Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320187 Unique Reference Number 13 June 2006 Inspection date June Rice 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 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children in East Ardsley. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a full enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of an approved childminding network. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is presently minding two children under eight-years-old.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy through the implementation of satisfactory hygiene practices and procedures which generally meet their individual nutritional, physical and health needs. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 benefit from a clear procedure if they are poorly. For example, parents are contacted and they are cared for sensitively while waiting to be collected. They are beginning to be independent in their personal care and are learning to follow simple hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands after painting and after using the toilet. However, the childminder did not check their hands, which remained unclean or the toilet which was not flushed. Therefore children's understanding of the need for good hygiene practice is not sufficiently promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

A good exchange of information ensures children's dietary needs are met effectively. They enjoy balanced, nutritional snacks and meals. For example, a light lunch followed by a home cooked meal, plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Children benefit from planned and impromptu activities to develop their physical skills and enjoyment of exercise. For example, they play energetically with a varied range of outside equipment such as, a ball pool, a selection of bikes, cars and ball games. They are excited and thoroughly enjoy running around during a tiger hunt.

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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 warm, welcoming environment. They are relaxed, feel safe and secure. Children's risk of injury is reduced because the childminder has assessed risks to children. She uses appropriate safety equipment and daily procedures that work well in practise and ensures children's safety. For example, when parents are unable to collect the children as arranged, the system in place ensures children are collected by known persons only.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a varied selection of toys and equipment that are suitable for their purpose. For example, children are provided toys that meet the British safety standard and they are able to select them safely from low level boxes and shelves. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. For example, during trips to school they are learning how to cross the road safely, they are able to explain that they 'go, go, go' when the green man is on and they wait patiently at the doorway as the childminder secures the garden before they go out to play. They are learning to evacuate quickly in an emergency but the practises are not logged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe from harm because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She has a good knowledge of child protection and is familiar with possible signs and symptoms. However, there are no procedures to inform parents of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy good interaction from the childminder who shows a lot of interest in what they do and say. They thrive from the individual attention they receive and have a real sense of belonging. They strive to achieve because they are comfortable in their environment and respond enthusiastically to the constant praise and encouragement given. For example, the childminder asks for help putting accessories onto a toy truck. Children willingly help and smile proudly and reply 'yes', when the childminder says 'you're a good worker would you like to work here'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of their stages of development. They are skilfully motivated and given confidence to meet new challenges and

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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 learn new skills. Children enjoy a good range of well planned activities and the childminder skilfully links these into other activities during the day. For example, children are learning the story about 'The old lady who swallowed a spider'. They eagerly join in repeating key phrases they are becoming familiar with such as, 'old lady', oh dear' and 'swallowed a spider'. Children are asked how many legs a spider has and with help count the childminder's eight fingers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their learning and enjoyment is extended through practical experiences. For example, during sand play they learn shapes and colours using accessories such as, coloured moulds in different shapes. They successfully name a 'star' and the colour 'red'. Children's imagination is encouraged while they make a spider, they discuss how they are going to make wings and eyes. When they are asked to describe the spider they say 'could be a jumping one' and 'fluffy'. They help to tidy up the toys and equipment they have out before going outside to play and before lunch.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, friendly children who thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive. Their individuality is respected and this builds their self esteem helping them feel comfortable and very much at home. They enjoy taking their work home and receive great pleasure from seeing much of their work openly displayed, including the paintings and drawings done directly onto the fence. Children are treated with equal concern and there are procedures in place that promote a satisfactory exchange of information between parents and childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn respect for others and they are well behaved. They make positive relationships and have developed good bonds with the childminder. For example, they willingly share equipment during craft activities and divide small animals when asked by other children 'can I share'? They use please and thank you with understanding when they speak to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder displays a very positive attitude towards equal opportunities and special needs. Children's knowledge and understanding of differences within their wider society is developed through a range of positive images portrayed through toys and equipment. Books, posters and activities reflect cultural differences and encourage children's learning through their natural curiosity. For example, children are involved in choosing a country to sponsor a child. They have a map, photographs and information displayed about the child's family and home country of Nigeria.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and secure in their environment. Children benefit from a satisfactorily organised environment that supports their learning through imagination and play. Children are provided with appropriate size furniture which gives them a sense of belonging. They are able to select independently from a varied range of toys and equipment and enjoy easy access to the outdoor play area.

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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 Children's welfare and care is promoted satisfactorily. The childminder has developed a professional relationship with parents. She obtains detailed information from parents to ensure children's individual needs are met appropriately. She respects their wishes and keeps them informed of their child's routine verbally and records observations of young children's progress. Most documentation required is in place and completed appropriately. At present, however, there is no provision for recording complaints, which is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection recommendations were in place. These were to extend the information received by parents about the progress their child is making and the information in regard to the childminding provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendations have been addressed in part. The childminder has improved the information in regard to children's progress and this ensures parents receive sufficient information about their child's progress. However, the information in regard to the childminding provision remains limited and does not ensure parents are fully aware of how the provision works.

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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 complaint 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): • devise a system for recording of complaints relating to the national standards and any action taken and provide parents with the contact details of the regulator • continue to develop children's understanding of the reasons for good hygiene practices • continue to develop policies and procedures that inform parents of how the provision works.

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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 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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