Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

319693 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 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 outstanding. 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 18 and 16 years. They live in a detached house in Guiseley on the outskirts of Leeds. Her home is within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and consists of a playroom, kitchen, dining area, lounge and toilet. There is a rear garden available for outdoor 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 12 part-time children aged between two and 10 years on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler club. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). The childminder has completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in nursery nursing and a BTEC qualification in Childhood Studies.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy and learn about healthy living because the childminder follows very good health and hygiene practices and reinforces these effectively. Children have nutritional, healthy and varied snacks and meals, access clean toys and equipment, wipe their hands and faces before and after eating and play in a clean environment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to access fresh air and develop physical skills. The childminder takes children on outings and walks within the community, for example, they visit the local park and walk to and from school. Children also benefit from trips to places of interest further away and enjoy travelling on the train. Use of equipment at the park and in the garden, such as a large climbing frame, slide and ride-on toys, help to aid development and enjoyment further. Younger children sleep according to routine, this helps to promote good health.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is easily accessible. The childminder takes an additional first aid kit when on outings. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. She has systems in place to record accidents, incidents and medication administered comprehensively and she always ensures parents are suitably informed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a range of healthy snacks and meals including home cooked freshly prepared meals, fruit and vegetables. The childminder actively encourages children to try new healthy foods and they are involved in excellent first hand experiences, where they have opportunities to shop for the ingredients and bake and cook their produce, contributing to their healthy eating practices. Children freely access their individual drinks of water or milk when thirsty. Snack and meal times take place at the table within the kitchen. Children sit and chat happily to one another and the childminder. They talk about fruits they like and identify them from pictures they have put in a scrapbook. The childminder collates information on children's individual dietary needs with parents before they start and a menu is available detailing the meals she provides.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, where the childminder has identified hazards well and minimised potential risks effectively. Children benefit from very good safety procedures. For example, sockets are covered, stair gates prevent access to specific areas and dangerous substances, sharp knives and medication are stored safely. Preventative fire safety precautions are proactively taken, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms. The childminder has developed a successful evacuation procedure which is regularly practised with the children. Children are learning to keep themselves out of harms way and they play within sight and hearing distance of the childminder. The premises are very secure and there are good procedures in place to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access. The childminder keeps external doors locked and visitors' identification is always carefully

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept very safe in a cosy, spotlessly clean environment that is warm and welcoming. The ground floor areas are used for childminding, these areas are maintained to a high standard

p.3

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 and arranged to enable children to eat and play together extremely comfortably. Resources and toys are stored at child height in the playroom, this enables children to self-select from the attractive boxes which store the toys. Children enjoy an excellent balance of resources that clearly meet their needs and are appropriate to their age. All toys and equipment are regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they remain of high quality and of a good standard for use by children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from potential harm as the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. Recent training and a detailed policy with relevant up to date information ensures the childminder is confident and competent in following correct procedures. Parents are fully informed of procedures prior to admission and an incident book is provided.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle, are comfortable and become happy in the setting because the childminder meets and greets them when they arrive, sets up the room attractively to encourage them to engage with activities and offers comfort and cuddles to children when they indicate they need this. The childminder encourages the children to join in activities, talks to them, listens to their requests and supports them effectively to achieve their aims. The children are forming strong relationships with other children, the childminder and her own family. They enjoy each other’s company, participating in activities together and welcoming the childminder’s intervention into their play, for example, joining in with the childminder to sing and move to familiar songs and action rhymes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the constant praise, attention and encouragement given by the childminder. She provides stimulating, exciting and enjoyable activities, in which all the children can participate and achieve. They particularly enjoy painting, sticking, drawing, building and completing puzzles. Children use their imaginations very well and with the childminder's support a picnic is set up for the dolls and teddies, with the children taking the lead they are all provided with a plate and play food. The children enjoy looking at books and are happy to read alone or listen to stories read by the childminder. They participate in planned activities, which they engage in for extended periods, with enthusiasm and enjoyment. They enjoy the variety of stimulating, interesting and age-appropriate toys and equipment available and self-select confidently. The childminder supports their development well and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

moves their learning forward through effective questioning, being attentive to their needs and interests. She has a comprehensive understanding of child development and the 'Birth to three matters' framework, incorporating these skills into her practice effectively to support children’s overall learning and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children and their families are very warmly welcomed and made to feel part of the childminder's home. Children's achievements are shared with parents, consequently children feel extremely valued and have an excellent sense of belonging. Children have very good opportunities to care for each other and the wider community, they are able to make decisions about how to spend their time in an environment which reflects and celebrates diversity. The childminder strongly believes in providing a secure environment in which all children will flourish and that

p.4

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 valuing each individual will make them feel good about themselves. She welcomes children with learning difficulties at the setting, and is willing to undergo any necessary training to enable her to meet a child's particular needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has realistic expectations of children and she ensures that behaviour management is consistent and in line with parents' wishes. Children are inspired by the childminder because she offers plenty of relevant praise and encouragement, which is appropriate to children's ages and stages of development. Older children learn the basic house rules, and the childminder helps them to express their needs appropriately and to negotiate conflict; this helps them to become sensitive and to respect their interactions with each other.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes excellent partnerships with parents. She encourages parents to bring their children for several visits prior to starting. This helps to settle children and builds good relationships. A written daily diary informs parents about their child’s day. All parents receive lots of written information about the setting, these include a sickness policy, behaviour management and how to make a complaint, including how to contact the regulator.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose, is aware of her role and duties, and has a commitment to continually improve her practice. She self evaluates regularly and attends regular training she has identified as benefiting children’s needs, for example, the Early Years Foundation Stage, valuing diversity and inclusion. The childminder has very high regard for children’s welfare and well-being. She has a very good knowledge and understanding of child development and successfully involves the children in the setting. She maintains ratios at all times and her excellent organisation skills ensure children have time to rest, play, eat and complete self-chosen tasks.

p.5

Organisation

Written policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution, and support the childminder in her work. Record keeping systems are used well to meet children’s needs and all regulatory documentation contains sufficient details. For example, the childminder accurately records children’s arrival and departure times and updates the children’s individual child record forms regularly. Sensitive information is stored safely and confidentially. The childminder displays her certificate of registration prominently during operational hours.

p.5

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 develop resources that promote equality of opportunity, extend the complaints policy and improve fire safety precautions. The childminder has now greatly extended her resources promoting equality and these include books, puzzles, posters and displays. The complaints policy now meets requirements and shows Ofsted's contact details and all fire safety measures have been met by the provision of an additional smoke alarm.

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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.6

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.6

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.6