Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319822 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2007 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband who is a childminding assistant and their two adult daughters, one of which is also registered as a childminding assistant. The childminder also works with another assistant on a part-time basis. The family live in a semi-detached house in Scholes, a village on the outskirts of Leeds. Schools, shops, a library and play area are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and consists of a lounge, kitchen, playroom and toilet. The family have six cats and four guinea pigs as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and there are currently 14 children on roll, cared for on a full and part-time basis.

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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 satisfactory. Children can participate appropriately in activities as the premises and equipment are suitable. Children are learning about adequate personal hygiene practices through routines and positive role modelling, however, these routines are not consistently implemented as children are not encouraged to wash their hands before snack time. Appropriate verbal procedures and good relationships with parents ensure individual children are suitably cared for should they become ill. This reduces the risk of cross-infection. The majority of consent forms and relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs, are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s welfare. However, parents and carers have not given written consent for emergency medical treatment. This has a negative impact on children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play as they use the good variety of equipment in the back garden. They can explore, test and develop their physical control as they use climbing equipment, ride bikes, jump on the trampoline and splash in the paddling pool. The childminder explained that she takes the children on visits to places further away including the seaside and she has photographic evidence of the children enjoying a teddy bears' picnic in the park. The provision of buggies enables children to sleep in line with their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished as the childminder provides reasonably healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. These include lasagne, leeks, chicken nuggets and fruit. They also have opportunities to be involved in making different foods, such as cheesy biscuits and lemon buns. Consequently, their knowledge of healthy food options is being developed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are made welcoming to children and parents, including the provision of parents information in the hallway. Children have their own named shoe rack, coat peg and registration name board, giving them a sense of ownership and belonging at the childminder's house. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This includes the front door remaining locked at all times. Children are able to explore safely using clean and well-maintained resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Windows at the end of the playroom enable children to benefit from natural light whilst playing indoors. Those who go on outings are kept safe as the childminder is vigilant and uses age-appropriate restraints, wrist bands and high visibility jackets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety equipment is in place, which reduces the risk of accidents. This includes a fire blanket and smoke detectors on each floor. Consequently, children can play safely. Routines, such as using the crossing patrol when walking in the community, encourage children to take responsibility for their own safety. Children are suitably protected as the childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection issues. Required procedures and documentation are in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Sufficient effective support is given, which nurtures children’s independence. They are encouraged to feed themselves and put their own coats on, which encourages their self-help skills. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. These include sharing books, building with bricks and playing with small world resources, such as the garage and cars. They make progress and have fun as activities and experiences are planned in advance to meet the needs of those attending. Effective use is made of the local and surrounding area, for instance, visiting the farm and butterfly garden. This gives children a breadth of opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A variety of creative activities, including painting, cutting and sticking, promote children's self-expression whilst having fun. Children develop their mathematical thinking as they weigh ingredients for baking and complete counting games. Children’s communication skills are fostered well, resulting in good interactions between themselves and the childminder. Their all round development is well supported. The childminder and her assistant provide a wide range of activities and aim to extend children's learning and development by being actively involved in their play. Consequently, children are happy and settled in the childminder’s care and they thoroughly enjoy themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. A short induction period, including visits with parents, enables children to settle into the new environment. This settling in period is made easier as the childminder and her assistant are friendly and approachable. Children’s confidence is raised through consistent praise and encouragement. Their self-esteem and sense of belonging is encouraged as their pictures are displayed on the playroom walls. They are learning to share and take turns as they play games together. Children show concern and affection for each other, for instance, when one gives another a hug and a kiss. The childminder shows a positive attitude to including all children, providing she can meet their specific needs well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's clear approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with a selection of resources including dolls from different ethnic backgrounds and books reflecting positive images of people with disabilities. Appropriate behaviour management strategies are employed, such as explaining to children why an action is not acceptable. This promotes positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information is shared with parents and carers on a daily basis. This ensures they are fully informed of their child's day. Parents and carers are welcomed into the childminding setting and encouraged to pass on their thoughts and views. Several parents provided written references praising the quality of the care given and the variety of activities the children are involved in.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The provision is inadequate as the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder cares for children with an assistant. Together they provide an interesting environment for children to play in, including accessible resources and attractive wall displays. The childminder, her family and her assistant have undergone appropriate

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 vetting procedures. Consequently, children are safeguarded. She is aware of her current registration restrictions and adheres to them. This has a positive impact on children's overall safety.

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Organisation

Children’s play opportunities are enhanced through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. The use of the playroom enables children to play independently or with others. Older children can complete their homework, whilst creative activities take place in the kitchen. The flexible routine incorporates time for children to be taken to and collected from the local nursery and school. The childminder also accommodates parents' and carers' different working patterns, which is beneficial to the continuity of care the children receive. Many resources are stored at the children's height, which encourages free choice and independence.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does not meet 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 the childminder was required to continue to provide good quality care and education to children. The childminder continues to provide a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities for children which positively promotes their early education through their play. Most areas of children's all round care continue to be met.

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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.

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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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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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 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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