Childminder in Calderdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316803 Inspection date 25 April 2006 Inspector Helene Anne Terry

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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 2005. She lives in a terrace house in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. The whole of the downstairs of the property is used for the children, plus the bathroom on the first floor. There is a small garden that is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time. At present there are 2 children on roll between the ages of 1 and 6 years. The children attend for various sessions throughout the week. Children are transported to and from the local school.

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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 regularly attends toddlers groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and well maintained environment where effective procedures and practices ensure that children's physical, nutritional and health needs are fully addressed. The childminder provides very good support and guidance to ensure that children develop a good understanding of hygiene, such as encouraging them to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Children are protected from cross infection through the use of good procedures and practices, such as a comprehensive sickness policy, the use of individual wipes and towels, hygienic nappy changing procedures and the regular washing of baby toys. Children are developing very good eating habits. They have free, easy access to drinks throughout the day and benefit from well balanced nutritious snacks and meals, including lots of fruit and vegetables. Individual dietary needs are fully considered to promote their well-being. Convenience foods and sweets are kept to a

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Helping children to be healthy

minimum. Children are also beginning to understand about food that is good for them. Children enjoy a wide range of good physical activity, which contributes to their good health. They enjoy playing in the park and going on regular walks. Toddlers are given the space and opportunities to try out new skills, such as walking and running.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around safely and freely in a secure environment both indoors and outdoors, where risks are minimised because the childminder takes the necessary precautions to keep children safe and secure, on and off the premises. They have access to the necessary facilities to promote their development, especially for the younger age group. Furniture and equipment are very well maintained. Children are also beginning to learn about their own personal safety, because the childminder gently reminds them of safety in the home. Children use a satisfactory range of developmentally appropriate resources that address most areas of their development. Most resources are easily accessible enabling choice and promoting independence. Resources provided are effectively organised in containers, drawers and in cupboards. They are rotated and updated as required. The children's welfare is fully addressed. The childminder has a satisfactory

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection issues and she holds a current first aid certificate.

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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 satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in the child-friendly environment where they have access to a good range of activities, which enhances their development in most areas. Planning for activities to extend learning is done informally; older children have some input, in making suggestions about what they like to do. Activities and resources provided are specific to the stages of development for the children attending. During the recent school holidays children painted eggs for Easter. Toddlers take part in many interesting activities. The toddler present delighted in watching the bubbles that the childminder blew float and enjoyed painting with the paint pens. Children's independence skills are promoted well. The toddler was observed to help get the nappy changing items from the drawer and showed pride in her achievements. Interaction between the childminder and the children is very warm and trusting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

relationships have been developed, which increases children's sense of well-being and confidence. Children receive lots of cuddles and playful interactions were observed as the childminder and toddler played together. The childminder talks to babies about what she is doing, enabling babies to link words to actions. She acknowledges the vocal sounds babies make, which helps them develop early language skills. A good, varied routine is followed throughout the week to enrich children's well-being. They have time for rests, snacks, meals and activities inside and outside the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met and welfare is promoted through a variety of means, including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individuality and responds well to their needs in respect of hunger, tiredness, likes and dislikes. There are some resources representing diversity in society, which satisfactorily promotes children's understanding of the wider world. The childminder has a very good awareness of positive behaviour management techniques to enhance children's well-being and their social development. She speaks to them calmly giving explanations and uses lots of appropriate praise and encouragement, thereby boosting self-esteem and confidence. Children are helped to understand the house rules which include statements, such as 'We are kind to one another'. Children benefit from the very good partnership developed between childminder and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. Children are cared for according to parents' wishes which promote continuity of care and their well-being. There are very good systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities, for example, through daily chats and diaries. Parents receive very good information about the setting, including a brochure and the policies and procedures.

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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 All of which enhances the care provided for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises space and resources to meet the needs of the children very well, as a result, children feel at home and at ease. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults having supervised or unsupervised access to the children. The numbers of children cared for ensures that each child is given high quality individual attention. There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place. These underpin the setting effectively and ensure children's well-being and safety. However, the complaints procedure has not been updated to include recent changes to Ofsted's details. Policies are filed appropriately ensuring confidentiality and are shared with parents to promote continuity of care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend well.

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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): • extend resources that positively represent diversity in society

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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 • revise the complaints procedure in line with recent changes.

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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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