Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314450 Inspection date 31 March 2006 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 lives with her family in Ossett, near Wakefield. She uses all of her downstairs rooms for childminding and the enclosed decking outside for children's use. There are three children on roll, who all attend part time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate procedures which prevent the spread of cross infection are in place to ensure children's health and hygiene. Children wash their hands regularly and are aware of why they need to do so, even reminding one another. Sick children are not accepted and the childminder contacts parents if a child becomes ill in her care, to prevent the risk of infection to others. Written policies illustrate to parents how their children's health is maintained. Children's dietary needs are suitably met and the childminder works with parents to provide balanced meals. Children eat healthy snacks such as fruit and they have regular access to their individual cups for drinks throughout the day, which ensures they are not thirsty. Children have sufficient opportunities to practise their physical skills indoors and outdoors. They walk to local places including playgrounds and have regular

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities to play energetically at soft play centres.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is warm, welcoming and safe for children to play. They independently move around the play areas and select appropriate activities in safety. They enjoy using the toys and equipment which are clean and well maintained and the childminder supervises children to ensure all resources are used safely. Children's safety is mostly maintained because the childminder is aware of the hazards and takes many steps to reduce the risk of injury. Some aspects of everyday safety are discussed with children at a simple level they can understand. However, children's safety when travelling in a vehicle is not promoted well and children do not understand how to keep themselves safe. Toys and equipment are rotated from a basic range, which is checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children. The childminder ensures all play equipment is used appropriately during her activities with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the children. Children have a good understanding of what to do in the event of a fire, and although this is not encouraged through fire drills there are other appropriate fire safety measures in place, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The childminder understands child protection issues and is aware of the importance of safeguarding children by reporting concerns in line with local child protection procedures.

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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 Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care and they freely explore their environment. They enjoy choosing their own activities and they confidently approach the childminder to make their needs known. The childminder is warm and responsive to the children and there are trusting relationships to help them feel secure. Children enjoy a range of activities which are appropriate for their development. They have opportunities to visit local places of interest, such as parks and play areas. Children especially enjoy art and craft activities and they make colourful faces out of paper plates, experimenting with mixing paint colours. The childminder is aware of each child's personality and stage of development and she encourages them to be involved in activities together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives praise and encouragement to support children’s confidence. She is aware of individual children’s personalities and this helps her to provide appropriate play and activities for each child. Children are learning to understand how to behave well and share with each other. The childminder understands their stages of development and manages unwanted behaviour at a level which they understand. For example, older children are given appropriate explanations. Children use good manners and show respect for one another in their play. Children enjoy taking responsibility for helping by doing small jobs, such as washing paint pots after use. The childminder helps to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of differences through the use of some positive images in play equipment and resources. All children are valued and their individual needs met through working with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. Effective communication is in place with parents to ensure children’s needs are met and information is exchanged on a daily basis. However, there is no written consent to take children on outings. Parents are assured of confidentiality when discussing aspects of their child’s care with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a secure routine and they are happy and settled in the environment which is organised appropriately to meet their needs. The organisation of the play areas enables children to choose their own activities and freely access the available resources. Most documentation is in place and filed securely and daily records are maintained as required. There is a detailed portfolio available to parents which illustrates how the setting is run. The childminder is aware of the requirement for her to record any

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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 complaints received. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 children's awareness of fire safety by practising fire drills • ensure children's safety when transporting children and develop their awareness of safety when travelling in a vehicle • obtain parents' signed permission to take children on outings.

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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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