Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320664 Unique Reference Number 11 February 2008 Inspection date Linda Filewood 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her family in Beeston, a suburb of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the same floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and nursery to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is satisfactorily promoted. They are cared for in a clean home, the childminder takes appropriate positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and children are beginning to understand about basic hygiene. They know to wash their hands properly after using the

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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 toilet, before mealtimes and after playing outside. However, they do not use individual towels to help prevent the spread of infection, although a clean towel is available each day. Hygienic procedures are in place for nappy changing. Children receive appropriate care if they become unwell or have an accident as the childminder has a current first aid qualification, systems are in place for recording accidents and parents are informed and asked to sign. The childminder does not give medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from eating mostly healthy meals and snacks throughout the day and know to ask for drinks whenever they are thirsty. The childminder is aware of the children's individual dietary needs through discussions with their parents. She caters for children's food preferences and children have some choice in the food they eat. Children are aware of why they should not eat certain foods and know, for instance, that chocolate or fizzy drinks are not good for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy regular physical activity during walks to and from school. On trips to the park they have opportunity to use large play equipment, such as the slide, swing and roundabout. The childminder recognises that children require periods of rest during the day and young children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good awareness of health and safety and all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks. For example, electric smoke alarms are installed and areas of the home not used for minding are gated off. Children are cared for in a well maintained, safe, secure and child friendly home. A low table and small chairs are available for young children so that they enjoy craft activities in comfort. Toys and equipment are age appropriate, checked and cleaned regularly to ensure that children play safely with a good range of resources. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children to easily access the resources and encourages their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well supervised both inside and outside the setting. They learn about how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular fire evacuation drills, discuss where to cross the road and understand the reasons for the house rules. On outings older children know to walk next to the pram or pushchair and they all wear bright over-vests on dark mornings and afternoons so that they can be clearly seen on the way to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection, is fully aware of the types of abuse and the signs to look out for and understands the importance of safeguarding her family. She records any concerns she might have and knows the correct procedures for reporting her concerns. Effective systems are in place to ensure that only those authorised to do so collect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides the children with a suitable range of activities and play opportunities that encourage their development. They are very confident in the setting and comfortable in their relationship with the childminder. There is continuous positive interaction between them and they chatter happily to other adults, talking about what they like doing and what they understand. The children's imagination, learning and language are encouraged through suitable

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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 everyday activities. For instance, young children watch older children play with the dolls and kitchen and copy them by 'making' a cup of tea or feeding the 'baby'. Children are encouraged to be independent and choose their own toys and activities. For example, they enjoy books and help themselves from a satisfactory selection, mostly suitable for their stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy taking part in a good variety of play opportunities that extend their creativity and imagination. They enjoy role play and dress up, choosing from an extensive variety of costumes. The childminder also plans some structured activities such as arts and crafts and baking. The children enjoy making cards for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, when they talk about who they are going to give their cards to. All children enjoy playing games that are suitable for their age and ability. This improves the children's concentration skills, teaches them to play by the rules and the use of games, such as number dominoes, teaches young children to count and recognise number patterns. Younger children are beginning to learn to play alongside other children as they visit other childminders. During school holidays the children enjoy outings further afield, often travelling by bus to visit a tropical house, for example, to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

see exotic butterflies, which they draw or paint on their return.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are suitably met. All children, regardless of gender, have access to the full range of activities and resources. They are supported in gaining an understanding about the wider world by accessing a satisfactory range of play resources. However, the resources that support children's understanding of disability are limited. They learn appropriately about their local community during outings to the park, local school and nursery. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities but demonstrates a suitable understanding of providing an inclusive environment for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are encouraged to share, cooperate in their play and receive appropriate praise and encouragement when they play well together. The childminder encourages children to understand right from wrong and older children are able to explain the simple house rules such as not jumping on the furniture. If children behave inappropriately they are provided with explanations about why the behaviour is not acceptable and they know that they have time away from activity as a result.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A satisfactory partnership with parents is established. The childminder respects parent's wishes and obtains sufficient information to make sure she meets the children's daily needs. For example, she finds out about food preferences, special words for the toilet or any comforter the child might have. Time is taken at the beginning and end of each day to share information verbally so that children receive continuity in their care. The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents at the time of placement to inform them about the service she offers. However, she has not fully updated her knowledge of the change in recording any complaints she might receive, in line with regulations. Parents of new children are offered a flexible settling in period so that their children are comfortable with the childminder before being left for the first time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children freely use the space available in a welcoming, homely environment. They are well supervised at all times and young children who sleep in a pram are securely harnessed. All children have safe access to a good range of resources. Children are settled and familiar with the fixed routine of school and nursery runs. The childminder exchanges sufficient information with parents so that they are aware of their child's activities. She has maintained her first aid certificate but has not undertaken any other training to enhance the care for the children or to become familiar with changes affecting her childminding role.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place, including a record of children’s times of attendance. The number of children in place at any one time is low so they receive a good level of support and individual attention to ensure their individual needs are appropriately met. The storage of children’s personal information and parental consents is individual to each child and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder uses a sufficient range of policies and procedures to satisfactorily promote the welfare, care and safety of children and these are shared verbally with parents. 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 obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency treatment or medical advice and to make sure that existing injuries, all accidents and medication given were recorded and signed by parents. These recommendations have been met improving the safety and welfare of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended that the childminder developed an awareness and understanding of effective ways to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of ensuring that any inappropriate behaviour is managed in a way that takes account of realistic expectations of children's differing abilities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A further recommendation was made to consider how more activities and resources could be provided for children under two years, which encouraged them to explore natural materials and enhanced their sensory experiences. The childminder provides children with resources that are made from a variety of materials, including wood and children are encouraged to learn using all their senses.

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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.

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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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Complaints 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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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): • ensure good hygiene practices are put in place regarding hand drying • ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources that promote the positive image of disability • improve knowledge and develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations • further develop professional knowledge to enhance the care for the children and to become familiar with changes affecting the childminding role.

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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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