Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319545 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2007 Inspection date Katy Elizabeth Wynn 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 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 1987. She lives in the Mootrown area of Leeds, close to schools and shops. The playroom, dining room and spacious hall is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children and has 12 children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends toddler groups regularly. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and belongs to the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and are developing good self-care skills through daily routines. For example, the children can clearly explain the reasons why they wash

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their hands after using the toilet. Children are protected and enjoy a healthy environment because the childminder implements stringent hygiene procedures to help prevent the possible spread of infection. The children have individual flannels, towels and hair brushes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a very clear understanding of the procedures to record all accidents that occur on the premises and medication given. Parents sign to acknowledge that they have been informed, helping to keep children healthy. Most parents have given written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment, however, some parents have not and therefore children may not be cared for according to their parents' wishes in the event of an accident. Children receive appropriate treatment if an accident occurs because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit is stored in the kitchen. The childminder checks the contents regularly to ensure they are up-to-date and well-maintained, helping to keep the children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a nutritious diet because the childminder has an extremely clear understanding of healthy eating. She provides a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables for snacks and in most cases the parents provide the main meals. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of healthy eating as the childminder talks to them about which types of food are good for them. The childminder finds out about each child's allergies, medical and cultural needs and parental preferences through discussion, ensuring that her practice reflects the needs of the children and their families.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to develop their large muscle skills during activities in the garden. They enjoy a wide range of physical activities, such as riding wheeled toys and playing ball games. They go outside daily to reap the benefits of fresh air, for walks or to the local toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home. The rooms are brightly decorated and the children’s work is displayed around the walls. The premises are clean and well-maintained providing a safe and healthy environment for the children. They are able to move around freely, developing their self-confidence. They have ample space to participate in an extensive range of activities independently, with each other and with the childminder. Children have access to a good range of equipment and resources, which are suitable for their age and stage of development, helping to promote their development and learning in all areas. The resources and toys are in good condition and are brightly coloured to attract the children’s interest. The resources are stored in low-level boxes or shelving around the room, enabling the children to choose their own activities and see the full range of options, developing their freedom of choice

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe through daily routines. For example, they know they must hold the childminder's hand when they are walking to school or wear a wrist strap. The childminder practises emergency evacuation with the children. This procedure is fully understood by the children therefore protecting them further in the event of a fire. Children's safety is promoted because clear arrival and collection procedures are in place. Parents are required to come into the house to drop off and pick their children up. The childminder has removed potential hazards for children. For example, all cleaning fluids are stored safely and low-level plug sockets are covered.

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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 The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection procedures and discusses her responsibilities with the parents before the children attend. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate that she would recognise the possible signs or symptoms of abuse and would contact the relevant parties to protect the children if concerns were identified. The childminder has completed child protection training to further safeguard the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are confident and ask for additional resources and toys. The children laugh and giggle throughout the day, having fun as they take part in worthwhile activities and games. For example, building the train track, board games and enjoying building their own den. Children benefit greatly from the high quality interaction from the childminder, she plays on the floor at their level, helping and assisting as necessary. She knows when to stand back and let play develop naturally. The childminder ensures the activities are kept short to reflect the concentration span of the children attending. Resources are changed frequently to ensure the children are fully occupied and interested during the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to develop a wide range of skills and progress well in all areas in a stimulating and interesting environment. Children thrive in this environment because the childminder gets to know them extremely well and introduces new activities and games to reflect their individual interests. She develops learning through the interests of the children, for example, counting train carriages with a child who loves to play with trains.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a very good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures all children have equal access to all the resources and activities available. Children benefit from the childminder’s experience as they learn to share and take turns easily. The childminder gently reminds them why it is important to take turns and the children can see the fairness, explaining it’s so they all get to play. Children’s individual needs are met extremely well because the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families well. The childminder finds out about the children’s needs and preferences through detailed discussion with the parents and she records the details on their registration forms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a very strong sense of right and wrong because the childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place. Children’s behaviour is extremely good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder always gives clear explanations aimed at their individual level of understanding. She is a positive role model and deals with unwanted behaviour calmly and with a relaxed manner. Children are polite and are encouraged to use their manners, saying 'please' and 'thank you' at appropriate times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the extremely strong relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder is friendly and approachable, providing a safe and caring environment for the children and their families. Information is shared openly, enabling the childminder to meet the needs of all the children effectively. The childminder shares information with the parents verbally at collection time, they talk about how the children have been and what they have been doing, helping to keep them fully informed about their children's day. She discusses

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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 her policies and procedures with the parents when their child starts, however, she has devised a new complaints procedure that has not been shared with the parents and therefore parents are not fully aware of who to contact if they have a concern about the care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm and experience. She has attended various training courses and workshops. This ensures her practice is up-to-date and enhances the opportunities she provides for the children in her care. The childminder organises the daily routines exceptionally well, taking into account the needs of the children who attend. For example, organising a wide range of short activities as the children are young and their concentration span is still very short. Children are fully occupied and engaged throughout their time at the setting. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures the correct ratios are maintained, helping to safeguard the children and ensure they are fully supervised and receive good support at all times. Children’s health, safety and general well-being is supported effectively because the childminder has an understanding of the requirements of registration and the inspection process. All of the relevant documentation is accurate and maintained to a high standard, protecting the children in her care. The daily attendance register is well-maintained, up-to-date and includes the actual times of attendance. The childminder ensures confidentiality is maintained at all times, verbally and with the records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her documentation in relation to the register and the safety of the children by ensuring a first aid kit is available when out in the community.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken some positive steps to enhance the care she provides, she now records the actual times of arrival and departure on the children's register. This ensures that this document is now accurate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's safety has also improved in the event of an accident as the childminder carries a small first aid kit when out in the community.

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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 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 parents permission is sought to administer emergency treatment • ensure parents are fully informed about all new policies and procedures.

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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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