Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312362 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Kaldip Kaur Chaggar-Brown

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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 August 2005. She lives with her husband and young child aged 2 years. The family live in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged between 8 months and 8 years old; all on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children aged over 8 years old. The childminder walks to St. Peters Church of England school 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 family have a pet fish and budgie.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They learn about healthy eating through a diet that is balanced and nutritious, with good arrangements made for children to enjoy a social time when sitting and eating together. Children have easy access to their own drinks, helping to develop their independence. The childminder has a suitable understanding of hygiene practices in the kitchen to ensure that food preparation is carried out safely. Regular discussions with parents about children's individual dietary needs and how these are to be met are undertaken by the childminder. Children are cared for in an environment where steps are taken to implement good standards of hygiene, such as sterilizing bottles and dummies. Children wash their hands before eating and after toileting. At present, however, there is no procedure for the exclusion of sick children to prevent the spread of infection, which is a breach of

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Helping children to be healthy

regulations. Daily opportunities for children to take part in physical activities include school runs. Younger children receive support through close supervision to take part in activities indoors that allow them to develop their physical skills, for example, using furniture and toys to pull themselves up.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home that is safe and secure. It is child-oriented with free floor space made available to allow children to move around safely indoors. There is sufficient space for children to rest, play and eat. Younger children have use of suitable furniture, such as a small table and chairs. In addition, equipment is used to support children’s care, for example booster seats are used to allow all children to sit at the dining table for meals and snacks. Toys and resources are suitable mainly for younger children and include equipment to develop children’s creativity, physical skills, imaginative, language and mathematical development. Older children have access to a limited range of toys and resources to promote their all round development. Daily checks by the childminder ensure that children have safe, clean toys to play with, which are in a good condition. Children can access resources from storage

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

cupboards in the dining room. Younger children enjoy emptying the open plastic containers in the lounge. A suitable safety policy covers all areas, including ensuring that exits are kept clear,

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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 sleeping children are checked regularly and only authorised persons collect children. Close supervision of children by the childminder and her assistant minimises the risk to children and they are kept safe as appropriate safety precautions are taken. The childminder has procedures in place to ensure that children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted through use of evacuation procedures, that are practiced by the children, written permissions to take children in a vehicle and appropriate car and childminding insurance. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures that are in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and enjoy coming to the childminders. The childminder is aware of children’s individual needs and recognises when they need support. Children take part in a range of activities such as creative, role play, outdoor play and visiting local play facilities. Children are developing an awareness of their environment through walks locally as well as visiting places, such as Harewood House. Positive relationships have developed between the children and the childminder and her assistant, as the adults show good interest in children’s activities. They ensure that children have time to play and explore their environment. Children feel valued as their responses are followed up, for example, when children show interest in a toy it is placed so that it can be easily accessed. Older children use their initiative to write to the childminder about what they like to do whilst in her care and what they like to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

eat. Appropriate challenges are given to children, such as putting their coat and shoes on. Praise is given when children complete an activity or task developing their confidence and self-esteem. Children learn about sharing toys and resources with each other as well as how to play alongside others. Younger children’s independence is steadily developed through good support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is developing children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. A satisfactory range of resources that promote diversity include books and jigsaws within the toy provision. Cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year are celebrated through planned activities. Individual needs and routines are followed by the childminder following discussion with parents. Children bring comforters to help them settle in. Children have opportunity to join in with all age-appropriate activities. Safety issues are taken into account when arranging activities, such as small construction toys, are kept away from very young children. The childminder has a suitable understanding of special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 needs. The behaviour management policy shows that the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to handle difficult behaviour. Appropriate methods used include distraction as well as talking to the children about how their behaviour impacts on other children. The childminder gives praise when she recognises children’s good behaviour, when children share toys and when they achieve something. Satisfactory arrangements are in place to share information between the parents and the childminder, although more detailed information needs to be confirmed to ensure that children’s dietary needs are fully met. Polices are shared with parents on registration.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by the childminder and an assistant. Children are happy and settled in their care as routines allow children to rest, play and eat. Space is used well to meet children’s needs. Appropriate documentation is in place and kept in a confidential manner. It is used to promote the welfare of children cared for. Parents are informed verbally at the end of the day about how their child’s needs have been met. The childminder is aware of the legal requirements related to childminding, including informing Ofsted of any changes. The childminder has attended appropriate training courses since registering. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since 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 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

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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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): • through partnership with parents confirm arrangements to meet children's individual needs particularly in relation to food and drink • to take positive steps to prevent the spread of infection through an exclusion policy • provide an appropriate range of toys and resources for children aged over 4 years to cover all areas of play.

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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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