Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343689 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 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 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 2007 and currently has two children on roll. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and three in Pudsey, a suburb of Leeds. The whole ground floor plus the small front bedroom and bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The family have a dog. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are good opportunities for the children to have fresh air and exercise. They play outdoors in the childminder's garden each day with large play equipment which helps them to develop their physical skills. They use a slide, trampoline and see-saw and enthusiastically kick footballs on the grass. Additionally, they visit local parks and wildlife centres and walk to and from school.

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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 The children's understanding of healthy eating is good. They try a variety of healthy ingredients at meal and snack times, for example, they roll chicken, tomatoes and cucumber in tortilla bread. They enjoy going to the shops to buy bananas and are encouraged to join in with food preparation. They know when they are thirsty and are able to have drinks of apple juice or water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Consistently implemented hand washing routines effectively help the children to contribute toward their own personal hygiene. The know that they need to wash their hands after handling a snail found in the garden and say that germs need to be washed away.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health is further promoted through a clear sickness policy and the effective management of children's illnesses. For example, children with an infectious illness are expected to remain at home. The children are able to rest and sleep in accordance with their own routines and parental wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children access a good range of furniture and equipment which is suitable 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 on shelving and in boxes, this enables the children to access them independently and safely. However, the exposed concrete flooring in the kitchen is cold and uncomfortable for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures to record accidents and the administration of medication are followed consistently by the childminder, for example, parents are required to sign records which ensures that they receive accurate information regarding their children's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are cared for in a very safe environment and the childminder takes positive steps to reduce risks to children. For example, safety features, such as a fire guard, socket covers and smoke detectors are in place. Additionally, the home and outdoor area are secure and children are unable to leave unattended. Written risk assessments identify possible hazards to children both indoors and outdoors.

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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 suitable understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. For example, she has a list of child protection agencies and a system to record any concerns. Additionally, the childminder has attended first aid training which enables her to treat minor accidents and injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children access a good range of toys and resources which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. For example, they learn how to handle scissors during a cutting and sticking activity. The scissors are designed for their ages and help the children develop good coordination and control. The children enjoy selecting pictures from magazines to attach to a box and say they are making a treasure box. They are pleased of their achievement and proudly show it to adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of the children and she plans flexible activities which follow their interests. For example, a theme on transport 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 travel includes watching a tractor on the field and a role play travel agents. Additionally, the children visit the airport and railway station.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are interested in the activities provided and are confident to help themselves to art and craft resources. They know that they need glue and find it easily in a low storage system. Each day the children are able to select from a good range of books, role play, small world figures and construction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's language and understanding is promoted well by the childminder who interacts well with the children. She listens to what they have to say and supports their development through questioning and encouragement to talk about what they know.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have good opportunities to learn about their local and wider community, for example, they access resources which reflect a positive image of race, gender and disability, such as books, puzzles, dressing up clothes and small world figures. They are involved in local festivals and help to decorate the carnival float. Through the celebration of a variety of festivals, such as Diwali, Eid and Christmas they learn effectively about their own traditions and those of others. Additionally, they visit the local shops, library and parks which further develops their knowledge of the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages the children's behaviour well and the children understand their boundaries. When the children disagree about using the trampoline, the childminder calmly explains about sharing and taking turns. Additionally, the childminder ensures that good behaviour is praised and encouraged. This raises the children's self-esteem and helps them to understand what is expected of them. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents and additional information regarding behaviour management is sourced and researched.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the positive relationships developed between the childminder and parents and carers. For example, the childminder has established a professional approach to her childminding service, providing parents with daily verbal information, written contracts, policy information and an effective settling in period. Additionally, parents sign all records of accidents and administered medication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are happy and settled in an effectively organised environment. The childminder maintains all the required records which are well documented and stored confidentially. For example, children's daily attendance is accurately recorded and children's registration details provide all the information needed to meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

Key information, such as insurance details and the certificate of registration are prominently displayed and well written policies and procedures ensure that parents are fully aware of the service offered.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her childcare knowledge and understanding. For example, she has attended recent training on food hygiene, child protection, behaviour management and fire safety. The childminder has a good understanding of the National

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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 Standards, the supporting criteria and current changes. For example, she has a procedure to follow in the event of a complaint from parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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): • improve children's comfort with regard to the kitchen flooring.

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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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