Hulland, Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY249193 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Ann Dockerty

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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 lives in a house in Leeds. She is registered to care for four children under 8 years and currently has three children on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder uses the lounge, dining kitchen and first floor bath room for childminding, there is also an enclosed garden at the front of the home for outdoor play. She lives with her partner and two children aged 4 and 6 years.

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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 children learn effectively about healthy eating and are provided with an appropriate range of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder has a sound understanding of the nutritional needs of children and this further promotes the children's understanding. The children's individual dietary needs are discussed with parents who are fully involved in the planning of meals for children. Consistently practiced hygiene routines ensure that all children learn about the importance of hand washing and are able to independently contribute toward their own hygiene practices. The childminder provides the children with accessible and individual hand washing products which further promote the children's independence. The children have regular opportunities to exercise and be in the fresh air. They walk to and from school daily and take trips to the local park where they are able to use larger equipment to develop their physical skills. During outdoor play in the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminders garden they ride bikes and use equipment for sliding and climbing. The children learn about protecting themselves from the effects of the sun and know to wear sun hats and cream, the childminder ensures that she follows these precautions herself in order to be a good role model for the children. The childminder has a clear sickness policy which she shares with all parents. This ensures that the children's health and well being is effectively managed. The children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their own sleep routines and the wishes of their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe at the childminders home. She ensures that she implements all safety precautions both indoors and outdoors. Within the home the areas used by the children are free from hazards and play space is organised effectively to ensure that the children are able to play and move around in safety. When taking the children on outings the childminder selects venues which are suitable for the ages of the children and ensures that the parents are made fully aware of the activities that their children will be involved in. The children are able to independently choose activities from a good range of well maintained and safe toys and equipment. The childminder gives appropriate attention to the presentation of toys and considers the ages and stages of the children to ensure that all resources are safe and suitable. The childminder has clearly documented records in place which effectively promote

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the children's welfare and safety. She has a current first aid certificate and has an

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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 appropriate understanding of the Area Child Protection Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are interested and enthusiastic, they form close relationships with the childminder. They enjoy their time with the childminder who plans a good range of activities for children of all ages. The children are interested to learn about the world around them and have regular visits to the local park and library to choose their own books. All the children are encouraged to appreciate books, very young children happily sit on the childminders knee to share a touch and feel book. The childminder interacts very well with the children. She understands their needs and uses her knowledge well to encourage the children to explore their environment. Younger children are well supported in their attempts to crawl and to walk. The childminder supports their efforts with words of encouragement and ensures that the equipment and space they need helps to promote their independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have the opportunity to become creative through art and craft activities. They use role play equipment, listen to music and dress in costumes of familiar characters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are involved in a good range of activities which promote their understanding of the world in which they live. They have access to an appropriate range of resources which reflect positive images of gender and race, however, there are no positive images of disability. The children behave well. The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote positive behaviour. Her consistent use of praise and encouragement ensures that the children know their boundaries and understand what is expected of them. Professional relationships are developed with parents. The childminder ensures that she receives, shares and maintains most information needed to meet all the children's needs. Parents receive clear information regarding the care of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment for children is very well organised and consequently the children are settled, happy and relaxed in their surroundings. The children receive good levels

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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 of adult support and are confident to make their needs known. Most policies and procedures are shared with parents, however, the childminder does not have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. Records are reviewed regularly to ensure that they effectively promote the care, welfare and learning of all the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address a safety issue. The water feature in the childminders garden in now fitted with a protective cover further promoting the overall safety of the children.

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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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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 that resources reflect a positive image of disability • ensure that written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment is obtained.

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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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