Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY305930 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Paula Fretwell

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her family in East Ardsley, close to the main motorway network. There is one child on roll and the childminder uses all of her ground floor for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden in which children can play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a qualified nursery nurse.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures children's good health by providing a clean environment for them to play in. Children learn how to keep themselves healthy by following effective hygiene routines such as regular hand washing and simple measures such as covering their mouths when they cough. The childminder considers children's best interests if they are ill and contacts parents. The childminder promotes children's healthy eating by offering a balanced varied diet and they enjoy simple choices such as which flavour yogurt. Mealtimes are pleasant and relaxed occasions as children sit to the table together. Children can access their own drinks at any time and do not become thirsty. The childminder is aware of and respects children's dietary requirements. Children's physical development is promoted through activities such as going for walks and riding bikes. Children play running games whilst at playgroup with the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder and they enjoy moving their bodies when dancing to music.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted in an environment which is free from hazards. Good steps are taken to ensure children play safely and the childminder is aware of her responsibility to assess any risks. Simple discussion with children about potential hazards develops children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Children move freely and safely around the environment and make independent choices about what they wish to do. They listen to a wide range of music as they play and this creates a welcoming, calm environment. The childminder ensures children play safely with the toys and equipment by being involved in their play, supervising them and giving appropriate advice. The good range of toys and resources all meet safety standards and they are used appropriately for the ages of the children. The childminder safeguards children through her understanding of local child

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures and she has relevant contact details should she need to report any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in a relaxed environment. They enjoy their time in the setting and there are positive relationships with the childminder which support them in their care, learning and play. Children enjoy the secure routine and they relate well to others in their play. They have fun and take part in a good range of stimulating

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 activities and they especially enjoy taking part in creative play, arts and crafts. Children enjoy the simple choices given to them, such as what colour to make the glue for a creative activity, and their independence is encouraged as they help to set the activity up. Children's development is promoted well because they have opportunities to choose their own activities, and the childminder joins in to enhance their play. For example, she encourages children's language and imaginative skills by making birthday cakes with play dough and taking turns to blow out the candles. Children benefit from good levels of individual care and attention appropriate for their needs because the childminder knows them very well and is observant of them in the setting.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected in the setting. Their individual needs are met well through the childminder's effective partnership with parents. Good information is exchanged which means that children are cared for according to each child's needs and in keeping with their parents' wishes. Daily feedback involves them in their child's time at the setting. Children behave very well because the childminder has clear expectations and uses positive strategies to motivate children and reward good behaviour. Children are encouraged to be responsible for simple tasks such as tidying up their play areas. Children are beginning to take turns, share and accept other children's needs. The childminder praises children's good behaviour and they respond well with smiles. Children develop a positive attitude towards others and an understanding of diversity through activities and discussion. They have access to a good range of resources

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

which show positive images of ethnicity, culture, disability and gender.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the well organised environment in which they access their own resources. Toys are stored in easy to reach containers within the main playroom which means children are enabled to select and tidy away. Activities are well set out so that children can use resources effectively. For example, child sized furniture is available for children to use during their activities. The childminder manages children's interests by organising appropriate activities and she uses her space well so children are cared for according to their needs. Only one child is minded in addition to the childminder's own children and this enables them to have good levels of interaction to support their needs. Individual time is spent with the children in the setting as their needs require. Children are kept safe as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, there is no written permission from parents for the childminder to seek

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 emergency medical treatment or take children on outings. Documentation includes written policies and procedures which support the childminding practice. This is all in place, and filed confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 Oftsed.

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): • ensure there is written parental consent to take children on outings • ensure there is written parental consent to seek emergency medical attention.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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