Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY360401 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Ann Webb 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 satisfactory. 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 and is currently caring for 10 children on a full and part-time basis. He lives with his wife, who is a registered childminder and three children aged 10 years, seven years and five years in the Calverley area of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an area for outside play. The family has two tortoises. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are good opportunities for the children to learn about healthy eating. For example, the children eat a healthy range of meals and snacks which include a good amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. At snack time they enjoy grapes, apple and oranges and at lunchtime they try ham sandwiches followed by yoghurt. Drinks are available throughout the day and children have their own drinking cups for juice and water. The childminder has a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children and provides a balanced and nutritious variety of meals for the children.

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 The children benefit from good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Each day they walk to and from schools and toddler groups, they play outdoors in the childminder's garden and regularly visit wildlife and nature centres and take walks in the woods. They practise large physical skills needed for climbing, running and jumping and ride around on sit and ride toys. Indoors they dance to music and rhymes and have ample space to stretch out on the floor to play with construction toys.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children develop a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene and know that they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before they eat food. They independently contribute toward their own routines and care management, calling for the support of the childminder when needed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children's health and well-being is further enhanced through a clear sickness policy. The childminder does not care for children with an infectious illness and contacts parents should a child become unwell whilst in his care. The children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own routines and parental wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes appropriate steps to minimize risks to children. For example, safety features, such as a fire guard, smoke detectors and safety gates are in place. The home and garden are secure and the children are unable to leave unaccompanied. Additionally, all areas and equipment used by the children are checked to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the children's use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children learn effectively to contribute toward their own safety and take part in regular emergency evacuations. Additionally, they follow road safety advice when on outings and know that they need to hold hands and look for cars. They access equipment which is suitable for their ages and stages of development. All resources are stored and presented safely which ensures that the children have safe and independent access.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures to record accidents and the administration of medication are followed appropriately by the childminder, for example, parents are required to sign records which ensures that they receive accurate information regarding their children's care.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Their safety is further promoted through the childminder's appropriate understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. For example, he knows who to contact if he is concerned about the welfare of the children in his care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children access a good range of toys and activities. For example, construction, books, puzzles, role play, art and craft. They are able to successfully direct their own play and make independent choices from well presented resources which stimulate their interest and curiosity. Whilst they are crayoning the children sit together with coloured pens and wax crayons, helping themselves to paper and freely expressing their creativity. They are well supported by the childminder who sits close by encouraging the children to talk about what they are doing.

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 During everyday play the children experiment with musical and sound making toys. They concentrate well and operate a musical piano watching the keys light up and listening to the familiar tunes. They are fascinated when their hair stands up with static whilst playing in the ball pool and laugh happily. They share their enjoyment with the childminder and enjoy his participation in their play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages the children to develop their imaginations through providing activities, such as songs and rhymes, stories, dressing up, role play, baking and art and craft. The children dress up in costumes and pretend to be fairies. They suggest their own ideas when the doll is stuck in the castle tower and say they need to get the fire engine. The children are happy in their play, confident to help themselves and comfortable in the childminder's care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good interaction between the children and the childminder supports their learning and emerging language skills. The childminder listens to the children and is interested in what they have to say giving them the opportunities to talk about themselves and their families.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the positive relationships developed between the childminder and parents and carers. For example, the childminder has established a professional approach to his childminding service, providing parents with daily verbal information, written contracts, policy information and an effective settling in period. Additionally, parents sign all records of accidents and administered medication.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages the children's behaviour well and the children understand their boundaries. Additionally, the childminder ensures that good behaviour is praised and encouraged. This raises the children's self esteem and helps them to understand what is expected of them. Children's behaviour is discussed with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have suitable opportunities to learn about their local and wider community, for example, they access resources which reflect a positive image of race, gender and disability, such as books, puzzles, dressing up clothes and small world figures. Additionally, they visit the local shops, library and parks which further develops their knowledge of the local community.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder manages his time well and organises a good range of enjoyable and learning experiences for all children taking into account attendance patterns. He offers a flexible service for children and their families. All the required records and documents are in place; they are well organised, easily accessible and available for inspection.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has attended an information briefing on the Early Years Foundation Stage but has not completed first aid training. He has an appropriate understanding of the National Standards and supporting criteria. Information, such as the certificate of registration and insurance details are prominently displayed and children's details are reviewed annually and as needed.

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 The children are cared for in a happy, homely, loving environment and, consequently, they are confident, settled and comfortable in their surroundings. Overall, the provision meets the range of the needs 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. 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.

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 satisfactory. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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