Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360335 Unique Reference Number 07 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 outstanding. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and six in Stanningley, a suburb of Leeds. All of the ground floor and attic play room are used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outdoor 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 eight children 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 outstanding. The childminder uses excellent hygiene procedures to ensure children are well cared for in a very healthy environment. For example, she ensures all her toys are cleaned very regularly with antibacterial solution, especially when young children put them in their mouths while teething.

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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 are exceedingly well supported in learning to keep themselves healthy. They receive clear explanations as to why they should not eat food dropped on the floor and know why they should wash their hands and clean their teeth. The risk of cross infection is significantly reduced as the children use wipes or separate flannels. Children are well protected if they become ill or have an accident as the childminder has completed a paediatric first aid course. Registers clearly record accidents and any medication given and the childminder has a very clear understanding of the correct procedures to follow.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder obtains written information from parents to enable her to meet the children's individual dietary requirements. She cooperates well with them to ensure that home routines and preferences are followed closely. Children's learning is skilfully incorporated into mealtimes. All children sit together to support their social development and cups and plates, for example, are counted to ensure there are enough for everyone. Young children are well supported in learning to feed themselves. Older children help prepare some of the meals and they are offered good choices which actively promotes discussion about healthy options. They enjoy completing their personal five-a-day charts. The childminder has an excellent understanding of providing meals and snacks that are varied, healthy and nutritious. Drinks are readily available to children throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have appropriate time and space both to rest and be active. The childminder offers good support to young children in developing their physical skills, especially as they start to walk. All children have daily opportunities for physical exercise and fresh air. They enjoy visits to parks which provide plenty of space and equipment for children to run around and enjoy the swings, for example. Children are developing a positive attitude to exercise as they go to feed the ducks or visit local soft play areas. These opportunities allow them to make excellent physical progress.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children’s safety is extremely well promoted. The childminder competently minimises risks in her home and assesses risks when out and about with the children. She ensures her home is secure so children cannot leave without supervision and unauthorised persons cannot gain entry. Plenty of safety features are in place so that children play safely. For instance, safety gates are used across the door to the kitchen and on the stairs, and plenty of smoke detectors are in place around the home. Children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the home and on outings is significantly enhanced through the childminder's clear explanations. They learn about road safety and wear fluorescent jackets when walking. The fire drill is displayed and regularly practised with children. Therefore, children are fully aware of how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play happily in a warm and welcoming family home. The childminder has created a child-centred environment with excellent access to clearly labelled resources. This enables children to make their own choices in their play and helps to promote their independence and self-esteem exceptionally well. Children benefit from the wide range of good quality resources which promote play and learning across all areas of their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very sound understanding of child protection issues and has attended further training to update her knowledge. She maintains a comprehensive file of information to fully support this area of her work. Her clear child protection policy is shared with parents so that they are fully aware of her duty to safeguard their children's welfare.

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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 outstanding. The children are offered an excellent range of activities which are competently planned around individual children's stages of development. The plans demonstrate an extremely good understanding of children's development and are based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework for younger children. Older children are consulted about activities for the forthcoming month so that they can give their opinions on what they would like to do. As a result, children learn exceedingly well through play and other experiences. For instance, younger children are developing social skills by visiting the local toddler group and learning to play alongside other children. The childminder offers children an exciting variety of outings and they thoroughly enjoy trips to the seaside to visit the lighthouse or a train ride to a local attraction during the school holidays. Photographs of children enjoying the trips are included in a booklet of each

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trip so that children can look back on the outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are very settled with the childminder and she is rewarded by cuddles and smiles during play. The childminder provides plenty of resources, such as feathers and soft materials for young children to learn through their senses and they enjoy the tickle of the feather on their cheeks. Children have regular opportunities for singing and stories. They enjoy rhymes and the childminder enhances the enjoyment of a story by skilfully including the children. Excellent verbal communication between children and the childminder supports and encourages young children's speech and language development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident, independent and the childminder praises them constantly, which develops their self-esteem. They are all treated with equal concern and are very settled and happy. Children's individual routines and needs are extremely well met by the childminder. They play with a wide range of resources and enjoy outings that help them learn about our multicultural society and how to respect and value all people. For instance, they experiment at using walking sticks and wheelchairs and non-stereotypical posters are displayed showing people that help us. The childminder has experience of working with children who have extra care needs. She displays an extremely sound understanding of providing an inclusive environment. The childminder is confident when working effectively with parents and other professionals to meet children’s needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well and are gently reminded about good manners. The childminder implements her sensitive, positive behaviour management policy consistently. She gives children very clear explanations if their behaviour is not as required and this actively contributes to them learning right from wrong in an age appropriate and supportive manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s care and welfare is promoted through the excellent partnership with parents and carers. They receive a wealth of information about the service the childminder provides. A monthly newsletter keeps parents very fully informed about events. Written daily record sheets, as well as a daily chat, ensure they know their child's daily activities. New children have a phased settling in period and a full discussion takes place with parents before care starts to find out the children’s routines to meet their needs. The childminder regularly seeks the opinions of parents about her service through questionnaires and these show that they are highly pleased with the care their children receive. The childminder has not had any complaints. She has a

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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 written complaints policy which clearly informs parents of the full procedure and ensures that if they have any concerns they are dealt with appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder provides a child oriented, homely environment where children are comfortable and settled. All children are well included in life at the setting and there is a strong sense of belonging. Children are very well supervised at all times and names of visitors to the setting are recorded in a visitor's book. Children’s welfare and safety is given utmost priority. This is demonstrated through the childminder’s written policies, procedures and guidelines that effectively underpin her working practice. The childminder is extremely well organised, constantly evaluates her service and has a very professional approach to childcare. She draws on her previous nursery work experience and undertakes frequent, relevant training sessions to enhance all aspects of the service she provides.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place and accurately maintained, including a duplicated record of children’s times of attendance at each exit door. This positively supports children's safety in the event of an evacuation. Parents are extremely well informed about the service provided and their children's progress. They are given copies of the childminder's policies and procedures and have access to their child's profile. Confidentiality is fully respected, as the storage of children’s personal information, parental consents, accident and medication records is individual to each child. 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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 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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