Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

319536 Unique Reference Number 02 June 2006 Inspection date Jacqueline Patricia Walter 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1984. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the suburb of Roundhay in Leeds, West Yorkshire. With exception of the lounge the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone and a maximum of six children, of which four can be under five years when working with an assistant. She is currently minding four children aged between 19 months and four years on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder is active in following current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, she wipes tables and equipment after they are used and has a first aid kit, which is appropriately stocked and stored. She obtains prior consent from parents to seek emergency advice and treatment. However, her first aid qualification is out of date and although she is on a waiting list to update this qualification, it means she is in breach of childcare regulations. Children are protected well from the spread of infection through a good sickness policy. This includes the contacting of parents if children become ill and asking for children with infectious conditions to remain at home. The childminder ensures parents are given guidance on the exclusion periods, which ensures appropriate measures are taken when they are ill.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an appropriate awareness of good health and hygiene practice through some good routines that promote this knowledge. For example, children participate in washing their hands after using the toilet. They are developing an appropriate understanding of why this is important through the childminder talking to them about the reasons. However, they are not always encouraged to follow good practice in other aspects of care. For example, they do not always wash their hands before eating their food.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

They have good opportunities to enjoy and develop their physical skills. They are able to access the garden as they wish during good weather and choose from a large selection of toys and equipment such as, cars, bikes, scooters, slides and a see-saw. They enjoy physical activities such as, blowing and chasing bubbles from a bubble machine and in taking turns to help pull each other around on a go-kart. Children are gaining a good understanding about healthy living through the childminder talking to them about engaging in exercise and by being offered options of healthy food such as, various kinds of fruit. Older children are confident in knowing what foods are healthy and why they need to be eaten. For example, they know they are not to have lots of sweets and that fruit helps to make them big and strong.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished through the childminder and parents providing healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. For example, the childminder provides light lunches such as, beans on toast and cheese as well as snacks that consist of fruit, biscuits or yogurts. Food that is brought by parents is stored appropriately in the fridge and children are able to access drinks independently from individual cups that are positioned low down within reach. This helps and encourages them to drink regularly and take on the responsibility for healthy living themselves. Special dietary needs, children's likes and dislikes are taken account of through the childminder collecting information from parents and working with them to meet the children's needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes good positive steps within her home to reduce the risk of accidental injury to children. For example, doors are kept shut and have high handles fitted so young

p.3

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 unable to open them, a fireguard is fitted around her fire and cushions and corner pieces protect the children from injuring themselves on the hearth. Risk assessments have been completed in the kitchen and as a result all sharp knives are removed to a higher position and cupboards with dangerous chemicals are securely fastened with child locks. This means that children can independently and safely use all the indoor areas of the setting. The childminder also takes some positive safety steps in her garden. For example, she ensures there are no dangerous plants accessible to the children. However, although she implements some precautionary procedures such as, strategically placing high backed chairs to try and protect the children when using the garden steps, there is still a significant risk of children falling down

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept very safe on outings. The childminder has relevant seat restraints and documentation that ensures her vehicle is safe to transport them and she only takes children to venues that she is knows are safe, for example Roundhay Park. She implements good procedures that help to protect children in an emergency. For example, she takes a mobile phone, contact numbers, a small selection of first aid equipment and she has devised good procedures should a child become lost. Children's understanding and learning in keeping themselves safe is developing appropriately through the regular practicing of the emergency evacuation procedure and through the childminder talking to them about road safety when they are out and about. As a result the older children know to follow sensible procedures such as, holding hands when crossing the road.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse. For example, she is aware of signs such as, bruises in unusual places and changes of behaviour that are vastly different from a child's normal behaviour pattern. She is familiar with the procedures to follow if concerns are raised and has relevant guidance and contact numbers easily available for quick reference and use. Safety documentation such as, records of children's attendance, medical and accident records are all appropriately held. This means that children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and busy. The childminder offers reassurance to younger children through being physically close and giving lots attention and cuddles. As a result of this warm and responsive interaction children are able to quickly settle and feel secure. Children are inquisitive and respond to the world creatively as they enjoy new experiences. For example, young children excitedly investigate a tent in the garden and use their fingers to exploring with water during a painting activity.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing some independence and are able to use their initiative well. They can access a wide and stimulating selection of toys and activities most of which are set out before they arrive in both the indoor and outdoor areas. This helps to encourage their development of choice and decision making skills. In addition to this they are able to enjoy more structured activities, which are often linked to their interests. For example, they have special pirate days where there dress in appropriate costumes and engage in role play games such as, treasure hunts finding a treasure chest.

p.4

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 challenged effectively and continually acquire new knowledge and skills through good quality interaction. The childminder uses open ended questions. She works at their level and engages in their play using actions and gestures, which encourages them to express themselves imaginatively. She constantly talks to them letting them know what she is doing and engaging in conversations about their activities. As a result children are developing good confidence, self esteem and are interested in their surroundings.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop an appropriate sense of belonging in both the setting and of their local environment. For example, by being encouraged to say hello and goodbye to visitors at times of transition they are developing secure and trusting relationships and they are becoming aware of their local community through walks in their local park. They have suitable opportunities to gain an appropriate understanding about the wider world and its diversity. For example, they engage in Halloween activities and are able to use resources such as, books and dolls that provide positive images of culture and disabilities.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

There are professional and friendly partnerships in place with parents. The childminder works well with parents to meet individual children’s needs, which has a positive impact on the children. For example, she discusses and collects good and relevant information before their care commences, such as, their likes, dislikes and any special needs. This helps them to gain confidence and settle quickly. In addition to this, babies routines are shared and regularly updated to ensure continuity in their care. Most information regarding the policies and procedures of the setting are shared appropriately in conversation with parents at initial meetings. However, the childminder has not yet implemented recent changes in legislation regarding her complaints policy or advised the parents of these changes. Information on the children's development and learning is suitably shared through verbally conversation at both

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

the beginning and the end of each session. This ensures consistency in the children's care and development.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children play well together. They are encouraged to be kind, to share and to take turns and as a result older children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour and on occasion actively voice the need for them to take turns. The childminder uses some age appropriate behaviour management strategies to support children's development. For example, she uses lots of praise to encourage positive behaviour and uses distraction to encourage the younger children away from negative situations. However, the childminder has a limited understanding of appropriate strategies that deal with serious and unacceptable behaviour.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settle well in this suitably organised setting. The adult-child ratios are consistently up-held and the low number of children currently attending at any one time positively supports children’s care, learning and play. Most of the space and accommodation is appropriately and safely organised giving children enough space to play and work in, which

p.5

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 in turn enables them to extend their own play and learning. For example, children can independently access most of their toys as wished and use both indoor and out door areas to play in.

p.5

Organisation

Resources and play materials are suitable and safely organised to enable children easily access, which encourages confidence and development in independence. The childminder has a good regard for the well-being of all children and the service she provides. For example, she has recently completed training in Business Matters and is in the process of introducing a system for parents to write a reference that incorporates suggestions and ideas for the provision. This is then used to evaluate and improve her provision.

p.6

Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place. It is maintained appropriately, easily available and professionally presented. For example, some policies are detailed and written up. As a result almost all policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

p.6

Organisation

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

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop documentation to improve the health and safety of children. She has taken positive steps to do this by ensuring accident records are maintained and signed by parents.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 a first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children is completed

p.6

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 • ensure children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene at all times • ensure children can gain access to the outside play area safely • develop the complaints procedure to reflect recent changes in legislation and share this information with parents • update and develop knowledge and understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies.

p.6

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.7

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.7