Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

320241 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Lindsay Helen Dobson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 good. 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 registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and child aged 11 years. They live in Wortley, a suburb of Leeds, and there is a park, library, school and shops within walking distance. The ground floor of the home consisting of a lounge, kitchen and conservatory, and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet rabbit and a cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years when working alone and eight children under eight years when working with a registered assistant. There are currently eight children on roll, who are cared for on a full and part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene. This is as a result of the discussions the childminder has with children about why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating.

p.2

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 The childminder has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill. Appropriate written consent, accident and medication records are maintained. This ensures children receive appropriate care if there is an accident or if medication has to be administered. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy, well balanced diet. The childminder provides varied and nutritious meals and snacks such as cheese or pate on toast, pasta, fresh vegetables, cooked meats and fruit. The childminder works with the parents to ensure the children's dietary needs are taken into account, in order that children remain healthy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. For example, regular outdoor activities take place such as walks, visits to parks, toddler groups and play in the garden. These activities improve children's large motor skills and they particularly enjoy riding bikes, playing with balls and hoppers and using the slide.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised and comfortably furnished environment enabling them to make good use of space that is child focused. Children have access to a range of safe, good quality equipment which meets safety standards and is regularly checked by the childminder.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move freely around the environment as the childminder has minimised potential risks to the children in the home. For example, she has ensured hazardous materials such as medication and cleaning materials are stored in a locked cupboard, sharp knives are kept out of reach and the front door is kept locked to prevent children from leaving the premises unsupervised. However, the fire blanket is not freely accessible which may compromise children's safety in the event of a fire.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings, she is vigilant in her supervision of the children and is teaching them about stranger danger and road safety inline with a topic the children have been involved in at school. Children are supervised by the childminder when using the garden, which has recently been landscaped to provide a very safe and stimulating play environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs a child may exhibit that could indicate they have been harmed, and the procedure to follow to report such concerns. The childminder has consolidated her knowledge and understanding by attending additional training.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy because the childminder interacts with the children in a proactive and caring manner. It is evident from this positive interaction that she enjoys caring for them and the children are happy and relaxed. The childminder knows the children well and meets their needs appropriately, she is kind and considerate towards them and spends meaningful time with them. She sits at their level giving them comfort and encouragement.

p.3

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 children enjoy regular outings to child-friendly settings, such as local parks and toddler groups, and further afield to the zoo and the seaside. This provides many good learning experiences for children and develops their physical skills.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with many opportunities to develop their vocabulary; this is as a result of the childminder's good interaction with the children throughout the day. She uses simple language that is understood by the children being cared for. She talks to them whilst involved in their play and when carrying out daily routines, for example, when changing nappies.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children receive lots of warm, individual attention which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences. Children have opportunities to make progress in all areas of their development and the routine enables them to enjoy busy and quiet times.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder develops close relationships with the parents. Children's individual needs are discussed prior to a child starting. Written records of younger children's routines are maintained and daily discussions keep parents up to date; details include how long they have slept, what they have played with and what they have eaten. The childminder has a good selection of written policies and procedures in place which are shared with parents and carers. This ensures that parents are clear about the provision, the care of their children and the expectations of the childminder, and this fosters positive relationships.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages, the childminder encourages the children to be kind and gentle to each other. She sets clear boundaries and consistently applies these, promoting good behaviour by offering positive praise. The childminder has a good understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parents' views are sought.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are provided with a suitable selection of resources that reflect the wider world, such as play people, books and puzzles. These resources are beginning to increase the children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others. The children are valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in all aspects of the setting.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are protected because the childminder and other adults in the home have undergone the appropriate checks to ensure that they are suitable to look after or be in contact with children. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to the requirements and conditions of her registration. For example, she displays her registration certificate to reassure parents and carers that she is registered.

p.4

Organisation

Documentation to ensure the welfare and care of the children is stored securely and made available for inspection. The childminder regularly shares these with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that is provided. She also has written policies and procedures in place which promote children’s safety and well-being. The childminder is aware that records must be maintained if complaints are received and has an appropriate log book to do this. However, she is not fully confident in her understanding of implementing and using regulatory documentation.

p.4

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 Children's welfare, care and development needs are met effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for children. She is organised, warm and affectionate towards the children, who are relaxed and happy in her care.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure all persons over the age of 16 years have relevant checks completed, obtain written permission from parents before administering medication, develop her documentation with regard to seeking emergency treatment, gain information about persons authorised to collect children, and develop resources which promote positive images of special needs. The childminder has implemented all of the above through applying for required clearances, gaining written permissions from parents and developing the range of resources she provides for the children. These improvements ensure the children are kept safe and free from harm, and enable them to enhance their knowledge of diversity.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 the fire blanket is sited appropriately • further develop confidence and understanding of using regulatory documentation.

p.5

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

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.5