Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320285 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Abigail Caroline Cunningham

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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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her partner in Middleton, Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and first floor bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years all day and 7 children over 5 years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 good. The children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their good health. Regular visits to the local park, toddler group, walking to and from school and playing in the childminder’s garden help to develop their coordination and physical skills. Good arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and there is a fully stocked first aid kit available. Babies' emotional needs are well met; they receive lots of individual attention, support and cuddles. The childminder effectively recognise the signs of tiredness in babies and young children. Children’s individual sleep and rest patterns are well met and, as a result, they sleep in accordance to their home routine and parent’s wishes. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. There are good hygiene practices

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Helping children to be healthy

in place; for example, the children are encouraged to wash hands after handling pets, after toileting and before eating and understand the reasons why. The children benefit from the healthy diet they receive. Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious. Children have independent access to drinks at all times and babies are offered drinks regularly. The childminder is fully aware of individual dietary requirements and preferences which are discussed in full with parents. The childminder treats mealtimes as an opportunity to help children enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves; for example, young children have many opportunities to feed themselves using fingers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is very warm and welcoming with good evidence of children’s play and activity. Parents and children are warmly welcomed on arrival. Photographs of children at play and involved in a range of activities are on display. The children have regular access to the outdoor play area and enjoy playing outside. The children have independent access to a good range of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment to effectively meet their needs. All toys and equipment are maintained in good condition and are checked before and after play. The childminder has a generally good awareness of potential hazards and takes positive steps to promote safety; for example, the children are supervised at all times, sharp objects and dangerous substances are out of the reach of children, safety gates and socket covers are in place. However, the drains in back garden are not 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 Fire safety is good. A fire escape plan is available and is regularly practised with the children and recorded. Potential fire hazards are identified and made safe, for example, a fire guard is fitted in the living room, smoke alarms are fitted at all levels and are in working order and a fire blanket is available and easily accessible in the kitchen. Children's welfare and safety are important to the childminder. She has good knowledge of child protection. She has attended child protection training and knows where to seek advice if she is concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled. The childminder meets the needs of all children attending, such as individual routines for sleep and nappy changing, meal times and activities. The childminder is kind and attentive towards the children; she respects their backgrounds and values them and what they have to offer. Activities are very well organised. Children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside and through visits and outings, which supports and promotes their all round development. For example, visits to the park, toddler group and library. There is a broad range of activities which particularly interest older children and encourage them to make decisions and co-operate, such as board games, books and construction toys. Children are encouraged to make decisions, explore and investigate their surroundings. The childminder balances her time carefully to allow children to play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and learn independently as well as giving time to support and encouragement; for example, sitting close by to the baby to offer support when needed. The childminder is very interested in the children and what they say and do. She consistently talks and listens to them and asks questions to make them think. She responds enthusiastically giving praise and encouragement; for example, while looking at books with the baby.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder manages children’s behaviour positively and consistently and according to the child’s level of understanding and maturity. She is skilled at encouraging good behaviour and helping children understand what is expected of them. As a result children behave well and understand right from wrong. A written behaviour policy is in place and this is shared with parents. The children have warm relationships with the childminder and relate well to each other. The children have access to a good selection of resources and activities which help children learn about and value each other’s similarities and differences; for example, books, dolls, jigsaws and play figures. The childminder has effective

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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 procedures in place to support children with special educational needs and to work with parents to ensure children receive appropriate support. The parents have strong partnerships and trusting relationships with the childminder. She recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to help identify and meet the children's needs. The childminder discusses all aspects of practice with parents during initial meetings. Parents are kept fully informed about their child through regular discussions and exchanges of information verbally and in writing; for example, daily slips.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has good knowledge and practice of the National Standards and supporting criteria. She implements policies and procedures that are individual to her setting and these have a positive impact on the children. All the required documentation is in place, which contributes to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. The children enjoy the familiar routines. The childminder is well organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources imaginatively to create a stimulating, orderly and supportive environment for the children. The childminder is aware of what needs to be improved and is committed to developing her practice; for example, she has attended all the required training and recently attended child protection training. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased her range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Safety has improved; the children now have a safer place to leave their drinks as they are now sited in the kitchen.

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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 complaint 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

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 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 that the drains are made safe.

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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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