Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

319527 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Ann Webb Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1981. She lives with her husband and two adult children, they have pet budgerigars. They live in a house in the Moortown area of Leeds. There are shops, toddler groups, pre-school groups, park and primary schools, within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and one of the bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to a local education nursery class on a regular basis. There are currently three children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children learn effectively about healthy eating. They try fruit throughout the day and record what they have eaten on a chart on the wall. Their meals are balanced and nutritious and they enjoy beans, cheese and yogurts for their lunch. During the day the children are encouraged to drink a good amount of fluids and can choose between water and fruit juice.

p.2

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 There are daily opportunities for the children to have fresh air and exercise, for example, they play in the childminder's garden on a large trampoline and ride around on tricycles. During trips to the park they collect conkers and leaves for collage. Additionally, they enjoy outings to soft play gyms.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children contribute effectively toward their own hygiene routines and know to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before they eat. The childminder is a good role model for the children and maintains all areas in a clean and well maintained condition.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children's health and well-being is further promoted through a clear sickness policy and the effective management of children's illnesses. They are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own routines.

p.3

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 and 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.

p.3

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. The children learn effectively to contribute toward their own safety and they know when they hear the alarm they have to leave the house quickly. Additionally, they follow road safety procedures during visits and outings.

p.3

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. However, there is no written risk assessment for the use of the trampoline in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Their safety is further promoted through the childminder's appropriate understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. For example, she knows who to contact if she is concerned about the welfare of the children in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy and participate in a good range of activities which are supported well with resources and equipment, for example, they quickly become involved in role play. They decide to be fairies and princesses and seek out the items of clothing, head dresses, shoes and select pieces of jewellery to complete the outfit. They are proud of their accomplishments and parade around waving a wand. Their play is supported and encouraged by the childminder who skilfully introduces words to develop the children's language and imaginations.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children receive lots of personal attention and flourish in the childminder's care. They enjoy the chatter and conversations and join in confidently. In quieter moments they sit together to watch their favourite television characters. The childminder plans a range of activities which are both enjoyable and educational, for example, the children have bug hunts in the garden

p.3

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 and monster hunts in the park. Planning is flexible which provides good opportunities for the childminder to respond to the individual interests and developmental needs of the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the resources and play materials are easily accessible which enables the children to successfully manage their independence and make their own choices. They are learning to share and to take turns through joining in games and activities with their peers.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder manages the children's behaviour well and the children understand their boundaries. 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.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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. 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are well supported and fully included. Their individual care needs are well met and the childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a well organised and effective service for children and their families. Most of the required records and documents are in place and are easily accessible, for example, her certificate of registration is clearly displayed, accident and medication records are well documented and children details and registration forms are complete. However, the childminder does not have written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.4

Organisation

The children benefit from the childminder's commitment to keeping up to date with current childcare practice. She attends relevant training opportunities, for example, equal opportunities, which has a positive impact on the childcare provision.

p.4

Organisation

The children are cared for in a happy, homely, loving environment and consequently they are confident, settled and comfortable in their surroundings. Overall, the provision meets the range of the needs of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the planning of a range of activities, to ensure that sleeping children are consistently monitored and to share written policies and procedures with parents.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder plans activities which cover all children's developmental needs, planning is flexible to ensure that children can develop their own ideas and to enable the childminder to be flexible. Children who sleep on the first floor are checked at regular intervals and a baby monitor is also available. Aspects of the childminding provision are written into policies. These are shared with parents. These improvements successfully contribute toward the well-being and care of the children.

p.5

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • devise a written risk assessment regarding the use of the trampoline.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5