Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336062 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2007 Inspection date Linda Filewood 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 2006. She lives with her partner and one-year-old child in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and bathroom facilities are on the first floor. There is a garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups and walks to local parks. The family has a pet dog and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 effective hygiene routines that the childminder has in place support the children's good health. For example, the wooden floor in the dining room is cleaned regularly using antibacterial spray and a log is kept which shows when toys are cleaned. The risk of cross-infection is well considered as the children use separate towels when drying their hands and each child has their own bedding. The childminder discusses with parents the reasons for them not bringing ill children to protect the health of others, and a short written policy is displayed. The childminder has attended training in first aid for infants and young children, which results in the children being well looked after should they become ill or have an accident whilst in her care. All required parental consents are in place in case of emergency and the procedure for documenting accident and medication records is clearly understood.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is fully aware that children require a varied and nutritious diet and works well with parents to ensure that they are happy with the food their children eat. For instance, until the child settles, parents provide their food so that the children are familiar with the meals they are eating. The childminder has a good awareness of additives in food, particularly food colourings, and tries to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. She obtains sufficient details from parents to ensure that the children's individual dietary requirements are met appropriately. Young children are given good support in learning to feed themselves and all children sit together to enjoy a sociable mealtime. Water or juice is given to the children with their food and extra drinks are readily available for the children, especially when waking up.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular exercise and play outdoors in the garden whenever possible. They make regular visits to the local parks and soft play facilities which improves their physical development. Children enjoy, for example, visiting the local farm on a toddler outing. Home routines for rest and sleep are followed closely after discussion with parents and the childminder plans her day to allow for this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has effective safety precautions in place to ensure that children play in a safe secure environment. For instance, corner guards are in position on the table and safety catches prevent children from opening drawers in the kitchen area. Age appropriate explanations help young children understand what is not safe for them to do. For instance, they are reminded that a garage is not safe to sit even though it is a convenient height for them. Fire drills are practised regularly to ensure the children have a clear understanding of what to do in the event of an evacuation and are well logged to ensure every child participates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised when playing in the childminder's home. Resources, which are in good clean condition, are placed at child height and equipment, such as a small table, chair and booster seat, is suitable for the age and development of the children attending. Children confidently access the resources and there is sufficient space for young children who are crawling

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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 and learning to walk to enable them to practise their developing skills safely. The garden is well enclosed and safe for the children. It allows children the opportunity for daily play on both paved and grassed areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are competently protected as, through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of child protection issues. Effective systems are in place to ensure that children are only collected by persons authorised by the parents, further protecting the children and safeguarding their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. New children settle quickly into their new environment. They play well alongside other children whilst being equally content and secure to play on their own. The constant support and meaningful praise offered by the childminder encourages the children to become increasingly independent and confident. Young children engage happily in suitable activities and sustain an interest for short periods. Children enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and respond well to her, often rewarding her with a smile. They are encouraged and given appropriate support to choose from a sufficient range of activities and resources, which contribute satisfactorily to their development. Children enjoy music, often moving with the rhythm of a song or joining in with the actions suggested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder responds well to the children's first attempts at speech. She repeats their words so that they start to learn to become confident speakers. Children are developing a clear understanding of shapes and numbers through the skilful use of resources, for example, shape sorters, and everyday activities such as choosing which colour flannel to use. They benefit from a satisfactory range of outings and regular visits to the local toddler and childminding groups, which help the children learn to socialise in larger groups. The childminder is continuing to develop her resources as she learns about each child's interests and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The resources and activities which reflect the diversity of our society are adequate, but those which support the younger children's understanding of disability are limited. Outings are appropriately planned into the daily routine and are used effectively to help children learn to appreciate their local environment. Children are valued as individuals and treated with equal respect. The childminder discusses children's home routines during the settling-in period to ensure that any special requirements or care are planned and catered for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and, as a result, the children generally play alongside each other successfully. She ensures parents are happy with the way she manages any inappropriate behaviour and respects their wishes. Any inappropriate behaviour is managed in a way that is suitable for the children's age and level of understanding. Good use of praise for positive behaviour gives support to the children and helps build their

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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 self-esteem. Children are beginning to show an understanding of sharing and taking turns and this is reinforced regularly and consistently by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with parents to make sure that children's needs are met and keeps them informed them about their child's day through effective daily verbal exchanges of information. A short, flexible settling-in period, during which information is exchanged about the child, ensures that children settle quickly and parents are comfortable in leaving their children. Parents are verbally informed about the service the childminder offers and some brief, written information covering policies and procedures is displayed for them to see.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder makes appropriate use of space to create a welcoming, child-friendly environment which satisfactorily meets the children's play and physical needs. New children settle quickly and soon become familiar with their new routines, which follow home routines as closely as possible. A consistent routine is maintained, giving children security and confidence during their time with the childminder. Children are acceptably supervised at all times and sleeping children are sufficiently monitored. Outings are planned into the daily routine to ensure children have periods of activity as well as quiet times.

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Organisation

The welfare, care and learning of the children is supported well as policies and procedures, including one for complaints, are put into practice by the childminder. All records and registers required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are in place and easily accessible when required. Confidentiality is respected at all times and a short, written policy is displayed for parents. The register of attendance is maintained accurately and shows the children's actual arrival and departure times, not contracted hours. Ratios are suitably maintained, allowing children a satisfactory level of adult support and interaction. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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.

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

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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

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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): • extend the resources suitable for younger children which promote the positive images of disability.

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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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