Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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501853 Unique Reference Number 13 February 2008 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and 12 years in Garforth, which is a residential suburb of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor is 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 under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for eight children aged between six months and 12 years on both a part-time and a full-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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children clearly understand the importance of taking regular drinks as a way to maintain their health and know when they are thirsty and hungry. They independently access drinks throughout the day. The childminder provides a good range of healthy meals and nutritious snacks. The

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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 children thoroughly enjoy their midmorning snack of strawberries, orange, apples and grapes. Older children comment that fruit is healthy and good for them. The childminder is fully aware of individual dietary requirements and preferences, which are discussed in full with parents. Children stay healthy because the childminder practises good hygiene with them. She explains to them about the importance of washing their hands. Children wash their hands independently and talk about getting rid of germs. The childminder has a downstairs cloakroom where the children have their own individual towels, which prevents the risk of cross-infection, and these are laundered regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder keeps her first aid training up to date. There is a fully stocked first aid kit available in the kitchen and also a separate one which is taken on outings. Policies are in place regarding sickness, accidents and administration of medicines. These are fully implemented. Medication records are accurately kept. There are plenty of opportunities for the children to access fresh air and exercise. They visit local places of interest where they are able to run, walk, skip, jump and play on physical equipment. Children are able to rest and sleep comfortably according to their individual needs, routines and their parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for very well in an inviting, secure and safe environment. Parents, children and visitors are very warmly welcomed on arrival. There is good evidence of children’s play and creative activity. The children's creative work is displayed imaginatively and there are welcoming posters. The children enjoy attending very much; they settle well and are happy and confident. Low-level storage of play materials enables children to see what is available and they freely select toys with confidence. They have access to a very wide selection of age-appropriate of 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 very thorough steps to ensure the children's safety inside her home, for example, electric sockets are covered, safety gates are used and all dangerous objects and substances are locked away. The childminder ensures the children's safety further by practising regular fire drills. She has a carbon monoxide tester and smoke alarms fitted throughout the house have been recently checked by the fire service. The childminder has all emergency contact details for the children close to hand 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. She has all the required policies, procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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 from an early age. They are very sociable and relaxed in each other's company. They are able to freely select from an extensive range of quality resources and in particular to make their own entertainment. For example, older children make a restaurant using paper plates to create meals and paper to write a menu and price list. The children draw their favourite meals on the paper plates and then write the menu and price list. They negotiate the prices of the meals and independently access a dictionary

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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 to look up words that they are unsure how to spell. The children are highly innovative and thoroughly enjoy this activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confidently acquiring new knowledge and skills from an early age, such as developing a keen interest in books and handling them carefully. They count during everyday play; for example, when playing skittles they count how many have been knocked down. The children have excellent opportunities to be creative. The children talk enthusiastically about a wonderful day they had when they made fresh pasta using an pasta maker and they enjoyed eating a lovely pasta meal. They relate very well to the childminder and are extremely relaxed in her care. She gives them plenty of praise and encouragement, initiates conversation and shows a very keen interest in their play. A varied range of enjoyable outings is organised to local places of interest. These enable the children to find out about their local area, to explore and to socialise with other children. The childminder has a very caring approach. She is highly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

motivated and significantly enhances the children's learning in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The parents have good relationships with the childminder. They are listened to and are kept well informed about the provision and their children’s progress. The childminder also encourages parents to share information and to do several visits prior to the child starting so both parents, child and childminder can get to know each other. All new parents are given an information leaflet about the childminding service. They also look at and discuss the childminder's policies and procedures. The childminder has a concise complaints procedure which is shared with parents; however, there is a minor weakness in this area. She works closely with all parents to meet children’s individual needs. Detailed information is collected on the children, their families, likes, dislikes, religion and health history. This is regularly updated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a suitable selection of resources and activities that promote positive images of diversity. For example, books that show children from different cultures and a variety of activities linked to different festivals and celebrations. There is no gender bias; for example, girls enjoy playing with cars. All children are involved, fully included and have access to appropriate toys and equipment. Children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour. They are encouraged to be polite, to share and to be kind to each other, and are praised for doing so. They use manners and older children are very kind and caring towards the younger children. For example, they greet a very young child warmly as they awake.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's care is enhanced by effective organisation. The childminder regularly evaluates and develops her practice by attending training, for example, on first aid and 'Birth to three matters'. She 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 general well-being. 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

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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 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • further develop the system for recording complaints.

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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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