Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345714 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Linda Filewood 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, five and two in Roundhay, a suburb of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children who attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices. They are encouraged to follow simple good hygiene routines, such as hand washing before eating.

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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 Older children are encouraged to become independent in their personal care. There are adequate sickness policies and procedures in place to help stop the spread of infection between minded children. However, the risk of cross-infection is not fully considered when children dry their hands, as they do not use individual towels. Satisfactory arrangements are in place to care for children who are ill or require medical attention. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and appropriate registers are in place to record any accidents children might have. There has been no requirement to give any medication yet, but the childminder is aware of the need for parental permission prior to administering it.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy, for example, fresh fruit or raisins as a healthy snack. They are able to make choices and the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes. The childminder frequently offers drinks to children and ensures they receive food provided by their parents. The food provided by the childminder is nutritious and prepared using fresh ingredients. Young children eat together at a low table to promote their social development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities that help develop their physical skills and enjoyment of exercise, including the daily walk to and from school. They go on outings to various local attractions and make use of the play facilities offered there. Older children particularly enjoy visiting the nearby playground on their way home from school, so that they can exercise after being in school all day. The childminder's garden offers a pleasant environment for outdoor activities, such as a swing, bats, balls and wheeled vehicles. The childminder plans time for younger children to rest and sleep according to their needs and the childminder discusses these with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder uses sufficient, age appropriate safety precautions within the home, such as safety gates and fire guards, to help keep children safe. Children independently access a satisfactory range of safe and suitable equipment. These are clean and constantly checked by the childminder during use. For example, she removes a broken rolling pin as the children play with the dough. Resources are rotated to give variety and care is taken after school when older children return to ensure younger children do not access unsuitable equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe when they travel or play indoors with the childminder. They know to cross the road together and wear wrist straps containing the childminder's contact number when out. However, the childminder does not take a first aid kit with her on any outing, in case of accidents. At home, the childminder gives children clear explanations about playing safely. For instance, she reminds them to turn their trouser legs up to prevent them tripping as they walk about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected should safeguarding issues arise as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role in child protection. She advises parents of her duty to protect the children in her care and has effective systems in place for their safe collection. The childminder is aware of necessary procedures to follow should children fail to be collected or concerns need to be referred to the appropriate agencies.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable in their environment and enjoy warm relationships with the childminder. They confidently go to her for help when needed. For instance, when they require help in dressing their dolls or putting on dressing up clothes. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. The childminder engages them very well in conversation during play, encouraging them to talk about what they are doing. This fully supports young children's emerging communication skills. Children participate well in creative activities, such as dough and share the resources readily. All children's art work is well displayed on the walls of the childminder's home, which shows that she values what they do. Young children relate well to stories and songs, enthusiastically joining in with action songs which are skilfully led by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a good variety of activities and ensures plenty of resources are available to support them. Children learn about nature and watch a variety of seeds grow before planting them onto bigger containers when they have grown. Young children are developing a good understanding of colours and numbers and are learning mathematical language during play. They all enjoy imaginative play, such as dressing up or playing with the dolls regardless of gender. Older children are given good support on their return from school to ensure they are well occupied with activities that interest them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a good range of outings. They go for walks, visit farms or local parks. The childminder plans her weekly activities and themes around the trips. Younger children regularly attend the local toddler groups which helps them learn to socialise in larger groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures children's differing individual needs are appropriately met and ensures that all children are treated with equal concern. Young children's home routine, particularly for rest and sleep, are followed after discussion with parents. This helps them to feel secure, settled with the childminder and gives them continuity in their care. Sufficient resources, including sensitive discussions during play, are used by the childminder to support the children's understanding of diversity. Children enjoy learning about the world around them and their local environment, especially as they watch the diggers used in the new building work behind the childminder's house.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of using positive behaviour management strategies. These are used effectively for children in varying age groups. Good behaviour is valued and gentle reminders about sharing, support young children in learning right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A satisfactory partnership with parents is established. The childminder ensures she obtains sufficient information from parents and respects their wishes. Parents are suitably informed about their child's day through daily verbal exchanges of information and a daily diary is offered to parents of young children. Individual files containing photographs with captions and artwork show the parents examples of their child's activities. The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents at the time of placement to inform them about the service she offers. Shortened versions are given to parents in a well presented leaflet so that they can refer to

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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 them at any time. New parents are offered a flexible settling in period which helps children feel comfortable when left with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of space in her home, creating a welcoming, child friendly environment. Children are easily supervised at all times, maintaining their safety as they go from room to room accessing different areas for their play. They are settled and their needs are met efficiently as the childminder interacts well with them, giving them time and attention. The daily routine is varied and ensures children have periods of relaxation as well as activity. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to attending further training to enhance the care she gives them. For example, she has attended further training to increase her knowledge on child protection and to prepare her for the forthcoming changes in regulation in childcare.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and her policies and procedures fully support her practice. Documentation complies with both the National Standards and regulatory requirements so that children's health, safety and welfare are actively promoted. The childminder is very organised and all records and registers required for the efficient and safe management of the provision are easily accessible and confidentially maintained. The register of attendance shows actual arrival and departure times and a further register ensures that the number of children in place at any one time is within the childminder's conditions of registration. 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 registration 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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • ensure good hygiene practices are put in place regarding hand drying • ensure suitable first aid equipment is taken on outings, in case of accidents.

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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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