Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240174 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell 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 since 1998. She lives with her partner and three children, who are aged 12 years, nine years and eight months in the Bramhope area of Leeds. There is a primary school, toddler group, shops, play parks and mobile library within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a dog and a rabbit, which minded children have supervised access to.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children from one year to under eight years at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll aged from one year to six years, all are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has been a qualified Early Years Teacher since 1992.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene procedures to ensure that the home and equipment are kept clean. Children are beginning to understand about simple, good hygiene practices, such as hand washing as this is promoted when they visit the bathroom. However, it is not always promoted at other times, such as before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate written information to promote children's overall health is available, for example, details about exclusion periods for certain childhood illnesses, and is shared with parents. Accident and medication records are available and are well completed. However, the childminder has not yet requested written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for their child, should it be required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The menu and observation show that the childminder provides a good range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. She ensures that drinks are readily available for children to access independently. The childminder finds out about individual dietary requirements or family preferences from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity when playing in the garden, visiting local social groups and play parks. They also participate in dancing and action rhymes indoors and rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, the premises is kept secure, a suitable first aid box, fire blanket and smoke alarms available. Low level glass has been protected and the childminder has completed a risk assessment. A written emergency escape plan is in place, however, this has not yet been practiced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are kept safe when playing outdoors and when on outings, for example, the outdoor play area is kept secure and appropriate car safety seats are available if the car is used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is warm and welcoming for the children with a suitable range of toys and play materials readily available for them, including outdoor play equipment. Children have easy access to the resources and the childminder ensures that these are safe and suitable for use with regular checking routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately protected. The childminder understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put local procedures into practice when necessary. She demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the different areas of abuse and some possible signs.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a varied range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, they are observed participating in imaginative play with small figures and role play with dressing-up clothes. They also enjoy a good range of puzzles and board games. Children regularly visit toddler groups, school and nursery events and older children have access to a computer. They have some opportunities to learn about wider society and begin to appreciate their own culture and the cultural traditions of others. For example, through books and television programmes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem well when being praised and encouraged for their efforts, such as when completing jigsaw puzzles that they could not do at the beginning of the summer holidays. They show interest in what they do and enjoy the activities and resources available. Children have opportunities to be independent and use their initiative, for example, when deciding what they want to play with and what fruit they would like for snack. Younger children are learning to identify and name different animals in books and the sounds they make, with help from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities is well promoted as all children are included and involved. There are currently no children with any learning difficulties, disabilities, or who speak English as an additional language attending the setting. However, the childminder has a positive attitude about caring for children with additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being with the childminder and enjoy the activities available. They are settled and happy and make very positive relationships with adults and peers. Children are well behaved. The childminder has a very calm and relaxed manner with the children and demonstrates a good understanding of how to manage behaviour well and promote a positive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed of their child’s development and progress through regular discussions. Parents of younger children also receive written details about their child's day and development. Parents receive useful written details about the provision which includes education and activities. Some consent forms from parents are available and contract agreements are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive attitude towards personal development and has renewed her first aid qualification since the last inspection. She has also attended some child protection training and is booked onto a course relating to the new Early Years Foundation Stage, for early next year.

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Organisation

Attendance records and observation show that adult to child ratios are effectively maintained. Registers are kept up to date and accurate. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children and they receive good adult support and attention.

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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 Most documents and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date. However, the childminder has not kept Ofsted informed of significant events, which is a breach of regulations. 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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that low-level glass panels are made safe or inaccessible. Children's safety has improved as this recommendation has been fully addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to increase the range of resources which promote positive images of disability. This recommendation has started to be addressed and is ongoing. Children now have access to some resources which reflect wider society.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to obtain child protection contact details. Children's welfare is being safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has relevant documents and contact details readily available.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • encourage children to learn about personal hygiene consistently through the daily routine • practice the emergency escape plan • inform Ofsted of significant events.

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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 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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