Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

320841 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Melissa Louise Patel 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 lives in the Pudsey area of Leeds close to local schools, shops and transport services. She is currently caring for four children under eight years and one child over eight years on a full and part time basis. The childminder lives in the home with her family including her daughter aged nine years. She has a pet dog and pet rabbits. She uses the lounge and the dining kitchen for childminding and there is also a front and rear garden for outdoor play. There is some access to the first floor in the home. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. There are clear hygiene procedures in place which are followed to promote the children's good health. For example, the children use individual hand towels which help prevent the spread of any possible infection. The children explain which is their towel. They recognise it by the colour. They are learning good self-care skills. For example, they frequently clean their teeth whilst at the childminders and they are

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 encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, such as after toileting, before snack and after messy play activities. The children's welfare is supported effectively as there are clear accident, emergency and medication procedures in place.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat nutritious meals. For example, the children eat a variety of organic foods, such as chicken and different breads. They eat healthy snacks, such as bananas and seeds. The children drink healthy drinks, such as organic milk and juice. In addition, water is readily available for them. The children's dietary requirements are met through working closely with the parents and through following the written healthy eating plan which is shared with parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children's physical skills are developing well. For example, the children can move around the environment freely indoors and there is lots of space for young children to explore by crawling or walking dependant on their age and ability. Children receive regular fresh air in the garden and on outings. They use a very good range of equipment in the garden, such as a swing, see-saws and equipment that they can ride and push and pull. In addition, the children can climb the steps in the outdoor play house and use their imagination whilst exercising outdoors. Children also visit the park nearby and go on visits to the farm. This means that they have lots of opportunities to have exercise and therefore start to develop their understanding of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment where they can move around independently and stay safe. For example, they can use a range of resources that are of good quality, stored appropriately, and risks are identified and minimised. The children are learning about keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety whilst out on outings. The children can tell you that they have to look out for cars. The children are kept safe as the childminder uses appropriate equipment to keep them secure dependent on their age. Children benefit as there are clear fire evacuation procedures in place. In addition, there is a clear plan in place for the children to practice this procedure to enable them to start to learn the importance of fire safety awareness.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected effectively through the childminder's clear understanding of the safeguarding procedures that are in place. In addition, there is a supporting safeguarding policy in place. However, the government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused: summary' is not in place, in order to provide guidance to further enhance the children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit as they are cared for in a bright and stimulating environment. For example, the rooms let in plenty of light and there are displays that show children enjoying themselves on outings. In addition, there are educational displays, such as number and shape charts which support the children's learning. The children are developing their independence effectively. For example, they can choose from a range of good quality resources that are set out for them and they can select their own resources freely. This is because the resources are organised well. Children are settled and they relate well to the childminder. They demonstrate this as they are confident. For example, they talk freely to the childminder and ask questions. They benefit because they receive good individual attention from the childminder and therefore they are

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 secure. Children experience a variety of outdoor activities and go on regular outings. Their care needs are met effectively, for example, their nappies are changed when needed and they eat at appropriate times.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children also benefit from the childminder's good understanding of the children's different ages and stages of development. This means that the activities provided link well to their abilities and to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. For example, children are developing their communication skills well through discussion and stories. They experiment by making sounds, using a range of musical instruments, such as shakers and drums and they enjoy these activities. The childminder asks the children effective questions, such as 'What colour is this?' and 'What shape is that?'. Children receive comfort and reassurance when they are tired. They experiment with different colour paints using their hands and paint brushes developing their fine motor skills effectively. There are clear records kept on the activities children do and their development. However, the documentation does not make it fully clear how it links to the 'Birth

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to three matters' framework, in order to further enhance the information available to support the children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to behave positively through receiving praise and reassurance from the childminder through everyday activities and routines. For example, they receive praise whilst naming different colours and washing their hands. Children receive good individual attention from the childminder which helps promote their self-worth and therefore promotes positive behaviour. In addition, the children all receive a small reward at the end of the week for their individual achievements.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning positively about diversity through using a range of resources, such as books and toys. They also join in cultural events, such as Chinese New Year, for example, they learn which animal relates to their birthday in the Chinese New Year and they enjoy a meal at a local Chinese restaurant.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's consistency of care is effectively promoted. This is because the childminder works in partnership with the parents by providing useful information through discussion at the beginning and the end of the day. In addition, there is a good range of documentation which is shared with the parents, such as policies and procedures to include a clear complaints procedure and children's individual record files.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a safe and effectively organised environment, which supports their care and learning well. For example, they can independently use a varied range of activities and resources that are readily available indoors and a very good range outdoors in the garden. They receive good individual attention to support their individual needs. In addition, provision is arranged for children to use a good range of outdoor resources on outings to the park and on trips.

p.4

Organisation

The documentation to support the children's welfare is effective, for example, there are clear health and safety procedures in place. The children benefit from the childminder attending

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 regular training courses, such as safeguarding children and first aid. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to maintain accurate records of children's attendance. The childminder has ensured that these records are maintained in line with the National Standards for childminding. This improves procedures to support the children.

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): • update the documentation to include the booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused: summary' • extend the children's activity and development files in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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