Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242721 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Linda Filewood

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 October 2002. She lives with her family in Tinshill, a suburb of Leeds and has a daughter aged four years old. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to a toilet and bathroom on the first floor. The rear garden is not suitable for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The premises are within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from becoming ill as the childminder puts into practice suitable hygiene procedures. For example, her home is kept clean and toys are washed regularly, particularly when they have been in the child's mouth. Children are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and the childminder makes sure their hands are clean before eating. They are helped to understand the importance of this and know, for instance, that germs make your throat and tummy poorly. There are adequate written sickness policies and procedures in place to help stop the spread of infection between minded children. Accident and medication records are suitably maintained. However, parents are not requested to give permission for emergency treatment, should it be required, at the time of the placement and few parents have signed the medication record book to acknowledge when medication

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Helping children to be healthy

has been given. Children enjoy a varied, balanced and nutritious diet which always includes fruit, vegetables and diary produce. They are encouraged to try new foods and the childminder discusses with the children why certain foods are good for them. She helps them understand why too much juice, for example, is bad for their teeth and that water is a much better choice of drink at snack time. The childminder tries to use fresh ingredients rather then processed, whenever possible, and is conscious of the salt content of the meals she prepares. She works well with parents to meet the children's individual dietary needs and always informs them of the food their child has eaten during the day. Drinks are readily available for the children, especially at mealtimes. Children enjoy plenty of opportunities to enjoy physical play through well planned outings. They regularly visit soft play centres, parks and farms and talk happily about

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Helping children to be healthy

the friends they meet and the animals they see. She co-operates well with parents to ensure that children rest and sleep according to their individual needs and home routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are adequately cared for in a safe environment as the childminder ensures that appropriate safety precautions are in place. For instance, safety gates are in place to prevent children from accessing the stairs and kitchen. Children are helped to understand the importance of keeping themselves safe, particularly when out walking. They know that they only cross the road when the crossing lights show a green man and that they walk and not run when crossing the road. Appropriate fire equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms, are in place and there is a

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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 written emergency evacuation procedure which is practiced with the children. Organisation of the indoor space provides children with a safe environment in which to play. They move freely and independently accessing the resources available to them. The childminder ensures that all resources are suitable for the age of the children attending. Children are encouraged to tidy up before starting to play with another toy and clear explanations are given as to why or that a cluttered play space may lead to accidents. The garden does not provide a safe area for children to play but they are taken on a good variety of outings to compensate for this. When outdoors younger children are either securely strapped into a pushchair or walk with the use of reins as an additional safety measure. Parental permission for taking

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children on outings and for transporting them in a vehicle is in place and the childminder always takes parents' contact numbers with her in case of an accident or emergency. Security of the premises is good ensuring children are well protected and the childminder has effective systems in place to ensure the safe collection of children. There is also a procedure for the non collection of children, which is shared with parents. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and a suitable awareness of protecting the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and familiar with their routines. They play happily together whilst being equally content and secure to play on their own. Children enjoy warm, caring relationships with the childminder and each other. For instance, they enjoy looking at photographs and identifying themselves and their friends taking part in various activities. Children are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their play. In addition the childminder plans a varied range of activities with resources to suit the individual needs of the children. The childminder offers good encouragement and praise, raising their levels of self esteem and confidence. Children are involved in a suitable range of activities which supports their all round development. The childminder incorporates many opportunities to talk about colours, counting and shapes through her everyday indoor and outdoor activities, contributing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to developing the children's communication skills. Collecting leaves in the park, for instance, promotes discussion about the shape and colour of leaves and interest is maintained when the leaves are used for printing when they arrive home. The childminder encourages young children's first words by interpreting meaning to them and acknowledging what they are trying to say. Children relate well to music and spontaneously join in with rhythms and make good attempts at singing familiar songs. Children benefit from a good range of outings. They go, for example, to soft play centres, the library or visit the farm and extend the experiences in a range of activities when they get home. Discussions about the outings extend their enjoyment and they confidently talk about seeing pigs and goats on a visit to a farm.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Sensitive discussion and the use of books and other resources are beginning to help children become aware of diversity and the needs of others. Outings are well planned and are used effectively to help children learn to appreciate their local environment. For instance, the children talk about squirrels and collect acorns and pine cones in the park. All children are respected and regardless of gender, have access to the full range of activities and resources. The childminder ensures that children understand the need to share and re-enforces this regularly. Children are kind and caring to each other spontaneously. The childminder treats them with respect and is interested in the children, in what they say and do. Behaviour is managed in a way that is appropriate for the children's age and development and as a result children are beginning to understand boundaries, right from wrong and mostly play well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is respectful of parents' views and wishes and they work well together ensuring that children's needs are met. Parents are suitably informed about their child's day through verbal exchanges of information and a daily diary is offered to parents of babies and younger children. The childminder gives parents clear information about the service she offers and has written information covering most policies and procedures. Parents have positive views on the care their children receive and are confident that their children are being well looked after.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder's home is welcoming and organised effectively to meet the children's play and physical needs. The number of children in place at any one time is low offering the children good adult support. Children have safe and free access to appropriate resources promoting their independence and confidence. They are relaxed, comfortable with the childminder and familiar with their routines. Children are competently supervised at all times and older children given time to do their homework. Outings are planned effectively into the daily routine and enjoyed by all. Records are suitably documented and maintained confidentially. Adequate policies and procedures are in place and contribute to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. The childminder shows some commitment to extending her knowledge by attending further courses to enhance the care of the

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Organisation

children and the service she offers. However, the safety of the children is not fully considered by the childminder, as she has not maintained her first aid certificate, which is a requirement of registration. Overall the provision does not meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Since the last inspection the childminder has continued to raise the children's awareness of diversity by improving the range of resources she provides to reflect the positive images of disability. Hazards in the home have been minimised by restricting the children's access to the kitchen and hall. However, the garden remains unsafe for children to play in and the childminder ensures they are taken on a variety of outings that promote their physical development and enjoyment of outdoor play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • submit an action plan to show how an appropriate first aid certificate that includes training in first aid for infants and young children will be obtained These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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