Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320034 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2007 Inspection date Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 years. They live in the Yeadon area of Leeds. The childminder uses part of the ground floor of the house for childminding. This consists of a second lounge, off which is a dining room, kitchenette, toilet and two bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. She also minds children aged over the age of eight. Children are minded on a full- and part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools 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 satisfactory. Children take part in a suitable range of activities that promotes their good health. The childminder discusses with parents their child’s dietary needs. She offers children a healthy range of snacks that include salad and fruit. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of eating healthy foods. For example, the childminder reminds children that they like carrots as they were just seen on the television. Children bring their main meals from home. Drinks are freely available to children, which they access themselves, giving them independence and choice. The childminder actively gives very young children a drink, ensuring they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children use the bathroom independently and younger children are supervised more closely. Children who are toilet training are supported by the childminder as she stays outside the bathroom but is there in case they need help. This allows children to gain confidence when using the bathroom by themselves. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep clean; for example, children are reminded to wash their hands after using the bathroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the good arrangements that are in place to prevent the spread of infection as the childminder operates an sickness exclusion policy. Parents are contacted if their child is unwell. The childminder works with parents to ensure children’s health needs are met. The childminder follows good procedures to keep the premises, play equipment and food preparation areas clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of how accidents and medicines given are to be recorded. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as walk to school every day. They are also taken to the local park, farm and Yeadon Tarn.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is suitable, warm and secure. The childminder warmly welcomes children, parents and visitors. However, the play area is welcoming in a limited way as there are only two cartoon pictures on display. The premises contain the necessary facilities for children to take part in a range of suitable activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken appropriate precautions in most aspects of children’s safety. However, fire safety equipment is not fitted securely and children watching television have to look up to see the screen as it is situated at a high level. The childminder supervises children appropriately both indoors and outdoors. Children are learning about safety through discussions and reminders, such as not touching the radiators. The childminder talks to all children about keeping small play equipment out of reach of younger children. On outings the childminder talks about road safety and children are learning to keep themselves safe as a result.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of toys and play equipment including dolls, role play equipment and books. Children’s independence and choice are developing as they can choose

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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 freely from the range of equipment available. However, toys are stored in a variety of storage containers and children cannot easily see what is available. Children are challenged by play equipment, such as toddlers who want to dress a doll. Children enjoy using the furniture to relax on. Equipment is used appropriately as a cot and a low bed are used for daytime sleeps.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected as the childminder has a reasonable understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She understands what to do if she has any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a positive relationship with the childminder. They are settled and occupied. The childminder is successful at gaining children’s attention and spends time with them reading books. She talks to them about what they can see in books and gives praise when they name objects. Children are learning good communication skills as the childminder encourages babies to make gestures and noises. Children approach the childminder for cuddles and reassurance which she gives.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a suitable range of activities, for example, painting and visiting other childminders. The childminder reminds children what they have done previously, helping them to learn about time. Children learn about shape and colours through general discussions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s independence and choice are developed as they move around freely and choose what they want to play with. The childminder encourages children to try new activities; for example, she places toys just out of reach for babies to crawl towards. Appropriate opportunities are made for children to rest and sleep.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn manners as the childminder reminds children to say ‘thank you’. Children are beginning to learn about right and wrong as the childminder explains about not hurting each other. Children share toys and the childminder encourages them to take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder understands that children have specific individual needs. Any arrangements to help children move on to the next stage of development, such as toilet training, are discussed with parents. Children are treated with equal concern and have opportunities to join in with age-appropriate activities. Children are beginning to learn about the world around them through visiting the community around them, for example, the local school. Toys and play equipment contain some positive images of different cultures and races. However, there are no positive images of differing abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an appropriate understanding of different methods to use when handling unwanted behaviour. For example, the childminder explains what affect their behaviour has on others and she talks to children at their level. Children are well behaved and they are learning to share toys and play together. The children are given verbal praise to develop their self-esteem,

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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 such as when children use the toilet appropriately. Children are therefore learning about acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a good relationship between the childminder and parents. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis about their child’s care. The childminder understands her responsibilities regarding the recording and investigation of complaints. Children are collected by authorised persons only.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by the childminder, who is suitable to do so. She has completed and holds an up to date first aid certificate. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the adult: child ratios and how to maintain these. Suitable documentation is in place and records are shared with parents. The registration certificate is not clearly displayed for parents to see. The childminder makes satisfactory use of space and resources to meet children’s needs when they are active, playing quietly or need a rest. 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

The childminder was asked at her last inspection to include children’s arrival and departure times in attendance registers. This is carried out and the children benefit as the childminder has a clear picture of when she is minding. The childminder was also asked to enhance her equal opportunities play provision. This remains an area for improvement as satisfactory additions have not been made.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 complaints 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): • seek and implement advice regarding the positioning of fire safety equipment • ensure children are able to watch the television safely • enhance the range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability • ensure that the registration certificate is clearly displayed.

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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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