Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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320293 Unique Reference Number 18 October 2007 Inspection date Alison Margaret Walker 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 1997. She lives with her partner and their two children aged three and 11 years in Beeston, which is a residential suburb of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends a local carer and toddler group on regular basis. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Older children are beginning to understand why they need to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Effective arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and she ensures that she keeps this up-to-date.

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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 There is a fully stocked first aid kit available in the kitchen and also one for outings. A sickness policy is in place and parents sign to say they have read it.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have access to drinks at all times. These consist of milk, water and sugar free diluted juice. They receive a healthy range of snacks and meals, for example, homemade mince pie, omelettes, pasta, cheese, tuna and ham sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables. All food and drink provided is in agreement with the parents. All information on each child's individual dietary needs is recorded by the childminder accurately before the child starts attending. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical well-being. They play in the garden on a variety of small and large physical equipment, they enjoy walks to local places of interest and they visit the local park, library and toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is good evidence of children’s play and creative activity. The children enjoy attending very much; they settle well and are happy and confident. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. There is suitable low-level storage so children can see what is available. They have access to a very wide selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment which are safe and well maintained ensuring that the needs of all the children attending are fully met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes thorough steps to ensure the children's safety inside her home. All electric sockets are covered, doors are kept secure, a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen and the fire is guarded. Her fire evacuation procedure is practised with the children on a regular basis. She has contact details for the children close to hand so she can access these in the event of an emergency. The children are protected from persons who have not been vetted as they are closely supervised at all times by the childminder. The childminder's policies, procedures and documentation are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has done training and demonstrates sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing their confidence and self-esteem well. They are able to freely select from a wide range of quality resources. A young child accesses a toy computer to imitate an adult. Children are confidently acquiring new knowledge and skills, such as by reading about mini beasts and exploring outside to find various insects, such as spiders and snails. Younger children are learning how to handle books and are able to turn pages correctly. They can build a small tower with bricks, put bricks in and out of a box and use their imagination in role play. For example, pretending to make a cup of tea and feeding a doll with a bottle. They relate very well to the childminder and are extremely relaxed in her care. She gives them plenty of praise and encouragement and shows a very keen interest in their play by sitting at their level and initiating conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A varied range of enjoyable outings are organised to local places of interest, such as a toddler group, library and the local park. These enable the children to find out about their local area, to explore and socialise with other children. The childminder is highly motivated and significantly enhances the children's learning in all areas of their development.

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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. Partnership with parents is good. The childminder offers a flexible service to fit in with parents' work patterns. She works closely with all parents to meet children’s individual needs, such as dietary requirements, sleep patterns and administration of medication. Detailed information is collected on the children, their families, likes, dislikes, religion and health history. This is regularly updated with parents. Comprehensive information is given to prospective parents, for example, policies and procedures. The childminder feels it is important for prospective children and their parents to spend time with herself, her family and other minded children. This give them a clear picture of the childminding service that is being provided and enables them to make an informed choice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder shows a keen interest in building the children's self esteem by praise, encouragement and attention. Children in her care are valued and praised. Positive behaviour is encouraged by explanations and a consistent approach. They gain awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. For example, role play, books, food tasting and playing with dolls with different skin tones. Children are fully included in all activities and receive ongoing support and encouragement from the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good working knowledge of the National Standards. She understands how to interpret them in the best interests of the children she cares for and they form the basis for her concise and well written policies and procedures. These are clear, robust and work well in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to make a positive contribution. All the relevant documentation is in place and this contributes to the effective management of the childminding service she provides. All information on the children is stored confidentially but easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This is regularly shared with parents and updated. However, the childminder has not informed the regulator of significant events.

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Organisation

The children are very happy, settled and confident. This is because the childminder ensures the children have consistent routines. She uses her time, space and resources very well to create a stimulating, interesting and safe environment for the children. The children are closely supervised by the childminder and she always ensures that the adult to child ratios are maintained. 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 recommendations were raised for the childminder to develop child protection policies and procedures. Also to obtain written permission from parents to administer medication to children. These have all been addressed ensuring the children's health, safety and welfare is maintained.

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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. 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 the regulator is informed of any significant events.

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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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