Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320684 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2007 Inspection date Paula Fretwell 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her family in East Ardsley, a village close to the city of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has seven children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary schools.

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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 good. Children are healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and encourages their awareness of personal hygiene. Children see an informative hand-washing poster and they know a little rhyme which illustrates how to clean their hands properly. They know they need to use soap and the childminder encourages them to 'give them a really good rub' and they

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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 use paper towels to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children are not accepted if they are ill or infectious so that the health of all others is safeguarded. Minor accidents to children are recorded and parents are informed verbally, although there are no parental signatures on the accident record.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat food which is brought from home and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their dietary needs are met and that food is stored safely. Children are offered healthy snacks and they can access their drinks at any time so they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The childminder has an enclosed garden in which they can play and access large equipment suitable for their development needs. Children also enjoy regular trips outdoors to local places with the childminder where they can practise their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe in the very welcoming and child centred environment which is organised to promote their safety and security. A very good range of suitable play equipment and resources are available and accessible or within children's sight for them to choose from. The childminder joins in with children's play so that she can monitor the safe use of all resources. Large play equipment in the garden area is mostly safe. However, there is a large trampoline which does not have a safety net and although the childminder has clear rules for it's use, no risk assessment is in place. Indoors, children freely select what they would like to do and their independence is promoted well. They know what they need and can find what they want to support their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's awareness of their own safety is encouraged through everyday activities and discussion with the childminder. For example, when out and about they discuss safety when crossing roads or using traffic lights. Children know what to do in the event of a fire because this information is discussed and there is a clear evacuation plan in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded through the childminder's clear knowledge of how to identify and handle any child protection concerns or allegations. All necessary contact numbers are in place and the childminder is aware of how to safeguard children's well-being through regular training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. There are very good relationships with the childminder that support children's confidence and help them to make decisions. The childminder is very caring and has a very good knowledge of the needs of the individual children in her care, understanding what interests them in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide range of well planned activities enables children to learn through play. Children enjoy engaging in creative play as they enthusiastically join in to make artistic creations, such as sun catchers and paper chains. Their play is enhanced through effective interaction with the childminder and she joins in to extend their ideas. For example, children enjoy mixing colours of paint and the childminder enables them to experiment with this activity. Open-ended questions are asked to encourage children to think and she encourages them to make suggestions and the childminder listens carefully to what children say.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly regarded as individuals and the childminder ensures they feel valued in the setting. Their artwork is attractively displayed and they are proud of their creations. All children have fair opportunities to join in with all activities and the childminder ensures they are equally included. Children's appreciation of the needs of others is promoted through activities and available resources which show positive images. All children are encouraged to contribute to discussions and the childminder values what they say. Each child has their photograph on display in the playroom and this helps them to develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective age appropriate strategies are used to encourage children to behave well and the childminder uses plenty of praise with individual children which they respond well to. Children are given time to discuss what matters to them, such as their day at school and the childminder acknowledges their feelings. Children use good manners in their interaction with the childminder who is a good role model for desirable behaviour. Children are able to identify what is 'good' and 'bad' behaviour and the childminder compiles their views in a list so that everyone knows what is expected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships with parents and carers ensure children's individual needs are well met. Time is taken to exchange relevant information daily and parents are very happy with the care their children receive. Children's progress is recorded through examples of their art work and photographs, and these are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the friendly, welcoming, well organised environment in which they can access their own resources. Toys are stored in containers within the playroom which means children can select and tidy away. Activity areas are well set out so that children can use resources effectively. For example, they use the kitchen table for creative art and craft activities and the main playroom for other toys.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her space well so children are cared for according to their needs and individual time is spent with the children as their needs require. The childminder is very aware of the need to develop her own skills and knowledge through training, which enhances the care for the children.

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Organisation

Documentation which supports the childminding practice is mostly in place, up to date and filed confidentially. Written policies and procedures which clearly set out the expectations of the setting are shared with parents.

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Organisation

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 hand drying procedures for children. This matter has been addressed and children use paper towels which promotes hygienic practice.

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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.

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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 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): • carry out a risk assessment in respect of children using the trampoline • obtain parents' signatures against accident records to show they have been informed.

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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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