Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 319703 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Ann Dockerty

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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 lives in Leeds, close to the local school, shops and transport services. She has been registered for 15 years and currently has 9 children on roll. She lives in the home with her husband and two older teenage children and a child of 12 years and uses the dining kitchen, lounge and play room for childminding.

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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 There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children participate in a wide range of physical activities which contribute towards their good health. Every day they are walking outdoors to school and they visit the local park for games of football. Playing in the garden with slides and ride toys, sand and gardening also contribute towards the improvement of their physical skills. Younger children are learning fine motor skills through the use of equipment in a dough activity, they practice cutting, rolling and squeezing. The children are enthusiastic about trying new skills and asking for help because the childminder plans activities which are suitable for their ages and understanding and supports their learning with suitable equipment. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They know to wash their hands after they have visited the bathroom and when they

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Helping children to be healthy

come in from outdoor play. The children have a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinks of water throughout the day. The childminder plans nutritious meals and snacks in consultation with parents and takes into account the likes and dislikes of the children to ensure that she meets their individual dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home where the childminder identifies and minimises all risks effectively, they are able to move around in comfort and in safety. The childminder places a high priority on safety and helps the children to understand about safety outside through practicing and explaining road safety whilst they are walking to and from school. The children are able to independently access toys and equipment, which are stored safely and are well maintained. The childminder plans activities carefully to ensure that they are suitable and safe and appropriate for the ages of the children. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and an appropriate understanding of child protection procedures.

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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. The children settle well at the childminder's home, and are happy and comfortable with their daily routines. They are able to relate well to each other and with adults. They have regular visits to local toddler groups to play and socialise with other children. The children become independent and make their own choices about what they would like to play with. Reading books are enjoyed by the children who like to sit with the childminder whilst she reads their favourite stories. The childminder uses these opportunities to support and develop the children's understanding by giving clear explanations and using effective questioning techniques. The children are involved in a good range of creative activities and experiment with paint, dough, sand and music. During every day activities children learn about number and shape through counting the pieces of jigsaw as they put them in the box

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and counting the shapes of dough they have made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are involved in a comprehensive range of activities and use resources which promote their understanding of the wider world and increase their awareness of the diversity of today's society. During a story 'All Kinds of People' the childminder talks with the children about the differences between people. The children are learning about their local community as they regularly visit places such as the library for story times and the local park. The children have their individual needs met and follow their normal daily routines, which are discussed with parents. They behave well and are confident to help themselves to equipment, toys, drinks and visiting the toilet. Through consistent praise and encouragement the children are learning about sharing and taking turns, they know their boundaries and understand what is expected of them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are secure within their environment, which is well organised and planned to meet all their needs. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote their welfare and are shared frequently with parents to ensure that they are

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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 kept well informed about their children's care and the activities they are involved in. On occasions the childminder works with an assistant but she does not keep a record of the times and dates she is present. The childminder attends relevant training courses in order to update and develop her child care practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has further developed her resources which reflect a positive image of disability, the children now have access to a good range of toys which promote equal opportunities.

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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): • keep an accurate record of the times that the assistant is present

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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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