McBride, Natalie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320070 Inspection date 23 March 2006 Inspector Margaret Shelborn

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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 good. 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and their two children aged 8 and 10 years old in Howden Clough, a suburb of Wakefield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder has a puppy dog, 6 months old. The childminder is registered for a total of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children. The childminder walks to the local nursery school to take and collect children.

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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 good. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain an effective understanding of hygiene procedures. All children know about washing hands through robust hand washing routines. For example, children know the routine and go to wash their hands before sitting down to have a snack. The childminder applies consistently high hygiene standards and is a very good role model for the children, as they become very independent in contributing to their own personal hygiene procedures. Opportunities for the children to exercise and have fresh air are given high priority. They have very good opportunities to be involved with large physical exercise during visits to the local parks, to toddler groups, on walks, and during outdoor play in the childminder's garden. The childminder has a very good understanding of nutritional needs of children and their understanding is significantly enhanced through her knowledge and practice. By

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Helping children to be healthy

working closely with parents sharing information, children's individual dietary needs are consistently identified and met. The children's health and well-being is significantly enhanced through a clear sickness policy and a very effective management of children's illness policy. She recognises when children are tired and implements their routines. They sleep in accordance to their needs and parents wishes. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate relevant to working with young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very child friendly environment. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. Children can freely select toys and resources with confidence. They are able to access a selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment, which are safe and well maintained ensuring that the needs of all children attending are fully met. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. For example, the childminder carries out risk assessments for inside and outside the home and for equipment and resources. Children are involved in practising fire drills. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Lots of good evidence of children's play and activities throughout the home. The childminder has made her home safe and free from hazards.

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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 Children are well protected by the childminder. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and periodically attends relevant training to update her knowledge of the procedures to follow. They are also shared with parents at initial visits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder home. At the time of the inspection there were new children who, because of the childminders welcoming, friendly nature, soon settled in and played happily with other children. Children’s overall development is enhanced through highly stimulating activities both indoor and outside the home. They access a very good range of well chosen play resources which support their learning across all areas of their development. The childminder has a good understanding of the different needs of the children in her care. Children are extremely confident they are animated and enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities. Children enter confidently and make themselves at home. They thoroughly enjoy being in the childminder's company. Her practice is significantly enhanced by her interaction. For example, when a child was keen to tell me about one of his favourite story books, the childminder encouraged

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

him to talk about the story and tell me what happens in the story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are very welcomed into the setting and participate in all activities because the childminder respects their individuality. Children play with a good choice of toys and resources appropriate for all ages. However, resources that reflect culture and diversity are limited. Children are recognised and valued for their individuality. The childminder knows them well. They are happy and settled. The childminder manages children's behaviour positively and consistently according to the child's level of understanding. Children are given clear boundaries. Children are given continuous praise as the childminder feels this is important to develop the child's behaviour in a positive way. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parent's. Parent’s views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and updated on a regular basis. Parent's are listened to and are kept

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well informed about the provision and their children’s progress. Information regarding their children's day is shared with parents through daily dairies and profiles.

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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 The childminder is very well organised, she makes best use of her time, and uses space and resources imaginatively to create a stimulating environment for the children in her care. Children are given very good support and encouragement, which helps them feel secure and confident, they enjoy being in her company. A very good range of records and policies are in place, which contributes to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. All policies and procedures are shared with parents along with records of children's development and achievements. The childminder is fully aware of the legal requirements, for example, the notifying of Ofsted of any changes, completing of documentation and keeping it for a period of time. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of the National Standards

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Organisation

and the way in which she confidently implements them. The childminder keeps her knowledge updated by attending regular training, the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care given to children. The childminder displays her certificate. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminders first inspection. Not applicable.

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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 good. 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): • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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 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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