Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY319860 Inspection date 17/11/2009 Inspector Jane Elizabeth O'Callaghan

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005 and lives on the outskirts of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently providing care for two children in the early years age group and two in the compulsory childcare group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects and takes children to local schools, visits parks and places of interest. She has two rabbits as family pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children and their families very well and supports their individual needs effectively. She promotes their safety and welfare in a consistent manner and the children are secure in their relationships with her. Children are offered a good range of learning opportunities both in the home and the local community and these support their development well. However, these are not easily accessed by children. The childminder develops good partnerships with the parents and is aware of working collaboratively with any other settings the children may also attend, to ensure continuity in their learning.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the system for self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement, for example, by using the Ofsted self-evaluation form and quality improvement processes  enhance children's independent opportunities to access a wider range of activity choices in their daily environment.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities in safeguarding children from possible harm. She ensures her knowledge of child protection issues is kept up to date through regularly attending training, and she has lots of useful information to hand should she need to make a referral. The childminder maintains This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good standards in relation to monitoring the ongoing safety and suitability of the premises and conducts and reviews focused risk assessments for the premises and any outings beyond the setting.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder works closely in partnership with parents to ensure the care given to the children is consistent and appropriate. The childminder gathers a wealth of information about each child before an arrangement starts, to ensure she is fully aware of their individual needs and has a settling in period for children. Verbal feedback is given to parents to keep them well informed about how their child has spent their day and if the parents require, the childminder is willing to write daily diary sheets for children. The childminder has obtained and adapted a range of policies to reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and ensures the parents sign to say they have read them. The childminder reflects on her practice and has met all of the recommendations from the previous inspection. For example, she has all written parental permission from parents to seek emergency medication, advice and or treatment and she also holds a current up to date First Aid

p.5

the early years provision

qualification. However, the childminder has not implemented a self-evaluation system to effectively identify any areas for enhancement, to ensure continuous improvement.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children and their families and promotes equality and diversity successfully. Children have access to a good selection of toys and resources that cover all areas of diversity. For example, books, jigsaws, role play and small figures. The childminder has a fully inclusive policy to support the procedures that are developed with the children and this is shared with parents.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. She responds to their needs in a caring and informed way and provides a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities, which enables them to learn in different ways. She skilfully interacts with them as they play and provides good support to give them the confidence to take in activities. For example, the childminder sits on the floor and plays with the large selection of different sized cars and children show her the red and blue cars. Younger children are engrossed in the technology toys and press the buttons on the fire engine, laughing as they make various noises. More able children ask to do action songs and with interaction from the childminder sing 'Row the boat' and 'We went to the barbers shop' and the children join in singing the words and doing the appropriate actions. Children get excited with the action songs and ask to repeat them over and over and the childminder reminds them

p.5

and outcomes for children

that the younger children also want a turn, so they take turns after a good explanation from the childminder about sharing. Children play with a selection of toys pre selected by the childminder, which are suitable for the age and stage of development of children present. However, this limits children's opportunities to develop their independence of free choice. Children access a good outdoor area, where they can develop their physical skills on trampoline, tractor, cars, push alongs and various ball games. The childminder also takes children to meet other This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children at various soft play areas and child orientated groups where sports days are organised and this develops both children's physical and social skills.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has good informative profiles of all children and these are clearly linked to the areas of learning and identify children's starting points and their next steps of learning. The profiles contain lots of photographic evidence of children joining in painting, creative activities, visits to local farms and doing jigsaws. The childminder also ensures that the profiles include examples of the children's art work. For example, making of Christmas trees. The profiles are shared with parents and the childminder is aware of liaising with other provisions that children attend and shares the profiles and planning with them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are effectively supported to develop their awareness of danger and how to stay safe in the event of a fire by taking part in regular fire evacuation practises. Younger children confidently move around their surroundings to explore the play resources and also approach the childminder for the support they need. Consequently, they are developing a sense of safety and security. The childminder utilises the walk to and from school to raise children's awareness of road safety and talk about diversity and difference in the local area, with the older children. Manners are positively encouraged and praised by the childminder and children are observed to share and take turns when taking part in activities.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children’s health is promoted by the childminder. Healthy and nutritious meals are provided that take account of individual dietary needs. The menu includes fresh fruit, meat and vegetables. Drinking water is constantly available. The childminder teaches more able children from an early age about washing hands after going to the toilet and explains why it is good to do this, showing children first and then encouraging them to wash their own hands and dry them with disposable towels. Younger children are given wet wipes to clean their hands prior to meal and snack times. The childminder has a good health and hygiene policy and procedure which helps to support the prevention of cross infection within the provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

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.

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for allegations against the childminder and/or a member of the family (Matters affecting the welfare of children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 02/12/2009

p.8

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:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified above ((Matters affecting the welfare of children) 02/12/2009

p.8