Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 319743 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Margaret Shelborn

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. They live in a house in Churwell, Morley, a suburb of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor and the toilet facilities on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children on a full time and part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children.

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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 The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained environment. Their good health is well supported through the use of effective hygiene practices and good daily routines. These help to prevent the spread of infection and promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene well. The dietary needs of children are effectively met due to the successful sharing of information with parents and the appropriate records which are kept. Children benefit from a varied diet which is planned in accordance with parental wishes and children's individual needs. A varied and interesting range of healthy options are provided, such as a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and cooked meals which include meat and fish. The childminder offers many opportunities for the children to exercise and have fresh air as they walk to school, nursery, local parks, toddler groups and play gyms. Children stay healthy as the childminder has a detailed understanding of the required

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Helping children to be healthy

incubation periods for childhood diseases, as outlined in her sick child policy. She has a valid first aid certificate. There are sufficient resources within her first aid box and appropriate systems to document medication administered and emergency aid.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is suitably minimised. This is due to the priority placed by the childminder on maintaining good supervision of the children both within the home and during outings. They are able to move about safely from room to room because of the suitable regard given to minimising any risks. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe through the childminder's clear explanations of safe practices, such as why children should sit properly on chairs. They are developing an understanding of the importance of tidying toys away when they have finished playing with them in order to prevent trips and falls. Children learn through play activities about road safety. For example, as children play with cars on a road map they talk about stopping cars at zebra crossing so people can cross the road safely. Children's welfare is highly safeguarded and effectively promoted. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has very good written procedures in place, such as a child protection policy, health and safety policy and a detailed fire evacuation procedure, all of which are complied with. The childminder has a sound working knowledge of child protection and adheres to the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 good. Children smile happily when they arrive at the childminder's home, settling quickly and confidently exploring the opportunities available. They enjoy choosing toys from the resources and play materials that are available at a small child's level. The childminder spends time talking and listening to the children, attending to their individual needs in an appropriate manner. Young children are encouraged to make choices and to learn to play independently or cooperatively. Children take part in creative and role play activities which support areas of their development. The childminder has a very good understanding of the different needs of all the children in her care. The quality of her interactions significantly enhances all aspects of the children’s development. Children relate and play very well with the other children present and are very happy and settled. A varied range of enjoyable outings

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are organised to local places of interest. For example, children are taken to parks, toddler groups and play gyms where they mix and socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs very well. They follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents, who are kept well informed about the provision. Children show care and concern for each other, play together well and enjoy each others company. Children feel at home in their surroundings and the child friendly environment. They confidently decide what they want to do, helping themselves to toys and equipment and ask for assistance when needed. For example, when children were dressing up in glittery materials they asked for assistance. However, there are limited resources to reflect positive images of culture and special needs. Behaviour is managed positively and consistently, with clear boundaries in place which children understand. Children are praised for good behaviour. Children's independence is encouraged and praised. Children benefit from the positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and are updated on a regular basis. Parents are listened to and are kept well informed about the provision and their children's progress. Information regarding their child's day is shared with parents on a daily basis. They follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children’s care is enhanced by effective organisation. By attending training the childminder is continuing to improve her knowledge and childcare skills which has a

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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 positive impact on the children. She has a good working knowledge of the National Standards. The required documentation is in place and this contributes to the good management of the childminding service she provides. However, the childminder does need to share her policies and procedures on an ongoing basis with her parents. All information on the children is stored confidentially but easily accessible if needed in an emergency. The children are happy, settled and confident. This is because the childminder ensures the children have consistent routines. She uses her time, space and resources appropriately to create a stimulating, interesting and safe environment for the children. The children are closely supervised by the childminder and she always ensures that the adult–child ratios are maintained. Overall the provision meets the

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has some appropriate dressing up clothes. However, resources could still be extended to promote equal opportunities and positive images of disability. The childminder has obtained a copy of what to do if you are concerned about a child in your care. She is now aware of what procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised against National Standard 1 Suitable person. Ofsted made an un announced visit. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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 by 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): • provide a range of resources which promote equal opportunities, including

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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 resources which promote positive images of disability • ensure policies and procedures are regularly updated and shared with parents.

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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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