Childminder in LeedsOfsted inspection, 27 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313692 Inspection date 27 October 2005 Inspector Ingrid Szczerban

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2005. He lives with his wife and two children aged 4 and 8 years in a detached house in a suburban area of Leeds. He and his wife are registered childminders and work together at the premises. Both rooms on the ground floor and the toilet facilities on the first floor are used for childminding. A fully enclosed garden is available. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and seven when working with his wife. They are currently caring for seven children, one of whom is aged over 8 years. The childminders walk to and from local schools

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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 to take and collect children. The childminder undertakes daily outings with children such as visits to the park and other places of interest such as farms and playgrounds. The childminders are members of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about simple personal hygiene and personal care as part of the day's routines, for instance, they use anti-bacterial wipes, wash hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children know about preventing the spread of infection and were observed to cover their mouths when coughing. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows adequate health and hygiene guidelines, for example, wiping down high chairs with anti-bacterial wipes. The childminder implements an effective sickness policy in order to protect children when they are ill. Robust physical activity is enjoyed by children, they play in the garden and visit the park daily, where they have opportunities to climb and balance, hence they are developing a sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies. Children rest and sleep according to their respective needs to keep them healthy. Children are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet

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Helping children to be healthy

their needs. These include healthy and nutritious foods, because the childminder's wife cooks from scratch and takes good account of individual dietary requirements. Children respond well to routine and sit at the table to enjoy chatting as they eat snacks and meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good sense of belonging within the setting, they are warmly welcomed and their artwork is prominently displayed on the walls. Children use a good range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. Many of the children's toys are stored at child height promoting choice and decision making. Children’s risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes the necessary precautions to keep children safe on and off the premises. For example, a fireguard is used, a safety gate is used at the bottom of the stairs and the garden is fully enclosed. The childminder implements very effective procedures for outings to ensure that children remain safe. Children are beginning to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as they help to tidy away toys. Children learn about fire safety because the childminder practices regular drills with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands child protection issues and the correct procedure to follow should the need arise, thereby ensuring that children's welfare needs are met.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the child friendly environment. Babies are very sociable and relaxed because the childminder follows regular routines and responds very well to their individual care needs, which enhances their emotional well being. Children have access to a range of toys and activities which help them make sound progress in their development. Older children engage well in the activities provided, such as playing on the computer and making firework pictures using shapes, shiny paper, scissors, glue and glitter. This develops good creative and fine physical skills. Children express their own ideas and imaginations well, for instance, using an empty cardboard box as a car. Toys are age-appropriate for all children and are rotated with a further supply stored upstairs, in order to sustain children's interest and offer suitable challenges. The childminder has received information about the Birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Three framework and intends to use it to develop a suitable range of activities for under 3s as younger children are not always fully engaged. Children have good relationships with adults and their peers because the childminder listens to them very patiently, and calmly helps them to resolve minor conflicts. Children are becoming increasingly independent, they follow simple instructions, learn what they can do and know when to seek help. Consistent support and meaningful praise raises children's confidence in their own abilities. Children generally get on well together and show consideration towards one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a good selection toys and books that promote aspects of other ways of life in the wider community and these are discussed with children. This helps them learn to appreciate similarities and differences and develop positive attitudes to others. Children from different backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Children are well-behaved and polite, in response to the expectations of the childminder. For example, children were observed to ask if they could please leave the table. Good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem and they are confident and self-assured. Children learn about managing conflict and how to resolve minor disputes because the childminder skilfully and patiently helps them to consider the needs of others. The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents, he chats to them about their child on the days he has worked with the children, thereby ensuring that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's on-going needs are met and their achievements are shared. Children settle well as a result of introductory visits and the gathering of all relevant information from parents, which ensures that home routines are followed.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a good level of individual support from the childminder who works together with his wife, also a registered childminder. They have high regard for the well being of children and their care needs are met well through effective implementation of daily routines. However, the organisation of child-sized furniture and the storage arrangements for equipment and resources within rooms used by children, restricts their ability to move around freely and develop independence. All required documentation, countersigned by parents, and in line with the National Standards, is kept. Documentation is securely stored and well-organised and the childminder has good systems for sharing information with parents. For example, there is a file of information for sharing with parents which includes the policies and

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Organisation

procedures relating to the service. This reassures parents that their wishes are followed regarding the care of their child. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children for example by using the Birth to three framework

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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 • improve the layout of furniture and storage arrangements for large equipment, to provide the optimum space for young children to move around freely.

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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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