Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

319859 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 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 May 1993. She lives with her husband, two adult children and a child of one year in a house in Middleton, Leeds, where local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently four children on roll, of these, two are aged over eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are good opportunities for the children to learn about healthy eating. For example, they have chicken and broccoli or ham and bread for their lunch. Snacks include fruit, vegetable sticks and raisins. Additionally, they try foods from other cultures, such as rice and pasta. Drinks

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 are readily available and the children know that when they are thirsty they can help themselves to drinks.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to successfully develop their physical skills through walking to and from school, playing in the garden and visits to the park and wildlife centres. They climb, balance, slide, run and jump during physical play and have sufficient space indoors to stretch out and play in comfort.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

A clear sickness policy and the management of childhood infections further ensures that children's health is effectively promoted. The children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own sleep patterns and their parents' wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children access an appropriate range of furniture and equipment which is suitable for their ages. For example, furniture is child sized and high chairs are fitted with safety harnesses. The childminder checks resources to ensure that they are safe for the children's use, any broken items are discarded and replaced. 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

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 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. The children learn about contributing toward their own safety and regularly rehearse emergency evacuations.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic knowledge of how to protect the children in her care. However, she does not have the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She ensures that children are only collected by authorised adults and thoroughly checks the identification of all visitors to the home.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children access a good range of activities which include books, construction, role play, small world play, music and art and craft. They quickly become interested in completing puzzles; they consider the pieces and make good attempts to complete the jigsaw independently. The childminder recognises when the children need her support and when they are able to play independently.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of the children. She ensures that the activities and recourses are suitable for their stages of understanding and stimulate the older and more able children.

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 During an activity of looking at books the children identify their favourite characters. They eagerly turn pages to reveal the pictures and sit happily with the childminder, enjoying the closeness and individual attention. The children are settled and confident. They know where their toys are stored and can make independent choices.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The interaction between the children and the childminder is positive. They are able to make their needs know and are happy to communicate with adults and their peers. The childminder encourages the children to talk about their interests, engaging them in conversations which extend and develop their emerging language skills,

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. 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.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the professional relationships between the childminder, parents and carers. A settling in period helps the children to become familiar with their surroundings and ensures that parents receive details of the service provided. Additionally, written contracts and written parental agreements ensure that all aspects of care are discussed and agreed. However, details of how to contact Ofsted are not up to date.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have suitable opportunities to become familiar with the local community through visits to the nearby park, shops and schools. They have an appropriate understanding of the diversity of the community in which they live and access toys and resources which suitably reflect positive images of race, gender and disability, such as books, small world figures and role play.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from a well organised environment. For example, the childminder manages her time effectively and plans for the children's activities flexibly around their individual attendance patterns. All the required records are in place, such as, medication and accidents. These are well documented, signed by parents, stored securely and easily accessible.

p.4

Organisation

The children benefit from good levels of adult support and guidance. They are supervised well and the childminder ensures that they are occupied and stimulated with a variety of planned and spontaneous activities.

p.4

Organisation

Key information such as insurance details and the certificate of registration are prominently displayed and ensure that parents are fully aware of the service offered. The childminder keeps up to date with some areas of childcare practice, for example, she has attended a learning through play course. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range 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 an aspect of record keeping and to share child protection procedure with parents. Since the last inspection the childminder has implemented a system to record significant incidents and verbally informs parents of her child protection procedures. These improvements appropriately support the children's safety and welfare.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

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 a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • provide parents with the correct information regarding Ofsted.

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