Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319681 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2008 Inspection date Ann Webb 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 1987 and is presently caring for 10 children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in a house in Armley, Leeds close to local schools, shops, and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two dogs, and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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. The children learn effectively about healthy eating. For example, they eat nutritious meals and snacks such as shepherds pie, carrots, peas and sweet corn followed by yoghurt and fruit. The childminder plans a six week menu and includes plenty of fresh vegetables with all meals. Additionally, baking and cooking activities further develops the children's understanding of healthy ingredients. During everyday play the children use plastic play food and are able to identify bananas and apples.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children contribute effectively toward their own hygiene routines, and know to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before they eat. The childminder is a good role model for the children and maintains all areas in a clean and well maintained condition.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health and well-being is further promoted through a clear sickness policy and the effective management of children's illnesses. They are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outdoor activities and daily walks promote the children's physical development successfully. The children have fresh air and exercise and develop skills for jumping, climbing and running and they play with large physical equipment such as, tricycles, climbing frame and slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Procedures to record accidents and the administration of medication are followed consistently by the childminder, for example, parents are required to sign records which ensures that they receive accurate information regarding their children's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes appropriate steps to minimize risks to children in the home. All of the required safety features are in place, for example, safety gates, socket covers and smoke detectors. Risk assessments effectively identify any potential hazards, and close supervision of children ensures that they are able to play and learn in a safe and secure environment. However, emergency evacuation rehearsals are infrequent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden is enclosed and gated and ensures that the children are unable to leave unaccompanied, however, some items in the garden pose a hazard to children. All toys, furniture and resources are well maintained, safe and suitable for the ages of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety is further promoted through the childminders appropriate understanding of the Local Safe Guarding Children Board procedures. She has a written child protection procedure which is shared verbally, and in writing with parents and contact details for child protection agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy and experience a good range of toys and play opportunities. For example, they eagerly involve themselves with role play resources, making meals for the dolls, preparing play food and serving each other make believe cups of tea. They are very independent in their

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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 play, organising their own games and activities. They know where their toys are to be found and confidently help themselves to the resources they need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their creativity is encouraged through good opportunities to paint and make models from art and craft materials. They decorate paper plates which they display for all to see. They are interested in books and seek adults to turn pages identifying their favourite toys and caricatures. The children explore boxes of toys, picking them out one at a time, looking at them closely and examining mechanical and moving parts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of the children in her care. She tracks their progress and illustrates their achievements with photographs and short written captions. Activities are planned to follow the children's interests and allow for spontaneity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a good understanding about what is expected of them and they know their boundaries. For example, the childminder reminds children about taking care, not running in the home and saying please and thank you. She ensures that she reinforced good behaviour through praise and encouragement and manages unwanted behaviour with distraction, explanation and short periods of time out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the well established relationships developed between the childminder, parents and carers. For example, the childminder has established a professional approach to her childminding service, providing parents with daily verbal information, written contracts, policy information and an effective and flexible settling in period.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During visits to the park, library and shops the children develop an appropriate understanding of the local community. They access a reasonable range of resources which reflect the diversity of the society in which they live, for example, books and small world figures. The children learn about their own traditions and customs and those of others, for example, they celebrate Christmas, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder efficiently maintains most of the required documents, for example, medication and accident records. However, the recording of children's attendance is not always up to date. All documents, policies and written procedures are easily accessible, stored securely and confidentially maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to keeping up to date with current childcare practise. She regularly attends relevant training such as 'Birth to three matters', child protection and inclusion. This has a positive impact on the childcare provision.

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Organisation

The children benefit from the childminder's flexible planning of routines, she ensures that all children enjoy a full range of activities and experiences regardless of their attendance patterns. The children are settled and happy in her care. Overall, the provision meets the range of the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve safety with regard to risk assessments for the garden and to provide opportunities for the children to explore and investigate their environment and use their imaginations. Since the last inspection the childminder has completed risk assessments for the outdoor play area and has installed additional fencing and gates, however a further recommendation is raised. She provides a full range of play and learning opportunities which stimulate the children exploratory instincts, curiosity and imagination. These improvements successfully enhance the safety and learning of the 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. 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): • increase frequency of emergency evacuation rehearsals and ensure garden is made safe • maintain an accurate record of children's attendance.

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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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