Childminder in Leeds

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY251481 Inspection date 28/10/2008 Inspector Linda Filewood

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2002. She is registered to childmind from the home of another registered childminder who lives with her husband in Headingley, 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. The premises are accessible to people with limited mobility.

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Description of the childminding

The care is usually shared with the co-childminder. When working alone there are three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This provision is registered on the Childcare Register and children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the early years age range. When working with her co-childminder, there are six places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is currently minding nine children under five all day, one child on a full time basis and eight children part time and five children over five before and after school. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has established close, effective partnerships with the other provisions children attend.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from a high level of adult supervision as the childminder co-minds from the home of another registered childminder. The home provides a warm, comfortable, inclusive environment but security is not given high priority as no steps are taken to prevent intruders from entering the premises. All children are well supported by the childminder who knows them well, values their individuality and has good working relationships with parents and other professionals. Their developmental needs are competently supported through activities which are skilfully adapted to build on each child's capabilities. Some systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the childminder's practice; she has addressed the areas for improvement highlighted at the previous inspection and identified areas for further development.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure good hygiene routines are in place to reduce the risk of cross infection with regards to hand drying  extend the written risk assessments to ensure they cover specific outings, such as walks to and from school and the park  continue to develop the use of observation and assessment to further promote children's learning across all areas. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 submit an action plan to show how intruders will be prevented from entering the premises. 04/11/2008

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provision

The good use of space, both inside and outside the home, creates a welcoming, inclusive environment. Children's artwork is displayed throughout the provision alongside informative, age appropriate posters, which support children's understanding of the wider world. The presentation of resources encourages self- selection and choice for all children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and safety of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service. The childminder has made improvements to her record keeping for accidents and medication since the previous inspection, further promoting the children's welfare. Formal risk assessments of the premises ensure all children play safely and reasonable safety features, such as, a fire blanket in the kitchen and an extra smoke detector, are in place to protect the children. The childminder ensures children are safe on outings

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provision

and they learn how to cross roads safely with her. Some written risk assessments are in place for outings but not for local outings, such as walks to the park or the journey to and from school. The childminder has a sufficient understanding of safeguarding procedures and has reviewed the information she holds on local child protection procedures. She works with another childminder, which ensures that children are well supervised at all times. However, no steps are taken to ensure the premises are secured to prevent intruders from entering. This is a specific legal requirement and poses a potential risk to children from unwanted visitors.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to put systems in place to reflect on her provision. She is starting to use a self-evaluation form, evaluate activities and identify further training needs, such as training to support children in their communication skills. The childminder has yet to fully develop systems to show children's progress through observation and assessment. However, she is fully aware of the ongoing development needs and abilities of all the children through her clear knowledge of them and discussion with parents. The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents to gain useful information about the children before they start attending to ensure individual needs are met. Further support, when required, positively promotes children specific developmental needs. There is a good working relationship with the local pre-school; they share information about the children and work closely together to provide consistent support.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder flexibly plans and provides a good range of play opportunities which engage children well and help them progress in all areas of learning. She regularly exchanges information with parents and professionals, ensuring all children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 receive the support and care that they need. Systems to assess children's learning and development through observation are in the initial stages. The childminder plans to use these to identify next steps in children's learning so that children's progress is easily recognised and any areas for development addressed. Children are happy and caring relationships help children engage easily with others, supporting their social development. They are well behaved and are encouraged to show care and consideration for others. For example, one child willingly swaps chairs with another at a meal time and the other

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

thanks them. They play in a safe environment and confidently move freely between different activities and play areas, self-selecting resources from the wide range available. For example, they choose a book from a low shelf and sit comfortably on the settee to look at it with the childminder. The children benefit from the childminder's competent interaction. She skilfully adapts activities so that they are suitable for all children, whilst giving positive support to any child's additional developmental needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the value of all play opportunities. For instance, whilst playing with dough, she encourages discussion about size, colour, shape and number. They recall how it was made, comparing that to a cake made previously to celebrate someone's birthday. Babies’ and young children’s emerging language skills are valued and well responded to, which supports and guides their development. Children enjoy easy access to the garden to engage in fun outdoor activities, after putting their coats on to keep warm. They continue their creativity outdoors as they chalk letter shapes on the ground. Older children are beginning to learn about good personal hygiene routines but procedures to prevent cross infection are not effective when they dry their hands as all use only one towel. Nutritious, balanced meals and snacks promote the children's good health and older children safely help to prepare part of the meal. The childminder respects children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

dietary requirements and home routines as discussed with parents. She knows the children's preferences well, including those younger ones who like their food finely blended. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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