Leeds Teaching and Learning Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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131150 Unique Reference Number 13 March 2008 Inspection date Hilary Elizabeth Tierney 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 lives in a detached five bedroom house in Charndon village, near Bicester. She shares her home with her husband and their two children, aged 14 and 17 years. Childminding takes place on the ground floor with one bedroom upstairs used for rest. There is a garden available for outside play. The family have two dogs and a rabbit. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992 and may provide care for six children under eight years of age. She currently has seven children under eight years and two children over eight years of age on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn healthy hygiene practices through careful routines the childminder has in place. She encourages children to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and being outside. All children use paper towels for hand drying. This helps to

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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 prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has a clear health and illness policy in place and no children attend when sick; if a child becomes ill at the setting parents are contacted immediately. Any accidents that children may have are recorded and shared with parents. Prior written parental permission is requested before any medication is administered to children. Clear records are kept and shared with parents when the childminder has administered medication to children. The childminder has not requested parental permission to seek emergency treatment for children should the need arise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good access to fresh air and exercise. They are taken on regular outings to the local parks and woods, and are able to play on the large physical play equipment in the enclosed garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand about healthy eating. The childminder provides healthy snacks for them during the day. Children were seen enjoying a snack of bananas and grapes. They eat happily and chat with the childminder, who sits with them. Parents provide packed lunches for their children. However, the childminder is able to provide meals should parents request it. Drinks are easily accessible and children are able to request more as and when required. The childminder has a good understanding and awareness regarding the special dietary needs of children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a well maintained, warm, friendly, clean and homely environment. They have access to a wide range of resources that are in good condition and of high quality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe as they play. The childminder has completed written risk assessments. All necessary precautions have been put in place. The front door remains locked when children are present, and the keys are within easy reach for the childminder. Suitably placed gates prevents children accessing areas unsupervised. Although the childminder has practised emergency evacuation procedures with children, she has done so infrequently, and so some children have never practised a fire drill. Parental permissions are in place for outings, vehicle travel and walks. A password system is used, if required, when carers collect children. The childminder has a clear outings procedure which enables her to keep children safe when away from her home. The childminder supervises children well at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a clearly written child protection policy in place and is clear about how she is able to safeguard children in her care. Records of childrens' existing injuries are recorded and shared with parents. The childminder is clear about the signs and indicators of abuse, and where to go for support and advice should she have a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home. They leave their parents willingly and start to play with the good selection of resources on offer. Children were observed playing with play dough with the childminder. There were good interactions between the childminder and children as they rolled, kneaded and cut out shapes. The childminder plans activities using the Birth to three matters framework and around children's interests; this helps her identify where children need extensions and development. She gets out resources that children love

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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 playing with; for example, one child attending enjoys playing with trains and the farm animals. The childminder gets these out before the child arrives. The child was seen playing happily with these items. They place the animals in the train and push it around the room. The childminder interacts with the child, talking about the type of animals they have and where they can be found. She uses open questions well to help the child think and learn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a selection of activities that are fun and interesting. Bikes and cars are used in the house when the weather does not allow them outside. They thoroughly enjoy riding round the kitchen table together. They are careful to all go the same way round. Careful explanations from the childminder ensure children understand why they need to go the same way round. Children interact well together and enjoy taking part in board games with the childminder. Children are able to select the game themselves; the childminder joins in after they have set it up. They all take part in this and have great fun as they collect the cards needed. Through playing board games children are beginning to learn about taking turns and sharing. Children have good opportunities to explore the wider world with regular trips around the village, local woods and animal farms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal care and concern. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how she would provide support for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Resources are balanced and reflect the diversity within the community. These are used effectively to help children understand the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talks to children in a calm, caring way, offering praise and encouragement when needed. Children are well-behaved. They are polite, confident and happy in their surroundings. They understand the rules and boundaries within the home. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistency between herself and the child's home. Incidents are recorded and shared with parents. A detailed written behaviour management policy is in place. Children interact well together as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents has developed. Policies and procedures are shared with parents, including the complaints procedure. There is a clear system for the recording of complaints, should any occur. Verbal communication is important to both childminder and parent, and an exchange of information about the child's day is shared at the end of the day. Daily diaries for the younger children are used by the childminder. Most parental permissions are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All legally required documentation is in place. The registration certificate is clearly displayed, which enables the parents to see the conditions of registration. The register is completed daily and contains children's hours of attendance. A visitors' book is used effectively. The childminder is committed to improvement, and has completed self evaluation sheets. These help her identify her strengths and weaknesses. All documentation well organised and kept secure. The childminder is aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider had one recommendation from the last inspection. This was to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. The childminder has increased her resources effectively and children are now encouraged to learn about the diversity within the community through well-planned activities.

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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): • ensure fire evacuation procedures are practised regularly with children and clear records kept • obtain written parental permissions to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children.

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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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