Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320009 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2007 Inspection date Lindsay Helen Dobson 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 1995. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and currently has six children on roll. The childminder is also registered to offer overnight care for one child. She lives with her daughter aged 15 years. They live in a house in the Moortown area of Leeds, where there are shops, toddler groups, pre-school groups, primary schools and bus stops within walking distance. She uses the whole of the ground floor and the back bedroom and bathroom on the first floor for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a Bassett Hound dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group. She has completed the Introducing Childminding Practice, the Developing Childminding Practice and the Extending Childminding Practice courses.

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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. Children are learning about good hygiene practices. They know that they must clean their hands before eating and older children discuss hygiene issues with the childminder. Children's hygiene needs are met, although younger children share a sink of water to wash their hands and this does not prevent cross-contamination. Very young children's hygiene needs are met effectively as the childminder follows thorough nappy changing procedures. She uses disposable gloves and cleans the changing mat after every use. The childminder has a detailed sickness policy which states procedures to be followed for children who are unwell. She also has a full medication policy which ensures that medicines are stored safely and that parents give written consent for medicines to be administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy food and drink. The childminder has a detailed food and mealtime policy which includes the provision of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Children enjoy healthy snacks and can help themselves to drinks of water throughout the day. The childminder prepares and stores food appropriately. She offers the children a choice of meals and provides detailed information to the parents, which includes what children have eaten and any new information from the Foods Standards Agency. The childminder has a good awareness of food intolerances and dietary needs. Children are learning about healthy eating and are encouraged to try different foods and new flavours. Organic foods are provided for children on request.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are helped to keep fit through regular exercise. They go out for walks and use the local playground where they are challenged to develop their physical skills on larger climbing equipment. The childminder has a large garden which is fully enclosed and safe. She provides a very good range of resources for children such as bikes, cars, balls and a trampoline. Each year the childminder organises a sports day for the children and they take part in fun activities which include the sack race. Children's need for rest is well catered for as the childminder provides a travel cot for younger children and uses a listening monitor appropriately. The childminder is registered to care for one child on an overnight basis and detailed plans are in place for this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe by the good practice of the childminder, who is pro-active in their supervision. Children's safety and well-being are given high priority. Good systems are in place to check the home and garden each day to ensure all hazards are fully dealt with. Children learn about how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. They practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly with the childminder so that they become familiar with the process. On outings children learn about crossing the road safely and the possible consequences of talking to strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the warm and welcoming environment of the childminder's home. They have a good space to play, rest and eat because the home is well organised. Children's enjoyment and learning is promoted because they access a good range of toys and resources. These are maintained in good condition and are inviting for the children to use. Children select resources themselves, which fosters their independence and self assurance.

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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 Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues. She understands the possible indicators of abuse including changes in behaviour and unexplained injuries. She knows what to do if she has concerns and records existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and enjoy the broad range of resources which the childminder has ready for them. There are warm relationships in place between the childminder and children, who relate well to each other. The childminder is very sensitive to their needs, offering them comfort and a cuddle when they become tired. Children have many opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler and childminding groups. The childminder makes good use of these and other planned group activities to extend the children's experiences, for example, in craft.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder constantly offers the children encouragement and praise as they play, which raises their self-esteem and confidence. Older children, in particular, are consulted about what activities they would like to participate in and the childminder ensures that she follows the children interests closely when planning her activities. Activities for the younger children are based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how she uses her resources to support children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction between the childminder and children is very good. The childminder actively stimulates development of speech and language as she converses with the children, who are talkative and sociable. Children enjoy stories and the childminder extends their thinking through the use of questions about what they see, for example, a newt which was found in the garden. The childminder capably supports young children's understanding of shapes, numbers and colours through the wide range of everyday activities she provides. She keeps informative profiles and daily diaries on each child so that there is a clear record of their development and activities and these are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder supports children's understanding and appreciation of similarities and differences in others through a sound range of resources. They learn about their environment and the world they live in through well-planned activities and outings. Attractive equipment and books portray positive images and they enjoy learning about other cultures and festivals. The childminder promotes inclusion within her childminding service and assesses the needs of all the children through discussion with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. There is a consistent approach to behaviour management, which takes into account realistic expectations of children's different levels of understanding. Clear boundaries are discussed with the children and older children contribute to making the 'house rules'. The childminder is a good role model. She encourages good behaviour, teaches children to play together harmoniously and to show care and concern for animals, through involvement with the pet dog.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that parents are well aware of their child's activities and development. The partnership with parents is good and they work well together to provide consistency in the children's care. Parents receive well presented, written information about their children

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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 and all aspects of the childminding service, including a good range of detailed policies. The childminder seeks detailed information from the parents about their child so that she is able to meet their individual needs well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The available space and resources are well utilised to ensure that children are able to move around freely, are well cared for and their individual needs are met. They are welcomed into a homely environment and, as a result, they are confident, happy and settle quickly. The childminder organises her time well to allow children time for relaxation and activity within the daily routine. Children are effectively supervised at all times and the childminder makes very good use of all local amenities, such as the library, parks and toddler groups, to optimise the children's play opportunities.

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Organisation

An excellent commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that the childminder is able to constantly enhance the service she offers to the children and their families. She accurately maintains all the required records, such as the attendance register and accident records, which support the safe and efficient management of the provision. The childminder effectively uses the policies, procedures and development records to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares these regularly with parents so that they are well informed about the care their children receive and their child's activities.

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Organisation

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 the childminder was required to develop the way information regarding policies and procedures is shared with parents. The childminder has made excellent development in this area and now shares all information regarding the service she provides, the policies and procedures and the children's day in many ways. These include a detailed portfolio, individual copies of policies and procedures, notices displayed in the entrance and daily information sharing through discussion. These improvements ensure parents are fully informed about the service and the care their children receive.

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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 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): • further develop children's hand washing routines.

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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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