Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319690 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Thecla Grant 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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband, who is also her assistant, and her adult son in the Morley area of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, or eight children when she is working with a registered assistant. She is currently caring for nine children under eight years; three of these before and after school and nursery. The childminder and her assistant drive to the local school to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder effectively promotes healthy eating. She makes sure children's special dietary needs are recorded and prepares freshly cooked meals for them. The childminder encourages children to become involved in cooking activities, such as making jelly for their desert. Drinks are readily available for children to access. Children enjoy physical activities. For example, they enjoy playing on the various play equipment at the park. Children also enjoy playing with the wheeled toys in the garden. As a result, children fully benefit from activities outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder effectively follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, the childminder and has ensured both she and her assistant are trained in first aid. The accident book is in place and the childminder has appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication to children. A clear policy is in place about children who are sick or have an infectious disease. As a result, children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has taken steps to prevent the spread of infection by providing separate hand towels for the older children and soft paper towels for younger children. A poster is displayed to remind children how to wash their hands and children are taught to wash their hands before eating. As a result, children learn about simple hygiene practices from an early age.

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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 welcoming environment. Their artwork is attractively displayed on the wall and toys and equipment are age appropriate and readily accessible; these support enjoyable activities. Children happily play with what is provided for long periods of time. The childminder is vigilant with regard to security. For example, security lighting is in place and the main entrance to her home is locked during childminding hours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder and her assistant effectively promote safety in the home. For example, low electric sockets are covered and safety guards stop access to the gas fires. Children are very well supervised during the day and baby monitors are available for children who sleep on the first floor. The childminder is proactive with regard to keeping children safe on outings. She has identity badges for the children with her address and keeps children's details on her person in case of emergencies. Appropriate car seats are fitted to the cars and insurance is in place and is appropriate for the childminder's business. Children learn about fire safety because the childminder regularly practises it with them. A record is kept of all emergency practices. As a result, children learn to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder and her assistant satisfactorily understand their role in child protection. The child protection procedure is in place and there is a flow chart on steps to take in the event of a child being at risk. As a result, the childminder and her assistant are able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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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. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because activities provided allow them to lead in play. They are given opportunities to be creative as they play 'shops' and play for a good period of time. For example, one child kneeled on a chair as she used the till to scan the food, whilst the other child searched the large container full of play food. She put them into her basket and was helped to put the basket onto the table to be scanned. As a result, the children extend their language, but are not able to try out new ideas because the table is too high for all children to see what is happening.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and her assistant extend children's activities by showing them how to use the equipment and adding new toys. For example, children playing hospitals are shown how to use the stethoscope to listen to their heart. Their play is further extended when the small world hospital set is added. Children listen to stories during the day and have very good opportunities to enjoy cooking activities. As a result, the children have a good time at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has photographs of children involved in a broad range of activities. For example, photographs of children playing with the play dough, rolling and squeezing it. The children build with the construction toys and connect the train tracks as they play with the train set.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met through observations and planning. The childminder has devised an activity planning sheet, which she has linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. As well as this the childminder has devised observation sheets to form part of the children's profiles. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the setting. For example, they attend soft play centres and visit the park to feed the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder and her assistant. They skilfully work with the parents to meet their individual needs. Parents have clear information about the provision; for example, they received a parent pack with the policies of the setting and are encouraged to sign to say they have received them. The childminder makes sure that children's individual needs are catered for by providing a care plan for the parents to fill in with the children's personal details. Parents show their appreciation regarding the care of their children by sending 'thank you' cards to the childminder and her assistant.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has suitable resources in place to reflect disability and has information with regard to inclusion. She has experience in caring for children with disabilities but as yet has not accessed any training. The childminder effectively promotes the diversity of the local community through the celebration of festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Diwali. She also provides resources that positively promote equality of opportunity. These are mixed with the toys and equipment so children can easily access them. As a result, children effectively benefit from activities and resources which help them value diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour. With this regard she has devised a behaviour management policy and her house rules are recorded in the booklet that introduces her service. Children have enough activities to keep them busy; they are not bored or frustrated, but are busy and contented. As a result, children are well behaved.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes sure children have a good amount of space in her home to manoeuvre freely. She makes sure children are effectively supported and keeps within the constraints of her registered numbers.

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Organisation

The childminder shows satisfactory commitment to continual improvement and makes sure both her assistant and herself attend the required training. However, she does not show effective commitment toward her personal development; therefore, opportunities are missed to attend relevant courses and workshops.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are in abundance. These work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, the register is not filled in with the times of children's arrival and departure.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address a few recommendations with regard to resources for diversity and documentation for parents. The childminder has resources to positively reflect the diversity of the local community and has devised a brochure on information about her setting; this is shared with the parents. As a result, steps taken have improved outcomes for children and the organisation of the provision.

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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.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • make sure the daily register include the children's hours of attendance • keep abreast of new information by attending relevant training courses and workshops, especially a safeguarding children course.

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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 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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