Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY360125 Inspection date 30/11/2009 Inspector Christine Snowdon

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Seacroft, Leeds. They live within walking distance of local schools, parks and amenities. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two pet dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for six children under eight years and offers care for children up to 11 years. She currently cares for seven children in the early years group and one older child, who all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a secure, welcoming and homely environment that successfully fosters their sense of belonging and independence. Whilst most of the required policies and procedures are in place, not all have sufficient detail. Risk assessments do not identify all hazards or aspects that require improvement to ensure safe play within the garden area. The effective partnerships with parents and other early years settings, contributes well to the childminder's sound knowledge of each child's individual capabilities and interests. Good systems are in place, which record children's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder evaluates her own practice and seeks the views of parents in order to promote continual improvements in the outcomes for children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve the risk assessment to include all areas of the home, garden and outings, also record when it was carried out and by whom (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the childcare register) 14/12/2009

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further?

 ensure the complaints procedure is kept up to date and provides parents with Ofsted's contact details (Safeguarding and welfare) (also applies to both parts of the childcare register) 14/12/2009

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve and make safe the fencing within the garden area.

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her responsibilities in protecting children and this is reflected in her safeguarding policy. She has attended training and has the information booklet from her Local Safeguarding Children Board on hand for future reference. Children's safety and security on site is promoted through good supervision and the effective use of safety equipment. For example, safety gates ensure young children cannot access the stairs unsupervised. Whilst the written risk assessment identifies potential hazards and steps taken to eliminate these, it does not include the hallway and door security and there are none in place for the outings undertaken. In addition, these records are not dated and signed, which is a breach in regulations. There is currently damage to sections of fencing within the outdoor play area, the childminder is aware of this and plans to replace them. However, this is not recorded in her risk assessment. Effective steps are taken to

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the early years provision

ensure young children walk to and from nursery in a safe and appropriate manner, learning about road safety and the dangers of traffic. The childminder has made good progress since her last inspection and all recommendations raised have been effectively met, resulting in better outcomes for children. For example, she now holds a relevant first aid certificate and has an understanding of how to deal with any accidents or emergencies to children in her care. In addition she is using the Ofsted self-evaluation document as a method of monitoring her own practice in order to bring about continual improvement. The childminder actively seeks parent's views through the use of questionnaires and their responses are all very positive. They say she is very warm and friendly and that children settle easily in her care, also and that they highly recommend her.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed positive and effective working relationships with the parents. During the pre-visits the childminder explains her daily routines, and seeks in-depth information about their child's individual care, health and development needs. All relevant information is confidentially recorded. Copies of her policies and procedures are issued to parents which they sign and retain for future reference. However, her complaints procedure does not include Ofsted's contact details, should the parents have any concerns or wish to contact them. As a result, this regulation is not fully met. The childminder operates an inclusive practice and welcomes all children into her setting. Children independently access a good range of resources depicting different races and cultures, enabling them to recognise the importance of respecting one another and their differences. Children experience good continuity of care and learning as the childminder successfully

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the early years provision

links in with the other early years settings, which the children attend. For example, additional planned activities reflect and reinforce what they are learning about in their nursery. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, she plans and provides a range of fun activities and resources that reflect the individual needs and interests of all the children she cares for. Children's individual learning profiles are regularly shared with parents and contain many photographs and written observations. These clearly show the good progress their children are making across the six areas of learning, with their next steps identified and supported well.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the child-orientated and homely environment where they feel welcome and part of the family. They have a close and trusting relationship with the childminder and they know their efforts are appreciated and valued through the positive praise and encouragement they receive, this effectively promotes their self-esteem and independence. The childminder engages effectively with the children, as she supports and extends their learning whilst playing at their chosen activities. For example, she reinforces their understanding of colour as they play with the cars and trucks. The childminder asks 'what colour is that car?' and they say 'orange', she then says 'can you find the blue one' and they hunt around until they do. Children enjoy talking about their family and recent events, such as birthdays and what they did at the weekend. They have good opportunities to count and recognise their numbers as they count how many bobbins there are in

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and outcomes for children

the pile and handle the magnetic numbers on the fridge. The childminder asks them to find the number, which matches their age and with a little encouragement, they do so. The nurseries 'letter of the week' is displayed and practised, this is an effective way of helping the older children to consolidate their understanding, promoting consistency in their learning and development between settings. Children enjoy playing with the small world animals, lifting them out individually, naming them and making the animal sounds. They are developing an understanding of the wider world through the different activities and celebrations they take part in. For example, Halloween, Chinese New Year, Easter and Diwali. Children are developing the fine movements in their fingers and hands as they concentrate well and actively engage in the task of threading the bobbins onto the cord. They make several attempts and the childminder encourages them in the

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and outcomes for children

task, their smiles clearly demonstrate their pleasure and satisfaction as they achieve their goal.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and outdoor physical activities. For example, they either travel in the pushchair or walk alongside the childminder on their daily journey to and from nursery. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed with the parents and adhered to. The childminder is very flexible, providing meals and snacks to those who request them. She promotes healthy eating and encourages children to enjoy some fresh and dried fruits as part of their daily diet. For example, they have raisins for snack and an apple after their sandwiches at lunch time.

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and outcomes for children

The children are developing an awareness of keeping themselves safe in various ways. They take part in regular fire drills and their understanding of the dangers of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fire safety was effectively promoted when the fire brigade visited the setting at the childminders request. This resulted in new smoke detectors being fitted and a chance for the children to meet and talk to the firemen. 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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 14/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report ( Procedures for dealing with complaints) 14/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 14/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report ( Procedures for dealing with complaints) 14/12/2009

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