Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276691 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown 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 since November 2003. She is registered to care for six children under eight years and currently has 13 children on roll, 11 of which are under eight. She lives with her husband and three children aged 19, 17 and 15 years. They live in the Ireland Wood area of Leeds. The childminder takes to and collects children from toddler groups, pre-school groups and primary schools. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have two dogs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. They actively learn about healthy eating through a diet that is well balanced, nutritious and complies with individual dietary needs. Meal and snack time is both enjoyable and a social occasion as children sit together and chat about what they have been doing. The childminder has a good

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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 understanding of hygiene practices in the kitchen to ensure that food preparation is carried out safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn how to make snacks, such as crispy buns. This is recorded for children to look at and the childminder has noted what children are learning. For example, how many buns there are and reminding children not to lick the spoon before they have finished. Children have very good opportunities to have regular drinks. They access their own cups and beakers and ask for more when finished.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, children who have an infectious illness are not cared for. Accident and medication records are up to date and contain all required parents' consents. The childminder has clearly identified what will happen in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good standards of hygiene are maintained throughout the house. Children are learning about the importance of keeping clean as they undertake routine hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using the bathroom. The childminder acts as a good role model and children learn to clean their hands with hand gels after nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about the importance of keeping themselves healthy and have very good opportunities to develop physical skills as they visit parks and play dens. Children make good use of their bodies when carrying out actions to songs and rhymes. Children have good opportunities to rest when they want to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where excellent use of space is made. Children move around effectively with their play although they understand that messy activities are undertaken in the play room. Children are independent when using the bathroom as they easily access it as it is situated on the ground floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are colourful, interesting to play with and in sufficient numbers. Toys challenge children’s play and help develop their skills. All areas of learning are covered including creative, physical, language and mathematical play. Children make good decisions about their play and choose what to do and where. The childminder ensures that children have very good resources that promote equal opportunities. Children freely access resources from storage cupboards and containers. However, creative materials are not easily accessible and children cannot freely develop their creative ideas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear detailed safety policy effectively covers all areas, including allowing authorised persons only to collect children. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home, for example, children are supervised at all times. The childminder has all procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. An evacuation notice is displayed as well as being practised regularly. Appropriate insurance is held for both the car and childminding. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of child protection procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and enjoy coming to the childminder's. They relate very well to each other and learn to cooperate and share equipment. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs and recognises when they need support. Children take part in a broad range of activities including creative, physical and role play. The routine allows time for activities that are both planned and spontaneous. The childminder is very flexible and activities are quickly arranged and put away.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

When children express an interest in chickens the childminder asks if they would like to look at a story book about chickens. Children's excitement at this request is valued by the childminder as they go to look for the book. Children enjoy looking at familiar books, they name characters and even put themsleves and their friends into the story. The childminder supports children's language development through discussions about everyday scenarios. Children enjoy singing songs and rhymes. They learn about the order of numbers and are beginning to understand mathematical language, such as taller. Older children undertake their homework whilst at the childminder's and she supports them in this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's imagination is developed through good use of role play situations, for example, younger children enjoy making cups of tea using coloured water. Children use resources well when acting out roles, such as dancing as a fairy would. Children take part in creative activities where they make flower pots containing paper flowers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing an awareness of the wider community through visiting parks and local play facilities. Younger children attend nursery and toddler groups where they socialise with other children. The childminder encourages children to make decisions about where they would like to visit during the school holidays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show good interest in activities and talk about what they are doing. The childminder asks appropriate questions to encourage children to look at what they are doing. She is effective in making activities interesting. The childminder shows good interest in the children's day as she asks children how their day was at nursery. Children are very involved in their play especially with activities, such as role play including dressing up clothes and small world play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children are independent as they can self select toys and resources to play with, such as children choosing a DVD when wanting a rest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a very clear statement about her provision and how it provides suitable care for children. Individual needs and routines are followed by the childminder and these form part of discussions with parents. Daily information is shared with parents both verbally and in written form. Comprehensive policies and procedures are discussed with parents including the complaints procedure and application forms. However, the complaints policy contains the wrong contact telephone number for Ofsted. The childminder also discusses with parents and agrees how children's needs are to be met. This information is recorded on children's registration forms. Parents sign to say they have read some of the polices.

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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 The childminder increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. This is through a good selection of resources which reflect positive images of people and religions from around the world. Toys include play figures, jigsaws, dolls and books. Resources also positively reflect disabilities. The childminder has experience of caring for children with a disability. She understands how to meet the needs of children with a disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear understanding of how to manage children's behaviour. A well developed policy includes the childminder acting as a positive role model for children. Encouragement to say please and thank you at appropriate times is developed through everyday activities. Children are constantly praised, as the childminder recognises their responsible behaviour, for saying thank you, being kind and sharing equipment. The childminder provides good support as she is close to the children at all times. Methods used to manage children's behaviour are age appropriate. These include gently talking to them about their behaviour. Older children have made a poster about being kind. Children understand the house rules, such as be polite.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in the childminder's care. They move freely around the home, making independent choices about their learning and play. The welfare, care and learning of children is promoted through the use of effective policies and procedures. All required documentation is in place and kept in a secure and confidential manner. Parents are kept informed both through documents and verbally about their child's care needs. Children's daily routines are followed, providing an organised and supportive environment for children to develop in.

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Organisation

A comprehensive policy file for parents including a complaints procedure has been drawn up by the childminder. She is fully aware all of the legal requirements and she has a good understanding of the National Standards. The childminder continues to update her child care knowledge. For example, she has attended training courses related to first aid, child protection, the Early Years Foundation Stage, and inclusion training. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure children were familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure and to keep a record of this. The provider has put into place a clear procedure to ensure that an emergency evacuation practice is undertaken on a monthly basis and she keeps a record of this.

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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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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 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): • amend the complaints procedure to include the correct Ofsted telephone number • develop ways in which children can access creative materials more easily.

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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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