Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY359529 Unique Reference Number 22 April 2008 Inspection date Linda Filewood Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 2007. She lives with her husband and child aged three years in Farsley, a suburb of Leeds. The ground floor, first floor bathroom and a bedroom of the property are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

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 three children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local toddler groups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is well promoted and the childminder gathers relevant information from their parents to enable her to meet their particular needs. The childminder has attended first aid

p.2

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 training so she is able to respond appropriately to help children in the event of an accident. All accidents are well recorded and written parental permission for the seeking of emergency advice or medical treatment is in place. Medication has not yet been given, but the childminder is aware of the need for parental permission prior to administering it. Good standards of hygiene in the home help to keep children well and they are learning how to manage their personal hygiene effectively. For example, older children are reminded to flush the toilet after use and children use their own towels to dry their hands on.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of freshly prepared light meals and snacks that promote healthy eating. The childminder understands the importance of providing a varied, balanced diet and always includes vegetables and fruit in her menu. Children sit together to enjoy their meal and are encouraged to try food they would not normally eat. A choice of drinks is always available.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children have plenty of fresh air. For example, they play in the garden, walk to and from school and nursery and take trips to the park. Activities, such as kite flying, enhance their enjoyment of physical exercise. When children are tired they rest according to their individual needs. Older children enjoy quiet games or a story whilst younger children sleep.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in warm, generally secure and safe environment. However, not all the garden gates are securely fastened, presenting a safety risk to older children who are able to reach the bolts. The childminder has instigated many safety precautions within the home, such as a safety gate, fireguard and carbon monoxide detector, to help keep children safe. Safety checks are undertaken to ensure that any potential risks to children are minimised. Children independently access a good range of safe and suitable equipment and resources, which are clean and in good repair. Care is taken when they play with the outside play equipment. However, the safety matting underneath the climbing frame does not extend sufficiently to protect them should they fall.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They know what to do in the event of an evacuation and the drills are well logged. On outings, young children are securely fastened into a pushchair, whilst older children know they must stop at designated places to wait for the childminder. They wear high visibility jackets and walk safely home from school with the childminder, using a route with less traffic. At home, young children are reminded not to walk with toys in their mouths and fruit is cut up into bite-size pieces. Older children are encouraged to be independent and a baby monitor is used when they go upstairs to use the toilet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected should safeguarding issues arise. The childminder has attended further training in child protection. She has a clear understanding of her role and duty to the children in her care. Parents are aware of the procedures for the safe collection of their children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s welfare and individual needs are well met because the childminder ensures children's interests are used to make their learning enjoyable. She provides sensitive and caring support, which helps children make good progress in all areas of their development. Children are well settled and play happily with their friends and siblings, as well as enjoying quiet times on their

p.3

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 own, looking at a book, for example. They all enjoy stories and the childminder includes them all well when looking at books together. She makes good use of the local library to extend her resources and to encourage the children's enjoyment of reading. Young children enjoy meeting other children at the local childminding and toddler sessions. They become more confident as their social skills develop. Trips to the parks and other amenities provide further positive experiences for the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make many of their own choices in play from the good range of resources and activities available. The childminder ensures she gives all children plenty of time and attention. For instance, older children have one to one time with her, playing with other resources whilst little ones are asleep. She interacts well with the children and allows young children, in particular, time to explore. Children’s creative development is promoted well through an interesting range of messy and imaginative play and craft activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that all children are treated with equal concern. Their individual needs are well met as they follow their home routines, as closely as possible, after discussion with parents. Plenty of information is obtained from parents prior to the children starting, so that the childminder is fully aware of any extra requirements to cater for. This gives parents confidence that their children are being well looked after. Sufficient resources are in place which reflect similarities and differences, but these are not often used to support the children's understanding of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well and are learning to share the resources with another child. The childminder has age-appropriate strategies in place to manage behaviour. Children develop good self-esteem as the childminder ensures they receive praise for good behaviour. They are learning to show respect for their resources, as they are encouraged to tidy their toys away.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents and other carers is established. The childminder respects parents' wishes and provides the children with good continuity of care. Parents are well informed about their child's day through daily verbal exchanges of information and a daily record sheet. The childminder shares her clear policies and procedures with parents at the time of placement to inform them about the service she offers. They receive copies, as well as other general information about her service. The childminder works very well with the local nursery that the children attend, to provide good continuity in their learning. Parents have very positive comments about the care their children receive.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare and safety is positively promoted through the childminder’s written policies and procedures that underpin her working practice. The childminder is well organised and all information relating to her childcare is easily accessible. She undertakes relevant training to update her knowledge and skills to benefit children’s care and learning. Children play in child-oriented homely surroundings where they are comfortable, settled and well supervised at all times. They are familiar with their daily routines, which allow for outings, as well as rest and play in the home environment.

p.4

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 All the required documentation is in place, including an accurate record of children’s times of attendance. The storage of children’s personal information and parental consents is individual to each child, ensuring that confidentiality is always respected. The childminder maintains a good adult to child ratio, which positively supports children's care, learning and play. This ensures all children receive sufficient care and attention. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

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 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): • improve children's safety when playing outdoors, particularly with regards to the climbing frame and security of the outdoor play area • develop children’s awareness of diversity within activities and general play.

p.5

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

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

p.5