Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319567 Unique Reference Number 03 October 2007 Inspection date Abigail Caroline Cunningham 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Beeston, Leeds. Most of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 and is currently minding six children over five years, before and after school. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language and she also supports children with learning difficulties. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote their good health. Regular visits to the local park and playing in the childminder's garden help to develop their coordination and physical skills. The childminder provides the children with a satisfactory range of vegetarian

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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 snacks, such as cheese and cucumber sandwiches. The children have independent access to drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Adequate arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication, such as holding a current first aid certificate and having a fully stocked first aid kit available. There are satisfactory hygiene practices in place; for example, the childminder encourages the children to wash their hands before meals and after toileting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection and is aware of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. The childminder has attended child protection training and knows what the different types of abuse are, the possible signs and symptoms, and the reporting procedure. The childminder also has local child protection contact details.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where most risks are identified and minimised. The children are kept within sight or hearing at all times and the garden is secure. However, some dangerous substances are accessible to the children, which does pose a risk to the children's safety. Potential fire hazards are identified and made safe; for example, smoke alarms are fitted at all levels and are in working order and a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen. An emergency escape plan is in place; however, this is not regularly practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to an adequate range of age-appropriate toys, furniture and equipment to effectively meet their needs, such as dinosaurs, cars, construction toys and art and craft activities. All toys and equipment are maintained in satisfactory condition and are checked before and after play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a calm and friendly manner and the children enjoy the childminder's company. This is because the childminder gives the children positive attention, praise and encouragement. As a result, the children have warm relationships with the childminder and are keen to communicate with her, for example, while eating their tea. The children are involved in a satisfactory range of interesting and enjoyable activities both inside and outside the home, such as visiting the local park. The children are fully involved in activities, for example, building with the construction toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are well behaved and get on well with each other. For example, the children play happily together and share with one another. They also enjoy helping the childminder, for example, with tidying up the toys. The childminder manages children’s behaviour positively and consistently and according to the child’s level of understanding and maturity; for example, she consistently gives the children plenty of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated with equal concern; for example, the childminder values each child’s individuality. There is a good collection of information regarding family customs, beliefs and special dietary requirements. The childminder is multilingual and can speak many different

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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 languages, such as Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The children develop a positive attitude to others and a good understanding about the wider world and community. This is achieved through celebrating festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written contracts and registration agreements between parents and childminder are completed, which include details about the child, for example, seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. The children are cared for as agreed with the parents and information is shared daily on an informal verbal basis. Parents have their differing needs taken into account, such as those linked to their culture, language and work patterns. The childminder is experienced in working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities. As a result, she works in partnership to meet each child’s individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All of the required documentation is in place and is confidentially stored. The childminder is aware of all the legal requirements; for example, she holds public liability insurance. The childminder is aware of what needs to be improved and is committed to developing her practice. For example, she recently completed 'Birth to three matters' training, child protection training and food hygiene training, and renewed her first aid qualification.

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Organisation

The childminder is organised and has a flexible approach to childminding; for example, all activities within the childminder's home are child-led. She makes satisfactory use of her time, space and resources to create an orderly environment for the children. As a result, the children are happy and settled. 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

Since the last inspection, the childminder has ensured that her first aid kit has been fully stocked, so that first aid treatment can be successfully given. All persons over the age of 16 years, living on the premises have undergone the required vetting procedures. As a result, all persons living on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure dangerous substances are inaccessible to the children • carry out regular fire drills.

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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

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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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