Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276959 Unique Reference Number 13 June 2007 Inspection date Ingrid Pine 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 the beginning of 2004. She is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. At present there are eight children on roll, four of whom are over eight years old. Children come for a variety of sessions. The childminder lives with her husband and three children in Tingley, on the outskirts of Leeds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed rear garden suitable for outdoor play. Nearby there are local amenities including shops and parks, and the motorway network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through well-thought-out daily routines. Children wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after playing outside. The childminder

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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 has effective written procedures in place for all aspects of hygiene in the home and this sustains high levels of cleanliness and helps to prevent the spread of infection. A written sickness policy is shared with parents and they understand why they should not bring their children when they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a very healthy diet. Children have access to their own drinks throughout the day and the childminder gives gentle reminders to use them, particularly after exercise, such as playing on the trampoline. They enjoy varied, well-presented and nutritious meals and snacks which are freshly prepared. Children enjoy baking and the childminder discusses why they should eat fruit and vegetables on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed the 'Birth to three matters' framework training course and is very aware of the needs of young children. These are discussed with parents and carers, and children rest, sleep and play according to their own routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills well. The childminder plans regular outings to local soft play gyms and has appropriate equipment in the garden that gives children opportunities to climb, ride and balance. Eye and hand coordination is developed well through the children playing in the sand and water and making patterns with large paintbrushes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in premises that are safe and mostly secure. All doors are locked and the outside area is mostly protected. Children cannot get out of the back garden. However, as the gate only has a bolt, it does not totally ensure that visitors cannot gain access. Children are mostly well supervised and the childminder ensures that she checks visitors' identification before they are allowed into the home. The childminder is aware of the potential dangers within the home. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised as she explains rules and sets appropriate boundaries, such as taking care on the steps and holding on tightly when using the swing. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The childminder has written fire safety procedures and carries out monthly emergency evacuation drills with the children, ensuring that they all understand the need for these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a large and varied range of safe, good quality resources that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are well organised and children can freely and safely access them. Resources and equipment are checked regularly and there is a routine in place for ensuring that they are clean and hygienic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected. The childminder has appropriate knowledge of child protection procedures. A written policy is shared with parents and carers and they are made aware of the childminder's responsibility with regard to keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very comfortable in their environment and they play happily with purpose. Activities are child-initiated and the childminder is committed to supporting children in their play, extending their use of language, use of number and imagination well. For example, they all sit on wheeled toys and pretend they are going on a train journey. Older children concentrate on one activity for long periods of time and the childminder enhances their play by introducing

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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 different linked resources. For example, she adds glitter and sparkles to the water tray and supplies large brushes for children to 'paint' the walls and paving stones in the garden. High levels of encouragement and praise raise children's levels of self-esteem and confidence and they are confident and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder thinks positively about her resources. She provides appropriate games that maximise the use of her equipment. For example, young children sit on the trampoline and bounce the ball to one another, whilst older children use it for acrobatics.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to access a wide variety of planned activities, both at home and out in the local community. This encourages the children to develop their social skills and to interact with their peers and other adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder completes a daily diary for the younger children and also keeps additional photographic records of all children's activities. This is available for parents and carers to look at, ensuring that they share in their children's enjoyment and fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed warmly into the childminder's home. She recognises children's individuality and works well to meet their needs. A written equal opportunities policy sets out good basic principles for ensuring that children learn to respect their own culture and that of others. Good resources and activities ensure that children have many opportunities to learn about the wider, more diverse world around them. Although the childminder is not caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities at present, she takes time to study and learn about their educational needs. For example, she has attended a course on language and literacy and can sign competently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is promoted through lots of praise and encouragement and they play alongside each other successfully. She is a good role model and takes time to explain rules and boundaries. She is firm with them and offers them clear explanations as to how their behaviour affects others. Behaviour is managed in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is excellent. The childminder works well with them to ensure their wishes are respected. A daily verbal exchange of information and a daily diary for the very young children effectively inform parents of their child's activities. A range of photographs shows children enjoying a range of activities. However, these are not accompanied or supported by evidence of children's achievements linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework or the 'Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage'. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures is given to each individual parent and this ensures they understand the service the childminder offers and the care their children receive. The childminder has many testimonials from parents and they praise her support, flexibility, attention to children's individual needs and the range of resources she provides. They are very confident and happy in the care and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

education their children receive. There is an effective procedure in place which clearly explains what parents and carers should do if they wish to make a complaint.

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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 organises her home effectively so that children have easy access and space to fully enjoy their play in a relaxed and comfortable environment. They are secure in their routines and they play at their own pace, supported and encouraged appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder's commitment to gaining further qualifications enhances the care the children receive. For example, she has recently complete the 'Birth to three matters' framework training to enable her to further meet the needs of the under three-year-olds.

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Organisation

The policies and procedures that the childminder puts into practice fully support the welfare, safety and care of the children. They are clear, comprehensive and given to parents and carers so that they are fully informed about the care their children receive.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised as the childminder has a professional approach to record keeping. All required registers and records are maintained accurately and held confidentially.

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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 develop her range of toys and equipment suitable to the developmental needs of babies.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has an extensive range of resources ensuring that babies needs are fully met.

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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 complaints 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): • tighten security measures with regard to the access gate to the rear garden.

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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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