Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320280 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Ann Webb 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 satisfactory. 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 11 years and is currently caring for four children. She lives in a house in the Guildersome area of Leeds, close to local schools, shops and transport services.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and son aged 15 years. Her adult daughter and grandchild also live at the home. She uses the lounge and dining-kitchen for childminding and there is a rear garden for outdoor play.

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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. Hygiene routines are well implemented and consequently the children develop a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene. They routinely wash their hands after

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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 toileting and before they eat food. The childminder sets a good example and keeps all areas of the home clean and well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have a good understanding of healthy eating. For example, they enjoy bananas, grapes and raisins for their snack and at lunchtime they have cheese with brown bread followed by yoghurt. They know that when they are thirsty they can have drinks of water and fruit juice. Additionally, the children play with replica fruit and discuss healthy ingredients with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities for the children to experience the fresh air and to be involved in physical play. They walk to and from school each day, visit the park and play in the childminder's garden. They climb, balance and jump using large play equipment, such as slides and tricycles, and stretch out on the floor to play with construction toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's heath and well-being are further promoted through a clear sickness policy and the effective management of children's illnesses. The childminder does not care for children with an infectious illness and parents are contacted if children become unwell. The children are able to rest and to sleep according to their own routines and parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a suitably safe environment and the childminder takes positive steps to reduce risks to children. For example, safety features, such as socket covers and smoke detectors are in place. Additionally, the home and outdoor area are secure and children are unable to leave unaccompanied. The children learn about contributing toward their own safety and regularly rehearse emergency evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children access a suitable range of furniture and equipment which is appropriate for their ages. For example, younger children are fastened into high chairs. The childminder checks resources to ensure that they are safe for the children's use. Toys are stored in boxes, which enables the children to access them independently and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety is further promoted through the childminder's appropriate understanding of how to protect the children in her care. She has attended child protection training, records existing injuries and knows who to contact regarding child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children play with a suitable variety of toys and resources. For example, construction, books, small world figures, role play and puzzles. They play happily with their friends and enjoy the company of others, learning to share and to take turns whilst completing a jigsaw puzzle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound awareness of the developmental needs of the children and provides activities which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. For example, she encourages the children to look at books with pictures of familiar items. This stimulates their emerging language skills and promotes their interest in books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During a game of dominoes, the children are able to match pictures and also become familiar with simple counting as they match the dots on the cards. The children are eager to join in 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 supported appropriately by the childminder. She recognises when the children need her help and when they are able to complete a task independently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's creativity is suitably developed through opportunities to paint and explore art and craft activities. They use their imaginations well and pretend they are talking to their parents on the telephone. They use replica food and cutlery to make a drink for their friends and for the adults and are confident to select their own toys and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the suitable relationships between the childminder and parents and carers. There are appropriate systems to share information about the children and the care they receive. For example, a settling-in period ensures that the children feel comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. Written documentation provides parents with a clear account of their children's care, such as accident and medication records. Additionally, there are daily verbal exchanges of information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages the children's behaviour appropriately and the children understand their boundaries. She ensures that good behaviour is praised and encouraged, raising the children's self-esteem and helping them to understand what is expected of them. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are suitable opportunities for the children to learn about the local and wider community. For example, they play with an appropriate range of resources which reflect a positive image of race, disability and gender. For example, books and small world figures. They visit local parks, shops, the library and soft play gyms.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children receive suitable levels of adult care and supervision. The childminder organises her time appropriately and plans routines for children around their patterns of attendance. Records and documentation contain all the required details, are stored securely and are easily accessible. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the National Standards; however, she has not informed Ofsted of significant changes.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with current childcare practice. For example, she has attended child protection training and food hygiene. She is aware of current changes, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage. Key information, such as insurance details and the certificate of registration, is appropriately displayed and ensures that parents are aware of the service offered. Overall, the provision meets the range of the needs 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 improve an aspect of documentation and to provide positive images of disability. Since the last inspection the childminder has gained written parental permission to take photographs of the children in her care and images of disability are positively promoted through books and small world figures. This appropriately improves the care of the children.

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Improvements 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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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 complaint 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 satisfactory. 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 that Ofsted are informed of significant changes.

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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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