Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320243 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Paula Fretwell 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 nine years. She lives with her partner and grown up son, in East Ardsley, which has local amenities and is close to the motorway network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses her downstairs rooms for all childminding activities and there is an enclosed back garden in which children can play. There are 11 children on roll, who attend on a variable basis.

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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 are developing some knowledge and understanding about health and hygiene and they follow many good routines which minimise the risk of cross infection. Children use liquid soap and paper towels in their hand washing routine, although they do not always wash their hands before eating snacks. Children are helped to understand that 'germs might give you a

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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 poorly tummy' through simple discussion and they are encouraged to be aware of their own hygiene needs, such as using tissues. The childminder clearly understands the importance of excluding sick children to protect the health of others and has a very well explained sickness policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating through the provision of a regular nutritious variety of snacks and meals. Fruit is offered to children as an alternative to biscuits when children ask. Drinks are continuously provided and children each know their own cups so they are not thirsty. Food is hygienically prepared and the childminder understands children's dietary needs. Menus are balanced and varied and parents are kept well informed of what their child eats when with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted very well through many opportunities for physical play indoors and outdoors. Children are very confident in moving their bodies as they explore the garden and play actively with suitable equipment. They enjoy many regular walks to local places, parks and interesting outings with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is very careful to ensure children play safely and she fully assesses all risks in and around the home. Suitable safety equipment is used where appropriate, such as a fireguard and safety gate. Children are developing a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe through good examples set, interesting activities and discussion. For example, children know about how to cross a road safely and this is reinforced at particular times, such as at the start of a new school term. Everyday reminders, such as sitting properly on chairs or riding wheeled toys on a flat surface help children become aware of how to stay safe. Fire drills are regularly practised to maintain children's awareness of safety and they have a very good knowledge of how to safely evacuate in the event of an emergency. On outings, the childminder has considered

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's safety by taking contact numbers for parents and ensuring children have a contact number attached to their clothing in case of emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have safe opportunities to explore their environment and make their own choices about what they play with. The childminder ensures children play safely with the toys and equipment by involving herself in their play and making sure toys are used appropriately. The range of good quality toys and resources all meet safety standards and they are used well to promote children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives priority to safeguarding children through her knowledge of child protection and her understanding of local child protection procedures. She has robust procedures in place for reporting child protection concerns, and these are in keeping with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, confident and settled with the childminder. They fully understand and enjoy the familiar routine for care, learning and play, and there are warm and trusting relationships with the childminder to support their individual needs. Children approach the childminder to make their needs known and she responds promptly with smiles and cuddles.

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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 Children enjoy an interesting range of activities with regular outings being a feature of the provision. They talk excitedly about going to feed the horses and they discuss what they will take for them to eat. The childminder understands how young children learn and provides well planned play activities for all ages of children. Children develop their imaginations well through free play, such as when playing with the dolls house or using the play kitchen outside, and the childminder extends their vocabulary by including appropriate language in their play. Children enjoy creative activities and the childminder inspires their play with new and interesting ideas. Young children enjoy doing magic painting and the childminder uses this opportunity to encourage colour recognition and taking turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to have a positive attitude towards others and an understanding of diversity through a good variety of activities and toys. They have access to many resources which show positive images of ethnicity, culture, disability and gender. The childminder encourages children to acknowledge peoples' differences and similarities through discussion about the needs of others and they learn about other cultures in activities. The childminder has a positive approach to including all children and she ensures they have fair and equal opportunities to join in with whatever they wish to.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective strategies are used to manage children's behaviour and children behave very well. They use good manners when playing with each other. The childminder has realistic expectations based upon children's level of understanding, and there are simple rules in place and on display which children clearly understand. The childminder is aware of the children's individual needs and she ensures her time is fairly divided between them all. The childminder shows children they are valued through displaying photographs and samples of their artwork for them to talk about and be proud of. The childminder encourages wanted behaviour through consistent praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder communicates well with parents to keep them informed about their child's day. Important information, such as policies and procedures, how their child has behaved and what they have eaten is shared so that parents feel involved. The childminder seeks feedback from parents and children about the service she provides and they offer compliments through questionnaires about her skills, and children state how happy they are in her care. The childminder is very aware of children's individual needs and personalities and she records their developmental progress in their individual files, with examples of activities, photographs and observations. Parents are aware they can look at these, although they are not routinely shared with all parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the very welcoming environment in which activities are well set out so that they can choose what to do. The organisation of space enables children to be cared for according to their needs and for different types of activity to take place. For example, creative art and craft activities are done in the kitchen whilst the carpet area is used for floor toys.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good commitment to her own professional training and development which enhances the care for the children. Thorough recording along with clear and comprehensive documentation is in place to support the childminding practice, and this is filed

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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 confidentially. A comprehensive file of policies and procedures clearly sets out the expectations of the setting and underpins the practice, and these are shared with parents.

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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 asked to ensure that all household members have been vetted. All checks have been carried out and the childminder ensures the ongoing suitability of household members.

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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): • continue to develop ways of sharing children's progress records with parents • develop children's understanding of hygiene through a consistent approach to hand washing.

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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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