Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333927 Unique Reference Number 10 November 2006 Inspection date Rosemary Beyer Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 July 2006. She lives with her family in a three bedroom detached house, in Sherburn in Elmet, Leeds. The home is within walking distance of local amenities including shops, toddler groups and play areas. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, the first floor bathroom, the front bedroom and the large back bedroom are used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part time basis. She takes children to and collects them from a nearby school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has developed effective hygiene practice to ensure the premises are clean and the children are protected from infection. They have learned to protect themselves by good hand washing procedures, both after personal care and before food. Children use separate towels which are washed regularly. The home is clean, tidy and well maintained. Equipment is also cleaned with antibacterial liquid.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have freshly prepared home-cooked food. Parents receive copies of sample menus which take account of any likes and dislikes, also any allergies or special diets required for religious reasons. The childminder is keen to encourage the children to eat healthily and they know they need a balanced diet to stay fit. Water, fresh fruit juice or milk are available at all times to prevent the children becoming dehydrated, with the children using their owns cups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have fresh air each day, weather permitting, when outside playing in the garden, in the local park or on outings, such as to Lotherton Hall, where the children visit the play area and bird garden. A good range of equipment is available for use in the garden, which has both drive and patio areas, as well as a lawn on which to play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The babies sleep upstairs in the travel cot and older children use the settee if they need to rest. Parents' wishes are respected as far as possible for sleep times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The written sick child policy, in the file, is made available to parents. A shorter version is in the parents' brochure. Parental contact numbers are with the childminder at all times so she can call parents in an emergency or if their children are taken ill suddenly. Written permission to seek medical help and for medication is also obtained. Parents acknowledge medication administration in writing. The childminder will only give medication if it has already been used at home, to ensure there are no contraindications. Written accident and emergency procedures are made available to the parents, with information about the emergency cover childminder included.

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Helping children to be healthy

First aid boxes are available for use in the car, on outings locally and also at home. They are well stocked and checked regularly to ensure materials are within the use by date. The childminder has a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has information in the file about infectious diseases, meningitis, sickle cell disease and also the exclusion periods. Disposable gloves are used for first aid and to clear away any body fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is very safety conscious, with the premises secured to prevent children leaving unsupervised. A set of wind chimes hangs by the back door to alert the childminder that the door has been opened. When children are playing in the garden the gates are padlocked.

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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 As part of the emergency procedure, a nearby childminder is available to care for the children and her details made available to parents. Children practise the fire drill regularly and this is then recorded. Smoke alarms are checked and cleaned every Monday morning. Other fire prevention equipment is in place, including the fireguard, socket covers and fire blanket. The childminder has keys readily available for a swift exit from the premises. She has consulted the fire department on safety and has booklets in her file.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children learn about road safety when out of the home. They use car seats which comply with the latest legislation and the necessary documentation is in place to use the car. The children know they must walk when out on the pavement and wait for the green man to appear when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All resources and toys are checked as they are used, and also cleaned weekly with antibacterial cleaner where appropriate. Cleaning materials and dangerous liquids are used in line with local authority guidance. A full risk assessment is completed weekly and a check is made each day before children arrive to ensure the premises are safe. This includes dangerous items, such as knives, razors, the rubbish, electrical items and suitable furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection and needs to reinforce this with future training. She has the local booklet and flow chart available and information about making a referral; she has also obtained leaflets from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She has included a statement in her file informing parents that she will make a referral if she has concerns. The childminder has also created procedures to follow for lost or uncollected children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and comfortable with the childminder and enjoy being in her care. They like the activities she provides. They are able to choose from a good range of resources, which meet the needs of all the children who attend. Activities for the day are planned informally, such as baking, visits to feed the ducks or to the local play area, and depend on children's wishes and the weather. Younger children are taken to the childminders' group meetings, toddler group, local shops and to the library. A list of activities is in the file for parents to see.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes photographs and then produces an individual scrapbook for each child so parents can see what they have been doing. They show children making flap jack, making pompoms, feeding ducks and swans and doing face painting. Samples of work include bonfire pictures and autumn leaves collages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Development of the younger children is fostered by the childminder's use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has booked a place on the next training course but has already started to develop treasure baskets for the younger children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is in the process of producing a parents' brochure containing information about the setting, sample menus, the complaints procedure and short versions of her policies. The main policy file is available for parents to see and they are encouraged to read it. The childminder has written a practice statement under each standard, which explains what she does to meet the particular standard. It is simple and user friendly. The complaints procedure is also included in the file, with Ofsted's contact details. A recording system has been developed which is made available to parents on request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A daily diary is completed for younger children in addition to the daily verbal feedback parents receive. They can use the books to make notes or comment on their child's day, and to pass messages to the childminder. The diary records sleep, food, nappies and activities enjoyed during the day. Parents also receive the activity book when it is completed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcome in the setting, although none have yet been minded. The childminder has written a policy to guide the care she provides and is willing to access training to meet the needs of the children. She is very aware that all children are individuals and treats them as such, taking account of their different needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed an equal opportunities policy for her setting and has a wide range of information available about diversity. She has obtained books, dressing up clothes and musical instruments as well as information about celebrating different festivals. The children enjoy dressing up in the Indian saris and jackets, and wearing the bangles then dancing to Indian music. They have different musical instruments, such as drums and castanets, from other countries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the positive, welcoming environment. The emphasis is on rewarding and praising good behaviour and encouraging children to behave well, which boosts their self esteem. Clear guidelines are in place for the children so they know what is acceptable and expected behaviour. The childminder provides a very good role model for manners and consideration.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has policies and procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. She keeps records and stores them securely to protect confidentiality, although they are available to parents on request. The childminder's certificate is on display and she keeps to the conditions of registration to ensure good supervision and care. She knows Ofsted must be notified of any changes or significant events.

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Organisation

The childminder is developing her knowledge and practice through on-going training, having completed both the Introduction to Childminding Practice and first aid already. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • develop knowledge of child protection procedures to ensure children can be protected

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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

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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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