Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY292534 Unique Reference Number 27 September 2006 Inspection date Abigail Caroline Cunningham 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 good. 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 months and three years in Alwoodley, Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and two first floor bedrooms are used for childminding.

p.2

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 minding one child, who attends on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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 good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and clean home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. There are good hygiene practices in place, for example, the children are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. The childminder has a cleaning routine in place. Surfaces are wiped regularly with anti-bacterial wipes and the nappy changing mat is cleaned after each use.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Good arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and there is a fully stocked first aid kit available. Policies are in place regarding sickness, accidents and administration of medicines and these are implemented and shared with all parents. Prior written consent from parents is obtained to give permission for the childminder to administer medication.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious. The childminder shows the parents a sample menu of the various types of meals that she provides, for example, roast chicken with rice and mixed vegetables. The children sample foods associated with other countries to increase their knowledge of the wider world, such as spaghetti bolognaise. The childminder is fully aware of individual dietary requirements and preferences which are discussed in full with parents. The children have access to drinks at all times, for example, babies are offered regular drinks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children settle well and are happy and confident. This is because the childminder's settling in procedure is effective and the childminder and parents hand children directly to each other at the beginning and end of the day. Babies' emotional needs are well met; they receive lots of individual attention, support and cuddles. The childminder effectively recognises the signs of tiredness in babies and young children. Children’s individual sleep and rest patterns are well met. As a result, they sleep in accordance to their home routine and parents' wishes.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their good health. Regular visits to the local park, toddler group and childminding group help to develop their coordination and physical skills. The children do have some opportunities to learn through using their senses, such as playing with play dough. However, there is scope for improvement.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards and takes positive steps to promote safety. For example, the children are supervised at all times, dangerous substances are out of the reach of children and safety gates and socket covers are in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is good. Doors are locked, with keys easily accessible in case of emergency evacuation. A fire escape plan is available and is regularly practised with the children and recorded. Potential fire hazards are identified and made safe. For example, a fire guard is fitted in the living room,

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 smoke alarms are fitted at all levels and are in working order and a fire blanket is available and easily accessible in the kitchen.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have independent access to a good range of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment to effectively meet their needs, such as baby toys, jigsaws, dolls, prams, dressing up, play figures, mark making, books, paint, arts and craft and play dough. All toys and equipment are maintained in good condition and are checked before and after play.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised a child protection policy which she shares with parents. She has a good knowledge of child protection and is aware of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. The childminder has attended child protection training and knows the possible signs, symptoms and the reporting procedure and has access to local child protection contact details.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Activities are well organised and the children are involved in a good range of activities, both inside and outside the home, which promote their all-round development. For example, they visit the park, toddler group and childminding group. The childminder has draw up an A to Z of activities which she shares with parents so that they know the type of play opportunities their children will be involved in.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder balances her time carefully to allow children to play and learn independently, as well as giving time to support their development. Children are encouraged to explore and investigate their surroundings and enjoy the praise and encouragement they receive for their achievements, for example, whilst crawling.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are happy, settled and have positive relationships with the childminder, for example, the baby likes having cuddles and smiles while the childminder sings songs or speaks. Older children show care and concern for others. The children engage in activities and sustain interest in them for periods of time, such as the sticking activity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a good selection of resources which help them learn about and value each other’s similarities and differences, for example, books, dolls and play figures. All children have access to all age-appropriate toys and resources regardless of gender.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well behaved, happy and settled. The childminder manages children’s behaviour positively and consistently, and according to the child’s level of understanding and maturity. She has clear boundaries in place and uses positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and encouragement. The childminder has a positive and calm manner and is a good role model.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to help identify and meet the children's needs. She discusses all aspects of practice with parents during

p.4

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 initial meetings and also shares all her polices and procedures with them, such as the behaviour and equal opportunities policy. Parents are kept fully informed about their child through regular discussions and exchanges of information verbally and in writing, for example, through a daily diary. There is a complaints record available, however, a complaints procedure is not yet in place.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder implements policies and procedures that are individual to her setting and these have a positive impact on the children. All the required documentation is in place, for example, the children's register and the medication, accident and incident record book is available. Necessary documents are easily accessible and confidential documents are stored in a lockable cabinet. The childminder's registration certificate and public liability insurance are on display. There is a good system is in place to record children’s daily attendance and this is accurate and up to date.

p.5

Organisation

Children are given good support and encouragement, which helps them feel secure and confident. They enjoy the familiar routines, such as visiting the local toddler group. The childminder is organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources imaginatively to create a stimulating, orderly and supportive environment for the children. The childminder has attended all the required training and is suitably qualified. She is aware of what needs to be improved and is committed to developing her practice. She regularly attends local short courses to ensure she is up to date with new ideas and information, such as 'Birth to three matters'. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased the range of toys and resources, to meet the developmental needs of children from four to under eight years. She now has a satisfactory range available for this age group, such as books, dressing up and board games.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

p.5

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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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.5

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 good. 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): • provide a complaints procedure • further develop opportunities for children to use their senses to explore play materials, for example, sand, water and natural materials.

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.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

p.6