Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217315 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Lindsay Helen Dobson 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 seven and three years. The family live in a semi-detached house in Crossgates on the outskirts of Leeds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The lounge and dining kitchen on the ground floor are used for childminding purposes and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for out door play.

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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 minding seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog, a cat and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of local childminding group.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene routines which keep the premises clean and well maintained. Children learn to keep themselves clean as they wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating meals. Good arrangements are in place to ensure that children do not attend if they are ill or infectious. This helps to maintain children's good health and prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for physical play when they attend the local childminder group or play safely with suitable equipment and toys in the garden; with the play house a particular favourite. They have sufficient space to move around inside the house and the childminder includes physical skills in her weekly activity plans. They also use the local park and have access to fresh air daily on the walk to school and back. This routine access to fresh air and exercise, combined with a healthy diet, ensures the children learn about healthy living.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are learning about healthy eating because the childminder and the parents encourage them to eat nutritious, fresh food, such as fruit and vegetables. The childminder helps the children learn about healthy eating through discussion and by undertaking practical activities with them. For instance, she takes the children to the shop to buy a selection of fruit some of which are known to children and some which are new to them. Once home the children are encouraged to help to peel and prepare the fruit before all participating in a taste testing session. This helps the children to understand the importance of healthy eating in a fun way. Drinks, such as water, milk and juice, are readily available for the children. Their individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents work well together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe as the childminder pays very careful attention to their safety both within the setting and on outings. The children are able to move about with confidence as the childminder has organised space effectively so that they have the ability to make choices in their play, helping them to develop their sense of independence. Children benefit from a wide range of play equipment, which is appropriate for their individual age and stage of development. Toys are carefully stored in the garage and the childminder rotates them so that children enjoy a good variety. Children are protected from harm as the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is maintained in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment which is free from hazards and the childminder is very safety conscious. Children are involved in learning about their own safety and are developing a good understanding of the importance of staying safe. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good understanding of fire safety procedures. She has an emergency evacuation plan which is practised regularly so that children know what to do in an emergency situation. The children understand how to keep themselves safe when on outings as they learn to stay close

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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 to the childminder. They also learn about road safety and stranger danger, thus heightening their awareness of the need to be vigilant and careful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed basic and advanced child protection training courses and has a thorough understanding of the child protection procedures. This means that she is knowledgeable about how to protect children should the need arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy what they do and achieve as well as they can because they have trusting relationships with the childminder. They are happy and settled and enjoy familiar routines. Children benefit from the good range of books and toys which promote all areas of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's involvement in their activities and play. She encourages children to complete puzzles successfully and gives good support when needed. She is good at encouraging older and younger children to fully take part in group play and activities together. Children also have time to take part in concentrated activities by themselves. They confidently make decisions about what they want to do and how to do it, such as choosing and playing musical instruments. Parents are fully informed about their children's play and care routines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help. The childminder uses lots of positive language to praise and reward children's achievements and progress. This helps children develop a sense of pride and boosts their self-esteem. Children respond with interest to the childminder's positive support and kind talk. This helps children develop confidence and a strong sense of self through positive interactions with adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about our diverse society through discussions with the childminder. There are a range of resources that reinforce these issues, such as small world toys, dolls, posters and a selection of books. The children enjoy having opportunities to learn about different countries, for example, they attend special events with the childminder at the local childminding and toddler group. One event was about Germany, where the children learned about the country and ate German cake. Children's individual needs are respected by the childminder and much effort is made to ensure that the parents' wishes are adhered to in order to meet the children's individual requirements. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. The childminder is clear about her role in the children's care and is very conscientious about providing a high level of support to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand what is expected of them and learn to respect the childminder's simple rules. The children are praised for their good behaviour and individual achievements, thus building their confidence and self-esteem. This helps the children to feel secure in their environment and play harmoniously together. Children benefit greatly from the very positive

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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 partnership that the childminder has developed with the parents. The childminder actively seeks parents' views about their children's needs before the children start and thereafter on a regular basis. The childminder has a good system of recording children's individual achievement and activity and this is regularly shared with parents. Parents make very positive comments about the childcare provided by the childminder. They describe her care as excellent and report that she provides a flexible, supportive and reliable service.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supervised by the childminder at all times. She demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childcare. All adults on the premises have completed the necessary vetting procedure. This promotes children's safety and well-being. The childminder is committed to improving and developing her practice. She develops good links with local childcare groups, training and support agencies to keep up to date with new ideas and information.

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Organisation

Children are settled in a well organised environment which helps promote their independence and learning. Children can easily reach toys and equipment and choose different areas of play indoors and outside. The childminder supports children's play and learning well.

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Organisation

Most required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place, however, permission to seek emergency medical treatment is not in place from all parents. Policies and procedures are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child’s activities, although some lack detail, such as the current complaints procedure and Ofsted contact details. The attendance register is accurately maintained so that children's arrival and departure times are recorded. Children's records are stored securely and include relevant details to ensure that children's individual needs are met and parents wishes are respected. This contributes to continuity of care.

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Organisation

Overall 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 last inspection the childminder was required to practice the emergency evacuation procedure with the children. This is now completed on a regular basis and records are kept of evacuations. The childminder actively encourages children to take part in discussions about fire safety. This ensures the children are kept safe and free from harm.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 2: Organisation. Concerns were raised about adult:child ratios. The provider was visited by an Ofsted inspector and the childminder reduced the number of children cared for at any one time. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking these steps the provider remained qualified for registration and the investigation was closed.

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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 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): • ensure permission to obtain emergency medical treatment is sought from all parents • develop the complaints procedure and ensure parents are aware of Ofsted contact details.

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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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