectively to manage their behaviour and the childminder uses friendly tones of voice and praise with the children. Children enjoy joining in with the childminder's praise with smiles and claps when they have done something good, such as, completing a jigsaw. Children are encouraged to use simple manners, such as, please and thank you and the childminder sets a good example for this.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to respect others' similarities and differences through positive images within activities and resources. The childminder understands each child's abilities and makes sure all children have the same access to all the activities. Older children are learning to appreciate the needs of younger children and they are encouraged to help with their care, such as, singing to them when settling them for a sleep.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. A friendly, welcoming environment is provided for children in which they can play and relax. Children know where to find what they need to support their play and good access to toys and equipment promotes their independence.

p.4

Organisation

Children are well supported by the childminder who gives them individual time and attention according to their needs and numbers of minded children are low, which enhances the care for them all. The childminder attends further training as opportunities arise, to enhance the care given to the children and is aware of the Birth to three matters framework.

p.4

Organisation

All required records and documentation which supports the childminding practice is in place, up to date and filed confidentially.

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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written acknowledgement from parents after administering medication to children. All signatures from parents are consistently obtained and medication records are fully completed which ensures children's health and safety is maintained.

p.5

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): • develop children's awareness of fire safety by practising fire drills.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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