Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 512013 Inspection date 24 May 2005 Inspector Linda Filewood

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged eleven & fifteen in Morley, a suburb of Leeds. The playroom and the kitchen of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden offering a paved and grassed area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent/toddler group. The

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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 family have two pet dogs and a hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well looked after and protected from illness and infection as good policies and procedures are in place. They learn about personal hygiene through good daily routines. Children are beginning to understand the importance of washing their hands through clear explanations from the childminder. For example, they know they need to wash their hands after using the toilet, stroking the dog and when baking. Adequate hygiene practices are in place regarding hand drying. The childminder follows good procedures when nappy changing ensuring that both the children and she are protected from the spread of germs. Children are learning to make choices, such as choosing fruit at snack time, as the childminder promotes good healthy food options. Their individual likes, dislikes and any food allergies are well catered for when planning the weekly menu, which is shared with parents. Children have good access to drinks especially in hot weather or

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Helping children to be healthy

after outings. Children enjoy a good variety of physical play and outings such as to a play gym, farm and parks. They are developing a positive attitude to exercise and are becoming aware of how this affects their bodies. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their home routines as the childminder co-operates well with the parents wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can play in a secure, safe environment as the childminder has a good awareness of safety both indoors and on outings. They are learning to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety and not talking to strangers as they walk to school. Children can easily access toys and equipment giving them independence and choice. Resources are suitable for their age and development and are of good quality and in clean condition. Children benefit from a well organised playroom which allows them to move freely and safely. Babies have a safe space to roll, crawl and sit with support. Children's welfare is safeguarded and protected as the childminder has good procedures and documentation in place. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and all registers for accidents and administering medicines are well documented. There are good systems in place for the safe collection of children and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder has a clear understanding and knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is good. The children have a warm relationship with the childminder and are confident, happy and settled in her company. Children play happily with a wide range of activities which contribute well to their development. They enjoy recourses which are suitable for their age and development such as a farm with animal noises or a soft, crinkly ladybird toy. They are encouraged to try new experiences and given time and praise on completing a challenging activity. For example a baby's first attempts at crawling are rewarded by cuddles, praise and encouragement. Children benefit from regular outings to toddler groups where they learn to socialise in a larger group. Their communication skills are improving through skilful encouragement from the childminder and as they play with other children. Their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

individual needs are well met through the daily routine which allows time for their own interests and choice of activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to show an awareness of the wider world as the childminder talks about different festivals and the local area the children live in. They are aware of the change in seasons and baby animals as they visit the park and the local farm. The childminder encourages children to develop a positive attitude to diversity by answering any questions they may have and by the use of resources. However, her resources to reflect disability are limited. Children are well behaved as the childminder shows a clear understanding of age appropriate behaviour management. They are encouraged to share and take turns and are learning to tell right from wrong. Good use of praise for positive behaviour and encouragement give strong support to the children and helps build their self esteem. Children are valued and respected and have a strong sense of belonging; their relationship with the childminder is warm and caring. They benefit from a sharing of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information between the childminder and parents, who are confident that their children are being competently cared for. Children's home routines are successfully maintained and they settle well in the childminder's home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's home is welcoming and organised effectively to meet the children's play and physical needs. They have safe and free access to appropriate resources promoting their independence and confidence. Children are very relaxed, comfortable with the childminder and familiar with their routines.

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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 All records, policies and procedures required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are in place to support the care and welfare of the children. The childminder ensures that privacy and confidentiality is upheld at all times when dealing with children's information and sharing sensitive information with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures. Information relating to these procedures has been obtained raising the childminder's awareness and knowledge and further safeguarding the children in her care.

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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 that children have an appropriate range of resources that promote the positive image of disability • ensure good hygiene practices are put in place regarding hand drying.

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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