Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319853 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Linda Filewood 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and family in Horsforth, a suburb of Leeds. The whole 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and visits local parks and other amenities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment and toys are washed regularly, especially after being put in young children's mouths or used outside. Children are given good support in gaining an understanding of good hygiene procedures. However, cross infection is not always fully considered when caring for more than one minded child, as separate towels are not available for drying their hands on. Children are well looked after if they are ill or have an accident. The

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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 childminder has maintained her first aid qualification and keeps well documented records of any accidents. She has a clear understanding of the procedure to follow if she were asked to administer medication to protect the health of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from enjoying healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. They sit together to enjoy a family atmosphere at mealtimes and learn good table manners. Young children are given good support and appropriate equipment to become independent in feeding themselves. The childminder helps children understand about healthy eating, and they know, for instance, that sweets are bad for their teeth. Children are able to access drinks independently. The childminder is aware of the children's individual dietary needs and she obtains sufficient information from parents to ensure these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outdoor play and regular visits to the local parks and other amenities improve the children's physical development. They enjoy, for example, visiting the local play centre where they can learn to develop their climbing skills in safety on the soft play equipment. The childminder cooperates well with parents to ensure their wishes for their child's rest and sleep are followed and plans periods during the day for children to be quiet and relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and positive steps are taken to ensure that this is maintained and reinforced with the children. All possible safety features are in place indoors to ensure children play in a hazard-free environment. For example, corner guards are on the dining table, a fire guard is around the hearth and a safety gate prevents children from accessing the first floor. When outdoors, gates into the garden are very firmly fastened and young children are securely strapped into a pushchair or hold hands to maintain their safety when walking. Fire safety is well considered so that children know what to do in the event of an evacuation and the regular fire drills are well logged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides children with an extremely good range of resources that cover all areas of learning. Resources are in very good condition and are suitable for all ages. They are stored well and are clearly labelled to enable children to make their own choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child’s safety and welfare. Parents are clearly informed of the childminder's duty to protect the children in her care and the systems in place for the safe collection of their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A very good range of play opportunities and resources are available for the children which help to develop their knowledge and understanding. Children are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their play, which ensures that they are interested and enjoy their play. However, some activities are specifically planned to suit the individual needs of the children. For instance, occasional visits to the local playgroup help younger children settle easily into the new environment when they stay on their own for the first time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Relationships between the childminder and minded children are warm and caring. The children are well settled and at home in their environment. They respond well to the childminder and

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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 are happy in her company. The childminder gives them plenty of encouragement and support which helps develop their confidence and self-esteem. She spends time with the children talking and playing with them and helping them to learn new skills, such as rolling play dough or holding a pencil correctly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports young children's speech and language development well as she talks to the children during play and encourages them to talk about what they are doing. They are gaining an awareness of colours and counting whilst playing games, for example, whilst also learning to share and take turns. Children have good opportunities to express their imagination and creativity. They paint, colour, model with dough and enjoy the sounds of the musical instruments. Outings are well planned and children happily talk about feeding the lambs and holding the guinea pigs during a visit to a farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder recognises children as individuals and works well with parents to meet their differing needs. She provides children with clear explanations, when appropriate, to help them understand diversity. The children have access to a reasonable selection of resources, through books and small world figures, for example, which promote a positive image of the world in which they live. They learn about their local environment during regular outings to the park and on the walks to and from the local school and nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children generally behave well and respond positively with smiles to the childminder's praise. They are well supported in developing an understanding of sharing and taking turns, especially when playing with popular resources. The childminder values good behaviour and uses positive strategies that are appropriate to the individual children's ages and stages of development. Clear boundaries are applied consistently so that children are fully aware of what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a well written parents' pack which includes some policies and procedures, such as the complaints, behaviour and child protection procedures, relating to the National Standards. However, she is unclear about how to log any complaints she may receive and has yet to develop a system for the recording of them, in line with regulations. A good partnership with parents, who have positive views about the service provided and whose wishes are taken into account by the childminder, has been established. She verbally shares information with them on a daily basis about their child. During initial visits the childminder takes time to discuss the children's individual needs with parents. For example, she obtains plenty of information about the children's likes and dislikes, comforters and stages of development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder shows a good commitment to ongoing professional development which ensures that she constantly enhances the service she offers to the children and families. The organisation of space provides the children with easy access to resources and fully promotes their independence whilst maintaining their safety. The home is welcoming and child orientated so that children settle quickly and enjoy their play. Children are comfortable in their routines, giving them security. The adult to child ratio is well maintained so that young children have plenty of adult support.

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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 Well presented policies and information about the childminding service are available for parents. Documentation is well organised and the childminder maintains all the required records and registers accurately and confidentially. All necessary consents are obtained from parents giving them the confidence that their children are capably looked after. 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 it was recommended that the childminder considered developing the range of information given to parents and the way in which it is given. The provider now provides parents with pack of written information at the time of placement so that they are fully and clearly informed about the service she offers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • ensure good hygiene practices are put in place regarding hand drying • improve knowledge and develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations.

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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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