Home Childcarer in LeedsOfsted inspection, 25 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 321760 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Ingrid Pine

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1988 and works in partnership with another registered childminder who was registered in 1996. They both live in a semi detached house with their 3 children, aged 15, 17 and 19 years. They are registered to care for a maximum of 10 children at any one time and there are 16 children on roll. Some of these are over 8 years of age. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The house is located in Horbury, a town between Wakefield and Huddersfield. Playgroups, shops and parks are within walking distance and there are good road links nearby. The childminder operates a drop off and collection service from local

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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 schools and nurseries. The whole of the ground floor, including two designated playrooms, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children receive care in a clean, warm environment because the childminder has good hygiene practices in place to prevent cross contamination, for example, regular cleaning of equipment and hand washing before preparing food. All children develop an understanding of good personal hygiene routines and know that they have to wash their hands after using the toilet. Risk of the spread of infection from illness is minimised because the childminder follows good exclusion procedures and has written policies which are discussed with parents. The childminder offers a healthy and nutritious meal at tea-time and older children are welcome to share this meal. Children are fed in keeping with parents' wishes. However, this does not always ensure that children are developing a sufficient understanding of the principles of healthy eating. Access to pre-prepared drinks such as fruit juice, milk or water is available at all times during the day. Younger children

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Helping children to be healthy

are regularly offered their individual cups, whilst older children are encouraged to help themselves. Babies are well fed and cared for according to their individual needs and personal familiar routines as discussed and agreed with parents. Children enjoy developing and improving their physical skills through a good range of play opportunities. The childminder is keen that children get lots of fresh air; she often takes them for nature walks in the countryside as well as regular outings to nearby amenities such as parks and childcare groups. They also develop their balancing and climbing skills through having a wide and varied choice of outdoor play equipment including climbing frames, swings, slides, sit and ride toys and a large trampoline. Younger babies are encouraged to practise their walking skills and have opportunities to crawl about and explore their environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Simple explanations and frequent discussion successfully help children to understand how to stay safe. For example, why it is good to clear toys away so that babies cannot trip over on them. Older children have a good understanding of why certain practices such as regular fire drills take place and their awareness of safety is reinforced through discussion about house rules and cleanliness. Children's risk of accidents is reduced by the good use of safety resources such as a

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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 fixed fireguard, safety gate and a safety net on the outside trampoline. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children, ensuring she can see and hear the baby when sleeping and providing space for both younger and older children to play in safety. High awareness of security issues ensure children are cared for in a safe environment and the childminder has effective measures to check visitors to the house before they enter. The childminder is aware of good safety routines and keeping children safe when collecting them from school. There are appropriate seats in the car and all documentation relating to the vehicle is up to date and in order. Children can safely and easily access good quality toys and equipment that conform to high standards. Children are kept from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection issues and has a current First Aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play purposefully and are enthusiastic about what they can do. They proudly show off their stick puppets and pictures they have created. The childminder helps to develop children's self esteem and acknowledges their achievements by displaying their art work on the walls and in scrap books. A host of photographs is displayed on the wall and in albums. These portray children enjoying a huge variety of age appropriate and stimulating activities such as baking, role play, construction, painting and playing outside and children love to talk about and share their experiences. Children are well supported and encouraged to try new things such as feeding themselves and using paints. The childminder is careful to allow the children to progress at their own level. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of language and number through well planned activities such as making and colouring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

jungle animal puppets, baking and singing favourite rhymes, for example 'five fat sausages'. Their individual needs are catered for well and the childminder spends time with the children sharing stories about their morning at nursery or situations at home such as watching a favourite video with their parents. They all receive lots of hugs and cuddles and one to one attention due to the high ratio of adults to children within the provision. All children are independent and can choose their own activities. They attend confidently to their own personal needs and are competent at dressing themselves. Young babies' development is promoted well within the provision. The childminder's co-worker mainly takes responsibility for ensuring they have good individual attention but babies respond well to all carers in the setting. They can safely select their own toys and equipment and are encouraged to play with meaning and have fun. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are able to communicate with gestures and sounds and the childminder and assistants respond appropriately.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled, secure and have very warm relationships with other children and carers within the setting. The childminder knows them well. There is a strong bond between them which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self and independence. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's understanding of diversity and respect for others. There is a good supply of resources that promote equality of opportunity and children are encouraged to share and take turns. Children make their own decisions and develop their independence well, for example they have a choice of what they wish to eat and confidently self-select their own toys and activities. They attend effectively to their own personal routines and are competent at dressing themselves. They develop self-esteem and are proud of their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievements. Children are given continual praise and encouragement and there are effective procedures in place to manage behaviour. Children learn to share and demonstrate care and concern for one another. For example, when the baby is crying an older child gives him a hug and strokes his head, reminded by the childminder to be careful and gentle. Older children play harmoniously together for long periods of time. For example, they help each other to build a complex structure with the duplo. They are supported well and encouraged by the childminder and assistants who are all good role models. The childminder promotes and develops effective and long standing partnerships with parents. This helps to ensure that children are well settled and parents are happy with the care provided. Babies and young children are developing a high level of confidence as the childminder and her co-workers respond to their sounds and gestures. They are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

happy and know that they are loved and cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder works well together with her colleague and assistants. She is an effective member of the team and takes responsibility for the areas which she enjoys, mostly looking after the older ones and the administration of the provision. This has a positive effect on the childcare provided and ensures children's individual needs are well met. There are good cover arrangements because the childminder works with a colleague and has two assistants. This ensures consistency of care for the children if either childminder is ill.

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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 Space is organised well using both rooms to maximum effect. Babies have opportunities and space to play with their own toys and explore in safety whilst older ones are able to build complex structures in the converted garage, undisturbed by the younger ones. Younger ones sleep in a quiet area of the house, well supervised by the childminder and her colleagues. Toys and resources are organised so that activities are child-led and children can self-select their own toys and resources with ease. They enjoy planning singing sessions with the co-childminder and her guitar. There is sufficient documentation in place to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. Children's needs and achievements are shared and discussed through daily verbal communication and there is a wealth of photographic evidence to ensure

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Organisation

parents are aware of their children's play and development. The childminder has completed a satisfactory level of training and has a wealth of experience. She plans activities for the children using material supplied by one of the parents who works with nursery children. However, she is not familiar with the training offered through the local authority or of the Birth to three matters material. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review security, increase equal opportunities resources and obtain information for parents. Good progress has been made and resources that encourage children to consider diversity and equal opportunities have been increased. Information has been provided to ensure parents are aware of the correct way to make a complaint and of Ofsted's contact details. Children are kept safe because security systems have been reviewed and tightened up.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop older children's understanding of the principles of healthy eating • ensure emergency evacuation drills are recorded • develop provision for children under three by accessing appropriate, regular and ongoing training, for example, Birth to three matters or similar.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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