Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320848 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2006 Inspection date Ingrid Szczerban 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six, in a semi-detached house in the Rawdon area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor is used. Children use the playroom and dining kitchen, and there are toileting facilities on the ground floor. The lounge is used for sleeping children. Fully enclosed gardens are available at the front and the rear of the property.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children, three of whom are aged over eight. The childminder attends toddler groups, and visits the library and parks with children on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group. The childminder walks to a local 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene routines and know about preventing the spread of infections. They know they must wash their hands after using the toilet. This message is reinforced by a notice displayed in the toilet, it reminds children of the reasons why hand washing is important. The home is clean and tidy thereby protecting children from infection. However, children are not provided with individual hand towels exposing them to the risk of cross infections. The childminder acts in the best interest of children when they are sick and does not care for children when they have any contagious diseases. Accidents and medication are meticulously recorded and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, thereby safeguarding children's health. The individual health needs of children are met very well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy robust physical activity daily. They walk enthusiastically for over a mile each day to school and back as the childminder is part of the 'walk to school bus' scheme. Children are encouraged to notice the effects of exercise on their bodies. They develop balance and coordination using wheeled toys and playing football in the garden. Children delight in spontaneous active play, such as sledging in the snow. The daily routine includes time for children to have rests and sleep according to their needs to keep them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet their needs. These include some organic foods and fresh fruit every day. Children learn about food. They look at the differences between organic and non-organic vegetables, then taste them to establish which they prefer. They respond very well to routines and sit at the table to eat together. They know about foods that are good for them through learning about E numbers, hydrogenated fats and reading food labels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good use is made of the space available. Children have the freedom to move around virtually all of the ground floor as they wish, so that they can make choices and initiate their own play. The child-orientated playroom is light and airy, with toys stored at child height to promote decision making and independence. Children play out in the garden all year round which generates a sense of freedom and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide range of toys and equipment which are safe, developmentally appropriate and of good quality, help to keep children safe. Young children use high chairs safely as they are secured with harnesses. Children are kept safe because all equipment is checked by the childminder as it is used. High priority is given to safety issues when walking to and from school, so that children learn how to keep safe. The childminder has fully considered and minimised all potential hazards both on the premises and when taking children on outings. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. They help to tidy up their toys to prevent causing harm to anyone, they have visited a fire station and they regularly practise the fire drill at the childminder's home.

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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 The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and how to report any concerns. She has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and has attended relevant training. Therefore, she is fully able to meet the welfare needs of children. The written child protection procedure is shared with parents before children start, so they are aware of the childminder's duty to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They benefit from having their individual needs met within warm and caring relationships which contribute to their sense of belonging. Children gain high levels of self-esteem and confidence in the child orientated environment where they experience consistent support, praise and encouragement. Children benefit from regular routines that are planned around their needs which increases their emotional well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a wide range of activities both inside and outside the home which expand learning in all areas of their development. Young children attend a toddler group every week which fosters communication, creativity, physical skills and expands their experience of the wider world. Older children's decision-making and technology skills benefit from having the freedom to choose their preferred activities, such as craft activities and using computer programs. They learn about nature and show compassion for small animals. The children recently rescued an injured hedgehog and took it to the vet with the childminder. Children show good levels of concentration in their chosen activities. Toddlers place dolls in a double buggy pushing them from room to room whilst 'chatting' to them. Many outings to parks and local attractions expand children's knowledge of the world. They learn how to use public transport and follow timetables.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children know about energy conservation because the childminder talks to them about the planet's limited resources. A timer has been fitted to the light in the toilet and the children know this was done to save energy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children communicate well. Their use of language is fostered at mealtimes when they sit at the table together, taking turns to talk and listen to one another. At the same time good table etiquette is promoted. Young children communicate their needs effectively using simple words and gestures. Their efforts are rewarded with praise and enthusiasm so they are happy to repeat and consolidate their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Resources and activities positively represent individuals from the wider community which helps children develop a very positive attitude towards others. High value is given to the customs and cultures of other countries. Children learn about other ways of life because the childminder raises their awareness through celebrating a variety of festivals, including Christmas, Passover and Chinese new year. Children eat foods from around the world, such as Matzos and Jewish fish dishes. Satisfactory arrangements would be made to support children with learning difficulties.

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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 Children are well behaved and get on well together because the childminder teaches them to respect and consider the needs of others. Younger children are beginning to learn how to share. Excellent use of praise and encouragement is employed and good manners are promoted. Children select their preferred activities and receive good support from the childminder, boosting their independence, confidence and self esteem. Older children can successfully resolve their own minor squabbles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnerships developed between childminder and parents. Children are cared for according to parents wishes to promote continuity. Parents are invited to walk the route from the childminder's home to school, so that they know how this routine is managed. There are effective systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily activities, through daily chats, photographs and children's artwork displayed on the wall. The childminder provides written information for parents about the setting, including policies and procedures. However, there is currently no system in place for recording any complaints that may be made by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space is effectively organised to meet the needs of the children so that they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Routines and resources are centred around the children so that they feel welcomed and secure. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and she remains within her registered numbers at all times. The children receive good levels of individual time and attention from the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her documentation very well, it is easily accessed and effective procedures are followed in order to protect confidentiality. She keeps meticulous, up-to-date records and has sought written permissions from parents regarding the care needs of children. The children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ongoing training to enhance the service she provides. Since she was registered, the childminder has attended a number of further training courses, including child protection and fire safety. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions were raised regarding documentation and toys to reflect disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved documentation to ensure the efficient management of the provision. She has obtained written consent from parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice and prior permission to give medication to children. Toys to represent disability have been acquired. DVDs, play figures and glasses have been added to the everyday provision to represent for children, positive images of disability .

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns relating to National Standard 6, Safety. A childcare inspector visited the provision on 28 June 2006. An action was raised with regards to National Standard 6, Safety,

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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 and satisfactorily met by the registered provider. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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): • devise a system for recording any complaints that may be made by parents in line with current regulation • provide separate hand towels for children.

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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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