Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319798 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 for 14 years. She lives in Tingley, on the outskirts of Wakefield and a short distance from the motorway network, with her husband and two grown up daughters. Her mother assists in the childminding service. There are local amenities nearby including parks, shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has eight children on roll who attend part time and she uses her downstairs rooms for childminding. There is an enclosed back garden in which children can play safely.

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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's health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has the required records in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Children learn about

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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 their personal hygiene well through their daily routines, because the childminder regularly reinforces good hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good health because the childminder provides a varied balance of nutritious snacks. Parents provide all other meals for their children. At the time of the inspection the childminder provided fresh ingredients for the children to prepare and bake pizzas for a snack tea. Older children supported younger children well and the activity was enjoyed by all.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make good progress in their physical development because the childminder provides a wide range of physical activities indoors, outdoors and on outings. They have regular walks to the local reservoir, journeys to and from school and access to a wide variety of large and small equipment in the garden, which helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. For example, the children enjoyed the challenge of the obstacle course that had been set up in the garden. Children play and rest according to their individual needs because the childminder acts in the best interests of the children.

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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 safe and welcoming environment both indoors and out. Risk assessments are undertaken and where risks are identified these are minimised. The children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder understands well that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. Children set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Good procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and activities. These are highly appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. Children show a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy. For example, they know to keep away from hot drinks as they may burn themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a good understanding of the fire evacuation procedures because they regularly practise them. The childminder has all of the required procedures and documents to ensure she acts in the best interests of the children. She has an understanding of child protection procedures and has received up to date information. However, up to date training on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures has not been undertaken. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled, confident and content in a very stimulating and caring environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for meals, activities and outings. Procedures for settling new children into the home are effective in ensuring children soon become comfortable in the childminder's care. Other children adapting to these changes are sensitively considered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The independence of the children is promoted well because children have free access to a wide range of good quality equipment and make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence. The childminder knows the children's likes and dislikes well, and therefore provides activities that she knows will interest and challenge them. For example, some children engaged in board

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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 game activities and others role play with dolls. Children are supported by the childminder well when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. A caring and affectionate relationship is promoted through good interaction between the children and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents are kept informed about their children's activities through verbal discussion, art work and photographs. This is all very informative and demonstrates that the childminder values these and this has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's needs are effectively met by the childminder. She treats all children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in a wide range of activities appropriate to their needs and abilities, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn an awareness of diversity and other cultures through age-appropriate activities, for example, through toys, books and activities celebrating many cultural festivals, such as the Chinese New Year. Children become aware of similarities and differences and increase their understanding of the wider world, because families attend from a variety of cultural backgrounds, bringing with them a wealth of experience to share with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of the local community and learn to develop a positive attitude towards others. For example, children attend the local school and have regular walks to the local reservoir. This helps the children learn about their local community and their environment well through their routines. They also learn and develop an awareness of the seasons and wildlife through outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promotes children’s understanding of right and wrong and they learn to care about and respect each other. The childminder and her children are friendly and are a very good role model to children attending the setting. Children make choices and independent decisions that contribute to their own learning and development of new skills, because the childminder successfully provides a wide range of activities that captures children's interests and therefore, they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Successful partnerships with parents contribute significantly to the children’s well-being and provides continuity of care. This two-way sharing of information and expertise allows the childminder to continually meet the children’s ever-changing needs and keeps both parties well informed. Children clearly benefit from this very effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. There is a system in place to record any complaints from parents and the complaints policy has been updated in line with the regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder is very experienced and continues to be very enthusiastic and motivated in her work with children. She has a very good commitment to training and continued professional development

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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 by keeping up to date with current childcare issues. Skills, knowledge and experiences gained through training courses contribute effectively to enhancing the service further. This commitment supports children's care, learning and play effectively.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder encourages the children to broaden their interests and experiences; this is evident in the stimulating environment provided for the children and her interaction with them. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively both indoors and outdoors, and creative use of space enables children to access areas freely. This includes providing areas for children to play and rest.

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Organisation

The childminder has devised an abundance of documentation that is extremely well organised and regularly reviewed to ensure it reflects the service offered, and this contributes effectively to children’s well-being. Confidentiality is maintained because documents are kept secure. 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

Good progress has been made since the last inspection. The childminder agreed to continue to undertake further training relevant to her role in working with children. Her skills have been enhanced by completing several courses on specific subjects, for example, food hygiene, behaviour management and listening and responding to children. The childminder uses the training well to improve her service and raise the quality of it. This demonstrates that she acts in the best interests of the children by raising standards and making a positive difference to the lives of the children in her care.

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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): • update training on Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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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