Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

319683 Unique Reference Number 27 June 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 1989. She lives with her husband, two adult daughters and child age 15 years. They live in a house in Armley on the outskirts of Leeds, close to local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding except for the conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and there are currently seven children on roll, who are cared for on a full and part-time basis. The childminder collects children from the local school.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the childminder's consistent daily routines. They know, for

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 example, to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating, helping to minimise the spread of cross-infection. Children access toys and equipment which are clean and of good quality. Children's health needs are met well because the childminder follows current and appropriate guidelines and procedures, for example, accident and medication records are appropriately completed and shared with parents. Emergency first aid can be given if necessary because the childminder has a current first aid certificate, and has obtained written parental permission to seek medical advice or treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of healthy eating because the childminder provides a balanced diet which includes fresh fruit. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents in relation to providing meals and snacks, and any special dietary needs are respected. The childminder provides the parents with a weekly menu to keep them informed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to fresh air and exercise. They regularly play in the garden, where they have use of wheeled toys and enjoy planting flowers. They also walk home from school each day. Children benefit from the safe space within the home, in which they develop their physical skills. The childminder encourages the children to participate in Greek and Spanish dancing with her, and they develop their fine motor skills as they use construction toys and engage in creative play.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Practical safety measures are in place to protect children from harm. For example, the childminder requests that all visitors to the home sign a book to ensure she has a clear record of each day, and safety equipment is available which provides greater protection for the younger age group, such as a stair gate. Security measures are effective outdoors and children are fully supervised whilst playing in the garden. Fire safety equipment is in place, and children are learning to keep themselves safe as evacuation drills are practised each month. The childminder has emergency arrangements in place with another childminder if necessary.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to a good range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. They are welcome to ask for preferred toys and activities and can request a change to these at any time. Equipment and furniture is both practical and comfortable and kept to a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring a welcoming environment for children. Children are well supervised during indoor play by the childminder, which further safeguards their welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children. She knows who to contact if she is concerned about a child and is sufficiently aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. The childminder has attended additional training to ensure she remains up to date with current legislation and shares her detailed policy with the parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy at the childminder's house and are treated as part of the family. The activities provided meet individual interest and support children in their play and development.

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 Children play with a good range of musical toys, cars, construction equipment and activity centres where they develop skills of turning handles and pressing buttons to create sound and movement. The childminder is very flexible in her approach to providing activities and the children are encouraged to become independent in self-help skills. Older children enjoy board games, colouring, construction and imaginative play, such as small world figures. Children's literacy skills are encouraged, for example, they have access to books and they enjoy sitting with the childminder to listen to a story.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is sensitive in her interaction with children and uses good communication skills to develop their thinking. She talks to them about familiar things, such as their family and the school day and listens to them respectfully, giving praise and encouragement which increases their sense of well-being and self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their care needs are met as discussed with their parents and they are settled. Behaviour management methods, implemented by the childminder, reinforce children's understanding of what is right and wrong. The children's self-esteem is developed well because the childminder gives praise and encourages independence and decision making. The childminder provides the children with some experiences and resources that support their understanding of diversity. Although the childminder has no practical experience of providing care for children having identified learning difficulties or disabilities, she is aware of children's developmental stages and would assess her own ability to offer suitable care if required. The childminder has attended training on inclusion to further develop her knowledge.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is informal, but works very well. Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the service provided through letters and cards, which the childminder displays in her childminding file. Information is obtained regarding the individual needs of children and the welfare of each child is discussed with their parents at each session, which enables the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. The childminder keeps the parents up to date with any changes to her practice and has informed them of the new complaints procedure, however, she has not fully implemented a complaints log.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminding premises are organised to enable children to explore, investigate and to participate in a variety of stimulating activities which help to promote their independence. Children feel a sense of security through familiar routines and can initiate and extend their own play and learning.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation of required documentation and health and safety procedures is good and supports the well-being of children, for example, documents relating to the care needs of the children are up to date and easily accessible. The childminder ensures documentation is available to the parents in well organised files.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder shows a good commitment to additional training through attending courses, such as child protection, inclusion and disability and food hygiene. She implements her

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 knowledge into her practice, therefore developing the quality of care and experiences the children receive.

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 improve children's hygiene routines and obtain up to date information regarding child protection. The childminder has implemented new hand washing routines with all the children and they have access to liquid soap and towels which are regularly changed. The childminder has attended child protection training and has up to date information which she has made available to parents and discussed with them. This ensures the children are kept healthy, safe and free from harm.

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): • further develop the complaints log in line with new regulations

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