Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301723 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Ann Webb

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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 for one year. She is registered to care for five children and currently has one child on roll. The childminder lives in a house in Leeds with her husband and two children aged 14 and 2 years. She uses all of the ground floor of the home for childminding and there is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National 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 continually learning about healthy eating through trying a variety of healthy choices during meals and snacks. The childminder has a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children and their understanding is promoted effectively through her knowledge and practice. By working together with parents and the sharing of information, the children's individual dietary needs are appropriately identified and met. Regular hand washing routines ensure that children develop a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder applies good hygiene standards and is a positive role model for the children. They become independent in contributing toward their own hygiene practices and are able to wipe their own hands and faces. There are frequent opportunities for the children to exercise and have fresh air. The children are involved in large physical exercise during visits to the park and whilst

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Helping children to be healthy

playing in the garden with climbing apparatus and wheeled toys. The children's health and well-being is successfully promoted through a clear sickness policy and the effective management of children's illnesses. The children are able to rest and to sleep in accordance with their parents wishes and their individual sleep patterns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children's safety is given appropriate priority by the childminder. Children are cared for in a suitably safe environment where risks are effectively minimised by the childminder's understanding of safety issues. Children are helped to contribute toward their own safety during outings by practicing the green cross code. However, they have not practiced evacuating the home in an emergency. The children independently select activities from a good range of well-maintained and safe toys and equipment. The childminder ensures that the toys she presents to the children are suitable for their ages and stages of development and are safe for their use. The childminder has well documented records in place which successfully promote children's welfare and safety. She has a current first aid certificate and has a clear understanding of child protection procedures, however, she does not keep a record

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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. The children are interested and enthusiastic, and enjoy their time with the childminder. They are encouraged to explore their environment and to make their own choices from a good range of toys and resources. They enjoy the opportunity to dance to their favourite songs and are planting bulbs as part of a spring-themed activity. Younger children are particularly keen to sit close by the childminder to play with a musical activity, they are helped to become familiar with colour and shape by the childminder. She encourages them to repeat simple and familiar words. Children also have many opportunities to develop their creativity and make hats to wear whilst they are dancing. They frequently experiment with paint and decorate plant pots with their individual art work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are involved in a meaningful range of activities which successfully contribute toward their understanding of the diversity of the world in which they live. They access a suitable range of resources which positively reflect race, gender and disability and are involved in the celebration of festivals other than their own. They effectively learn about their local community through visits to the local park, library and toddler groups. The children behave well. The childminder has a good understanding of promoting positive behaviour and the children know and understand their boundaries and what is expected of them. The children are well-settled and are confident to help themselves to toys and join in activities. The childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs of the children and has established professional relationships with parents. She ensures that she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

receives, shares and maintains all information needed to meet the children's needs. Parents receive clear and detailed information, both verbal and written, regarding the care of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The environment for the children is exceptionally well-organised and consequently the children are happy, settled and very confident in their surroundings. All policies and procedures are well written and shared with parents and are used to promote the care, welfare and learning of the children. The childminder is committed to improving the service she offers to children and their families and attends frequent training courses in order to keep up to date with current child care practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. There are no complaints to report.

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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 existing injuries to children are recorded • ensure that emergency evacuations are practiced.

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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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