Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320183 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 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 has been registered for 10 years and is currently caring for five children. She lives with her three children aged 19, 10 and three years. The family occupy a semi-detached house in Beeston, Leeds, close to local schools and shops. Minded children have access to the sitting room, kitchen and conservatory, all on the ground floor, and the bathroom upstairs. There is an enclosed outdoor area suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the Certificate in childminding practice level 3.

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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. For example, they play outdoors in the childminder's well equipped garden. They develop physical skills needed for climbing, sliding, riding and throwing through the use of tricycles, a slide, seesaw, bats and

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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 balls. Additionally, they walk to and from school each day and take regular visits to the park and soft play gym.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children develop a good understanding of hygiene routines through regular hand washing, for example, after visiting the toilet and before they eat. The childminder is a good role model for the children, she follows consistent nappy changing routines and keeps all food preparation areas clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's understanding of healthy eating is good. They try a variety of healthy ingredients at meal and snack times, for example, they help to make their own pizza and enjoy jacket potatoes and steamed vegetables. They know when they are thirsty and are able to have drinks of water throughout the day.

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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 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 fireguard, socket covers and smoke detectors are in place. Additionally, the home and outdoor area are secure and children are unable to leave unattended.

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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's safety is further promoted through the childminder's good understanding of how to protect children. She has attended child protection training, has a written child protection policy and a sound understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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, which enables the children to access them independently and safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's interest is stimulated by the activities provided and they are confident to help themselves to a very good range of toys and resources. They know that they need small world figures and find them easily in a low storage system. Each day the children are able to select from a very 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 effectively by the childminder who interacts well with the children and provides a language rich environment. She listens to what they have to say and supports their emerging language development through questioning and encouragement to talk about what they know.

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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 The children enjoy completing a puzzle and know that the picture is of cars. They mimic the sounds of engines and talk about the colours and numbers of the cars. They quickly become involved in small world play, placing figures into a camper van, looking for the 'mummy' figure and talking about families.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 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. Well presented development profiles, which include photographs and short written observations, provide parents with regular information about their children's progress and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good opportunities for the children to learn successfully about the local and wider community. For example, they access toys and resources which reflect a positive image of race, gender and disability. Additionally, they celebrate festivals and traditions, such as Eid, Chinese New Year and Christmas. They frequently visit the library, shops, schools and park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave very well, they respond positively to the childminder's words of encouragement and support, and understand what is expected of them. Their good behaviour is rewarded with praise and smiles as they begin to understand about sharing and taking turns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a very well organised environment. The childminder manages her time efficiently, ensuring that the children are well occupied and supported in planned and spontaneous activities. Most of the required documents are in place, such as accident and medication records. They are effectively organised, stored securely and easily accessible. However, the childminder does not have parents' written permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment.

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Organisation

The childminder is highly committed to her role and to keeping up to date with current childcare practice. For example, she attends numerous training opportunities which include, child protection, inclusion, 'Birth to three matters', Foundation Stage and food hygiene.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and supporting criteria. Relevant checks are carried out on all appropriate adults and effective systems are in place to protect children from persons who have not been vetted. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the partnership with parents with regard to sharing her child protection procedure. Since the last inspection the childminder now provides written and verbal information regarding her responsibility to protect the children in her care. All parents are provided with this information. This improvement contributes significantly toward the positive partnership with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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.

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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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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