Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 319976 Inspection date 09/11/2009 Inspector Lindsay Helen Dobson

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 has been registered as a childminder since 1995. She lives with her husband in a semi detached house, situated in a cul-de-sac in Pudsey an area of West Leeds. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding as is the first floor bathroom. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor play. Local facilities including shops and parks are a short distance away.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are currently six children on roll, four of which are in the early years age range. Children are collected from Greenside School and younger children are taken to toddler groups.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment where they are treated as part of the family. The childminder knows each of the children well and this enables her to meet their individual care needs and plan activities well- matched to their interests and abilities, enabling them to make good progress. Observations and assessments on children are regularly carried out, however, their next steps in learning are not clearly identified. The childminder has effective safeguarding arrangements in place and risk assessments to keep children safe are recorded, however, some required detail has been omitted. The childminder maintains effective communication with parents and other professionals involved with the children so that information is shared and children benefit from continuity in their care. However, Ofsted contact details are not displayed in the setting. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards further development of her

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

practice and has used the Ofsted self-evaluation form as a basis for this process.

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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 record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 23/11/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure Ofsted contact details are easily accessible to all parents and carers  identify clearly the next steps of children’s learning when recording observations and assessments of their progress

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the early years provision

Most of the necessary records are maintained appropriately, including the record of existing injuries to children which was the recommendation raised at the last inspection. The childminder has a secure understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and knows what action to take if she was concerned about a child. Written procedures are shared with parents ensuring they are fully informed of her role and responsibilities in relation to child protection. Risk assessments are carried out and recorded for the home and garden, however, the childminder has not reviewed these for over a year and they are not signed and dated, which is a breach of regulations. The childminder is clear about keeping children safe on outings and discusses the safety measures she employs, however, outings are not currently included in the record of risk assessment.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes good use of her home and the local community to provide a varied programme of activities for the children. She utilises her knowledge of their individual interests to plan experiences that engage them and help with their progress. She works closely with parents to share information about their routines and needs so that these are met in a consistent way. Parents speak positively about the information they receive from the childminder and the service she provides. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special educational needs or disabilities she has relevant experience that she draws on to show how she could make suitable arrangements to ensure no child is disadvantaged. Resources promote children's awareness of diversity and positive images of people around them. The childminder operates an equal opportunities policy and actively promotes anti discriminatory practice. She takes positive steps

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the early years provision

to work with other providers who care for the children so that, where possible, a consistent approach is provided.

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the early years provision

The childminder has the necessary skills to self-evaluate her work with the children and she has completed the Ofsted self-assessment form to use as an ongoing tool to make improvements. She is able to identify areas to build upon her existing good practice to ensure that children’s time with her is positive and rewarding. She is motivated and enthusiastic about her work and aims to make continual improvements.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They are confident and interact with all members of the family as they play in the welcoming home environment. The childminder provides a variety of play opportunities at home and within the wider community so that all aspects of children's learning is promoted. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 For example, she takes children to a local toddler group, which she helps to run, where they socialise, enjoy singing and circle time and engage in messy play sessions. Young children love the practical nature of the experiences available in the home and eagerly role play circle time, singing songs and doing action rhymes with the dolls. With the childminder's guidance children learn the words and actions to songs and develop confidence in their abilities as their language is promoted. The childminder is building a valuable picture of what the children can

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and outcomes for children

do from her observations and photographs, although these records do not clearly show children's next steps to inform future planning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder uses her sound knowledge of child development and how children learn to provide them with age appropriate, stimulating play opportunities. For example, number and problem solving is promoted in everyday routines as children count the number of construction pieces they need to make their model and use large floor tiles to develop number recognition and sequencing. Children have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills. They play in the childminder's garden, visit local parks where they develop their climbing and balancing skills on the large equipment and at the childminder's home they exercise and enjoy dance. Children proudly show how they can touch their toes, do star jumps and skip around the room. Opportunities to develop their small manipulative skills are also promoted as children freely access a good range of equipment, such as pencils and scissors which also promotes their hand and eye coordination. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

uses play situations well to promote additional learning, for example, during a construction activity the childminder cleverly asks the children questions which encourage them to make their own decisions and think for themselves. She talks about how much the eyes of the model weigh and the children work out that one is heavier than the other and this is why the model will not stand up. Children enjoy planting and growing and have successfully grown some beans, cress and sunflowers. They now enjoy touching and smelling the herbs which are growing near the childminder's front door.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder positively promotes all aspects of children's welfare. They learn the benefits of healthy eating as fresh or dried fruit is always readily available as snacks. Main meals are home cooked and the childminder follows a 'five a day' menu with the children. Their good health is further promoted through effective hygiene routines that ensure children learn to independently wipe their noses and wash their hands. Safety and keeping safe are promoted with the children as they regularly practise emergency evacuation from the home, learn about safe road crossing and stranger danger when on outings and follow safe routines during play. For example, the childminder reminds the children how to pass the scissors safely. The home has been made safe for the children through a suitable use of equipment, such as a fire guard, socket covers and cupboard locks. Children's behaviour is managed consistently and sensitively. The childminder has a policy

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and outcomes for children

and procedure that she shares with parents. Children use good manners and are freely praised by the childminder for their efforts. They develop a sense of belonging because they see themselves and their friends in the photographs that make up their individual learning journeys and their self-esteem is raised as they see their art work displayed on the wall. Overall, the childminder provides a wide range of learning opportunities that help the children to develop the skills needed for their future success. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Records to be kept) 23/11/2009

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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

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Records to be kept) 23/11/2009

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