Childminder in LeedsOfsted inspection, 21 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299654 Inspection date 21 September 2005 Inspector Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 March 2005. She lives with her husband and two younger children. The family live in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There are garden areas for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time, and is currently minding 2 children. These children are aged between 3-years-old and under 1-year-old. Both are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder collects from the local school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They actively learn about healthy eating through a good selection of healthy snacks. Children respond positively at snack time as they look forward to it. They choose where to sit and help themselves to the snack. Children can easily access drinks at all times from the kitchen table, which are clearly labelled with their names. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs, as they are discussed with parents and recorded on contracts. Recently, the childminder attended a healthy eating course, which resulted in different types of fruit being provided. Children are experiencing new tastes and widening their likes and dislikes. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. Clear procedures are in place, ensuring that good standards of hygiene are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about the importance of keeping clean, through regular discussions with the childminder and undertaking cleanliness routines themselves. For example, children use wipes to clean their hands, including very young children. The childminder makes good arrangements to ensure that food is stored and prepared appropriately. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Good arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. However, permission to administer emergency first aid is limited as it is not recorded. A written policy is in place regarding medication. This is fully implemented and shared with parents. Good arrangements are in place to meet children's rest and sleeping needs. The childminder talks to the children about keeping healthy and eating well. Children take part in physical play activities on a daily basis. For example, walking to school as well

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Helping children to be healthy

as playing in the garden areas, which they enjoy.

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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 warm and well maintained home. Parents, children and visitors are welcomed warmly on arrival. Toys are already set out so that children can start playing straight away. The children enjoy coming to the childminders, they have settle well, are happy and contented. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. The children have access to a good range of age appropriate toys and furniture that effectively meets their needs. Toys are stored in the playroom ensuring that children have easy and independent access to them. All toys and equipment are maintained in good condition. They are checked to ensure they are suitable for their purpose. A local toy library is used to supplement the toy provision. This ensures that all areas of learning are covered.

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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 Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around safely and freely. The children are kept safe and free from harm because the childminder has a good awareness of risks to the children's health and safety. For example, the kitchen door is shut to prevent younger children wandering in unsupervised. Children are protected from persons who are not vetted, as they are closely supervised at all times. Good arrangements are in place for collection of children with authorised persons only allowed to collect children. The childminder has all procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has an appropriate understanding of child protection procedures that are in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled in the care of the childminder and are comfortable in approaching her. She is aware of their individual needs and recognises when they need support and reassurance. For example, when putting a jigsaw together. They may require help in locating the exact position or rotation of the jigsaw piece. The childminder is kind and attentive towards the children and is very interested in what they say and do. She asks suitable questions that make children think. The childminder responds with positive praise and encouragement. Children's confidence is developing well as the childminder values their contribution. Independence is encouraged with children able to self select toys to play with. They also can make choices as to what they want to do. The children co- operate well and share toys with each other. Children take part in a comprehensive range of activities that develop their all round

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning. Activities that are age appropriate include physical play, creative activities and role play. Themes such as 'texture' have been explored. As a result, children's tactile experiences and new word skills have been extended. They can determine what is rough and what is smooth. Children often enjoy going to the shop to buy ingredients before undertaking a baking activity. They are also developing an awareness of their local environment through visits to the school, the Sure Start Centre and park. Improvised activities are also undertaken with everyday activities, such as, coasters. The younger children enjoy playing 'coasters' as they can bang them and post them into the container. Children are interested in their play and are given time to complete their play before moving onto another activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are recognised as individuals and their individual needs are met. For example, sleep patterns are incorporated into daily routines. Children have a warm relationship with the childminder and relate well to each other.

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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 children have access to a range of resources, which reflect positive images, such as, books and videos. Although children are not learning about festivals other than their own. All children have access to activities and toys regardless of gender. The childminder would care for children with special needs, if required. She is aware of the importance of working closely and confidentially with parents and other agencies, where necessary. As the childminder spends time with children supporting their play, their behaviour is good. Children receive praise throughout the day with the childminder recognising their achievements. Good arrangements are in place to manage behaviour and the childminder understands why children may misbehave. There is good communication between the childminder and parents. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discusses children's daily routines and individual needs with parents. This ensures that children feel secure. Confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a safe, secure, organised and supportive environment for children. Consequently, children are settled and happy. Children undertake a variety of activities that develop their learning and play. Organised resources and activities ensure that children move freely and safely around the home. Documentation is in place except for written permission to seek emergency advice and or treatment. The childminder has completed both her first aid course and the Introduction to Childminding Practice course. She is aware of legal requirements, such as, notifying Ofsted of any changes. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration Ofsted have not received any complaints about this provider.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment permission is obtained from parents in writing in the future • ensure that activities include festivals celebrated by different cultures

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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