Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320728 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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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 November 2001 to care for no more than six children under 8 years of age at any one time. At present there are ten children who attend full-time and part-time. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes a separate playroom and there is an enclosed area for outdoors play. Children have access to a bathroom on the first floor. The childminder lives with her family in Yorkshire. She has two children aged four years. The family have a pet. The childminder takes and collects children from school. She is a member of an accredited childminding association.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained environment. Their understanding about personal hygiene is effectively promoted by the childminder through simple explanations and reminders. For example, 'we need to cover our mouths when coughing to stop germs giving other children our cough'. Children are provided with a well balanced nutritious diet and regular drinks throughout the day which contributes to their good health. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents with regard to dietary needs to ensure children's individual needs are well met. Good, effective hygiene practices and a detailed sick child policy ensures children are kept free from infection. For example, parents are requested not to bring children who are unwell and to collect them if they become ill. Children have good access to a well maintained outdoor area with a wide variety of

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Helping children to be healthy

resources such as a slide, balls, push a long toys and skittles. They take regular walks to the local park and participate in dancing to music, which promotes their enjoyment and understanding of the benefits gained through exercise, as well as developing their physical skills. Children benefit from well established routines as well as the childminder's thorough understanding of their needs with regard to rest and sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are provided with a welcoming, safe and secure environment which allows them to move freely and safely. They are kept safe through the childminder's very good knowledge and understanding of how to provide a safe environment. For example, the childminder carries out daily risk assessments on her provision, such as, safety gates in place, front door locked with the key readily available in case of fire. Children benefit from a wide range of toys and resources which have a British safety standard kite mark, and are suitable and appropriate to their needs. Effective use of these resources and space is utilised to allow children freedom to explore their surroundings. Children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe when on outings and in the home is well promoted by the childminder. For example, when on outings they learn about stranger danger and the Green Cross Code. When in the setting they are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

reminded not to run as they could fall and hurt themselves. Children are well protected and kept free from harm through the childminder's very good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow should there be cause for concern. However, existing injuries are not recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is good. Children have access to, and benefit from a well designed, separate playroom and a wide range of resources and equipment which provide enjoyment, develop imaginative skills and promote learning. For example, jigsaws which promote understanding of shape, colour and number, art and craft materials, as well as construction toys. They independently access the toys and activities available and play well with others. Children receive plenty of support, encouragement and praise which aptly promotes their self-confidence and self-esteem. The childminder interacts very well with the children in her care which promotes progress. Children are encouraged to try new skills through baking and gardening. They benefit from good opportunities provided by the childminder to promote their learning through everyday

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities and routines. For example, counting stairs, recognising colour and shape of fruit at snack time. Activities are planned weekly and all children are encouraged to participate. The childminder's very good knowledge and understanding about the children in her care ensures their individual needs and welfare are well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected for their individuality. They have very good relationships with the childminder and other children. Children are well behaved, confident, independent learners who take responsibility for their own behaviour. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to reminders about the need to follow the 'house rules'. Children are provided with good opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. For example, they are provided with a variety of experiences and resources which promote positive images of other cultures and disability. For example, they visit the local park and have access to a variety of small world figures depicting other nationalities. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding and promotion of equality of opportunity. For example, children are not stereotyped, are encouraged to join in all

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities and to discuss similarities and differences. Parents wishes and views are valued by the childminder. They are encouraged to share information about their child to ensure their individual needs are met. They are provided with good information about the provision, which includes all policies and procedures. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning and they receive daily feedback from the childminder on their progress and achievements. They are invited to meet with other parents by attending sociable events such as bonfire night.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are provided with a safe and well managed provision. They benefit from the high regard held for their wellbeing as well as the warm and caring manner of the childminder. The childminders clear knowledge and understanding of each individual child contributes to good continuity of care. Effective use of policies and procedures

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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 ensures the safe management of the provision. It provides a welcoming environment where children are happy, confident and well settled. Effective deployment of space and resources allows children to be confident, independent learners who initiate their own play and learning. Weekly planning of activities allow children to flourish in a learning environment. Children benefit from lots of encouragement, praise and support from the childminder which gives them confidence to acquire new skills. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. The childminder is committed to improving her provision and is working towards a quality assurance kite mark. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last care inspection the childminder has made positive progress in furthering children's knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise. Children are offered a wider range of resources which promote equality of opportunity, they are encouraged to participate in all activities and the childminder actively promotes anti-discriminatory practice through being a good role model and simple discussions with regard to the similarities and differences of others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to record. 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 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): • introduce an effective system for recording existing injuries

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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 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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