Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 320235 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Ann Dockerty

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been established for seven years. She is registered to care for five children and is currently caring for 5 children. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16,14 and 9 years. They live within walking distance of local amenities such as the shops, the library and the park. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group and is active in the local

p.2

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 childminding group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are continually learning about healthy eating through trying a variety of healthy choices during meals and snacks. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the nutritional needs of children and their understanding is significantly enhanced through her knowledge and practice. By working closely with parents and the sharing of information, the children's individual dietary needs are consistently identified and met. Children further develop their idea's for healthy eating because they have many opportunities to be involved in food tasting and food preparation and enjoy the chance to try eating fondue. Robust hand washing routines ensure that the children develop a very good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene, the childminder applies consistently high hygiene standards and is a very good role model for the children. They become independent in contributing toward their own hygiene practices both in

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the childminder's home and during visits and outings. Opportunities for the children to exercise and have fresh air are given a high priority. The children have many opportunities to be involved in large physical exercise during visits to local parks, on walks and during outdoor play in the childminder's well equipped garden. They use times for outdoor play with enthusiasm and use changes in the weather to learn about how to keep themselves warm and cool. During a snowy day the older children are inspired to use the snow to build a snow model and watch it melt. The children's health and well being is significantly enhanced through a clear sickness policy and the very effective management of children's illnesses. The children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their parents wishes and their individual sleep patterns.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The children's safety is given a high priority by the childminder. Children are cared for in a very safe environment and are actively contributing toward being safe through regularly practicing fire evacuations. Their understanding of road safety is enhanced during outings when they talk to the crossing patrol person and when following the green cross code. All risks to children are significantly reduced because the childminder undertakes comprehensive risk assessments and ensures that parents are made fully aware of the activities that children will be involved in. The children independently select activities from an excellent range of well

p.3

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 maintained and safe toys and equipment. The childminder gives careful consideration to the presentation of toys and pays particular attention to the ages and stages of the children to ensure that all resources are safe and suitable. The childminder has meticulously detailed records and documents in place which successfully promotes children's welfare and safety. She has a current first aid certificate and has also attended many other training courses which enhance all aspects of her practice. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children are very animated and enthusiastic, they form close relationships with other children and with the childminder. They relish their time with the childminder who is highly motivated in planning experiences for the children and skilled at recognising when they need to be challenged and supported in their learning. The childminder's practice is significantly enhanced by her use and knowledge of the Birth to three framework. She tracks and records the children's development to ensure that the experiences she provides help the children to progress and to learn. Children are inspired to learn about the world around them and frequent visits to wild life parks, nature trails and bird gardens extends and enhances their understanding. They become independent in making their own choices and eagerly select their favourite book from an outstanding range, to share with the childminder. Younger

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are particularly keen to sit close by her as she reads their favourite story. Children are able to explore number and counting through a wealth of idea's and equipment during familiar and everyday activities. Children talk excitedly about the visits and the activities they have enjoyed and are able to recall and express themselves confidently.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are involved in a very meaningful range of activities which significantly promote their understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live. They access an excellent range of resources which positively reflect race, gender and disability and are involved in celebrating their own and other traditions. They effectively learn about their local community through frequent visits to local parks, toddler groups and wild life centre's. All children behave exceptionally well and show a great deal of concern for each other. Through the childminder's excellent understanding of promoting positive behaviour the children know and understand their boundaries and what is expected of them. Children are well settled and are confident to help themselves to toys and to drinks whenever they need one. Children's individual needs are very well understood by the childminder, she has

p.4

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 establishes highly professional relationships with parents and ensures that she receives, shares and maintains all information needed to meet all children's needs. Parents receive excellent information regarding the progress of their children and are fully involved in all aspects of their care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The environment for children is exceptionally well organised and consequently the children are happy, settled and very confident in their surroundings. All policies and procedures are very well written and shared with parents. They are used as working documents, and are reviewed regularly to ensure that they successfully promote the care, welfare and learning of all the children. The childminder is highly committed to improving the service she offers to children and their families. Through regularly reviewing her practice she identifies area's for development and frequently attends training courses in order to keep up to date with current child care practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the security of the premises. Procedures are now in place which ensure that the children are unable to access the key to the door. Further promoting the safety and welfare of children attending the setting.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6