Holt, Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320094 Inspection date 18 April 2005 Inspector Margaret Shelborn

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 good. 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 11 years. They live in a semi detached home, in Wortley Leeds 12 with schools, shops and local parks within walking distance. The main room used for childcare is the dining room with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has seven children on roll. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder successfully promotes children's awareness of the importance of good hygiene procedures. Very good procedures used by the childminder ensures the home is clean, well maintained and warm which contributes to children's good health and sense of security. Children's health is supported by encouraging very good personal care routines which also develops their independence. Older children manage their own personal hygiene as they can go to the bathroom and wash their hands independently. They are aware that washing their hands reduces the spread of germs. Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills through a good choice of larger equipment in the garden, by visiting play centres, parks and attending carer and toddler groups. Children are provided with a nutritious diet that has been agreed with parents lots of fruit and vegetables. Example of menus are provided for parents. Children have

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Helping children to be healthy

drinks available throughout the day from their own beakers. One child does not like to eat fruit, the childminder liquidisers a selection of fruit which the child enjoys. Children have a good understanding of why fruit is good for them. Systems are in place for promoting children's health, there is good documentation for recording accidents and medication which includes a sick children's policy which is shared with parents at initial visits. The childminder has a fist aid kit kept in an accessible place out of the reach of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. Space is used effectively and activities are well organised. Children have access to suitable furniture for rest and play. The childminder has comprehensive systems in place and she identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. Younger children are beginning to understand about keeping safe and know how this can be achieved, for example children know to put away toys after play particularly any floor toys as they know it will help to avoid accidents. Effective risk assessments are carried out inside and outside the home ensuring children's safety. The childminder has the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted. There is an evacuation procedure in place which is recorded and

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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 discussed with children so they understand and know what is expected of them. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which is to be renewed in June 2005. Children are well protected by the childminder, who has a sound knowledge and clear understanding of child protection issues and periodically attends training to update her procedures. She follows the guidance in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Minded children are within sight or sound at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Activities are well organised. Children have access to a good range of resources both inside and outside the home. Visits and outings are organised which support and promote their all round development. Children are settled extremely well they are very happy in the childminder's care. Children enjoy painting, cutting and making collage pictures. Most creative activities are available for children to access, however children cannot independently access collage materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses opportunities to question and extend children's knowledge for example during painting activities she asks which colours are being used? What would happen if you mix two together? she is very interested in what children say and do. Children make progress in all aspects of their development through the good range of resources such as large and small jigsaws, construction equipment and imaginary play. Children are interested and enjoy their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals their needs are met as they follow their daily routines. The childminder is effective in answering children's questions about diversity. She increases their awareness through her good understanding of equal opportunities which is reflected in her positive attitude, toys and resources. The childminder uses age appropriate books which help answer some of the children's questions. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that children's records contain information which enables appropriate care to be given. The childminder has provided care for children with special needs. To meet all the children's needs she is aware of the importance of working closely and confidentially with parents and other agencies if required. Children are well behaved, polite and play well together. The childminder has built

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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 good relationship with the children. Behaviour is consistently managed with sensitivity relative to children's needs, age and understanding. The childminder's realistic expectations, praise and encouragement helps build children's self esteem and encourages them to play harmoniously. Written agreements with parents set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child. Parents are fully informed about the childminder's routines and child care practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are happy, settled and very confident within the setting. This is because the childminder ensures the children have consistent routines. She uses her time, space and resources well. The children are closely supervised by the childminder and she ensures the child and adult ratios are maintained at all times The childminder provides parents with clear information about the setting and works well with parents to provide for the children's individual needs. All required documentation is in place. Documentation is filed and well organised. The childminder takes up opportunities to attend relevant training courses and is currently booked on a Birth to Three Matters course. The overall provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has obtained a well stocked first aid kit. She has improved her level of interaction with the children encouraging the children to think and use their imagination more within their play and activities

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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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • improve children's access to collage materials

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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

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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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