Childminder in LeedsOfsted inspection, 15 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY200414 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Ingrid Szczerban

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and four children aged 12 ,13, 14 years and one who is an adult. She has a second adult daughter who stays periodically. They have a semi-detached house, in the Meanwood area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and one bedroom on the first floor, is used for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part time basis.

p.2

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 The childminder walks or drives to a local school to take and collect children. She regularly attends parent and toddler groups, goes swimming with children and 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 warm stimulating and caring environment where effective procedures and practices ensure that children's physical, nutritional and health needs are fully addressed. The childminder provides very good support and guidance to ensure that children develop a good understanding of hygiene, such as washing hands after toileting and before eating. She reads stories such as "Clean, Brush and Scrub" with children so that they learn about how to prevent the spread of infection and children know that germs can make them poorly. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene guidelines. For example, high standards of cleanliness are maintained in the home. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have regular access to physical activities both indoors and outdoors, such as the use

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

of bikes, bats and balls and they are taken on regular outings to parks, playgrounds and the swimming baths. The childminder gives high priority to the individual children's needs for rest and sleep to ensure they remain healthy. The childminder fosters the children's understanding of good eating habits by providing healthy and nutritious foods including fresh fruit and vegetables. She tries to extend the range of foods children eat including unfamiliar ones such as avocado. Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet their needs. Children respond well to routine and sit at the table to enjoy their meals and the social experience. They are beginning to learn about foods that are good for them and are given choices such as, the option of white or brown bread.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good use is made of the space available and children have plenty of freedom to move around the whole of the ground floor independently. The rooms used by children are bright and airy, their art work is displayed making children feel welcome and valued. Children are kept safe because the childminder has considered and minimised all potential hazards both on the premises and when taking children on outings. Children learn how to keep themselves and others from harm. For example, children know not to walk in front of the swings in the park. Children freely access an excellent range of toys and equipment which are safe, developmentally appropriate and of good quality. For example, their toys and books are stored at child height and the childminder uses harnesses provided on equipment for younger children such as high chairs and push chairs to keep them from harm.

p.3

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 The childminder fully understands child protection issues and has a comprehensive written procedure to follow, should the need arise, thereby ensuring that children's welfare needs are met.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their warm relationships with the childminder. They are happy, very well settled and receive plenty of reassuring cuddles for example, when they are hungry or tired. Children benefit from regular routines planned around their needs which contributes to their emotional well-being. For example, high priority is given to providing regular meals and sleep times. Children experience an extensive range of activities both inside and outside the home which expand learning in all areas of their development. Children are eager to learn and motivated in their play. The childminder endorses child-led creativity as she encourages children to sing their own made up songs when playing musical instruments. Children communicate well because the childminder asks questions to make older children think and when changing babies she talks about what she is doing and they smile and make contented sounds in response. Social skills are enhanced by

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attending groups and children are learning to understand about the world on nature walks and during visits to a local farm. Children get on well together and with adults. Consistent support and meaningful praise raises children's confidence in their own abilities. For example, older children are praised for being patient when the childminder's attention is briefly drawn to satisfy the needs of younger ones.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very effectively met through a variety of means including information received from parents at the gradual induction of the child. The childminder ensures that resources positively represent individuals from the wider community which helps children develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder has a very good awareness of positive behaviour management techniques to enhance children's well being. Children are well behaved and display very good manners. For example, when children are asked if they would like another drink, "no thank you" is the immediate response. Lots of praise and encouragement was observed to be offered to children, boosting confidence and self esteem. Children benefit from the very good partnership developed between childminder and parents. Children are cared for according to parents wishes which promotes continuity of care and their well being. There are very effective systems in place to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the child's progress and daily

p.4

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 activities. For example, through daily chats, written feedback and individual scrap books, filled with photographs and samples of children's artwork.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space is effectively organised to meet the needs of the children so that they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. For example, they move freely between activities inside and outdoors and can independently reach their toys. The children receive excellent levels of individual time and attention from the childminder. Routines are organised around the needs of children demonstrating the childminder's high regard for their well being. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's good awareness of vetting procedures for adults and adult-child ratios are maintained appropriately. The childminder keeps accurate, up to date records which comply with requirements in the National Standards. She has most written permissions from parents regarding the care needs of children with the exception of permission to seek emergency medical treatment. Documentation is adequately organised.

p.5

Organisation

The range of policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop a system for recording the planning of activities. The childminder has implemented the use of scrap books for each child which include photographs of children engaged in activities and samples of their art work. This type of record boosts children's self-esteem and improves the sharing of information with parents.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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 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): • request parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice

p.6

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

p.6

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.6