Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311372 Inspection date 20 February 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 2005. She lives with her partner and two children, aged 9 and 13 years old, in Halton, a suburb of Leeds. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden to the front of the house for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 years of age. The childminder walks to local schools, parks and the local parent toddler group. The family has two hamsters.

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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 able to play and learn, in a warm and clean environment. Effective cleaning procedures used by the childminder ensure that a good standard of cleanliness is maintained throughout the home. This enables younger, less mobile children to crawl and roll around safely on carpeted floors. Older children are beginning to have an understanding of the reasons why they must wash their hands. Effective hand-washing practices and cleaning routines reduce the risk of cross-contamination when nappy changing takes place. Children benefit from a healthy diet that is well balanced and nutritious and complies with individual needs and parent's wishes. Children make choices about snacks of fresh fruit, grapes, oranges and bananas are popular. Older children have access to drinks throughout the day; younger children are offered drinks with regularity. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and parent's

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Helping children to be healthy

wishes. The baby's routines are shared and discussed with parents verbally at the end of each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder identifies and minimises risks and hazards to young children; safety gates are in place, doors are kept locked and an emergency evacuation procedure is in place and practiced. She organises space within the home well, enabling children to move around freely and comfortably. Children enjoy being in the childminder's company. Toys and resources are well maintained and can be accessed from low-level storage units or from areas within the rooms that are used. Children are kept safe and free from harm as they are supervised at all times within the home and when out in the garden or in the community. The childminder has all the required policies, procedures and documentation in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a sound knowledge of the guidance for the protection of children and an understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures. She knows where to seek advice if she is concerned about a child. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled. The childminder recognises children as individuals

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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 and meets their differing needs well. Activities are well organised and children are involved in a good range of activities. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem very well. They are continually praised for effort and achievement and are able to select resources freely. For example, the older child selects a disc to play then encourages the younger children to join in with the actions from the song 'Wheels on the Bus'. The childminder balances her time carefully to allow children to play and learn independently as well as giving time to support their development. Children relate well to the childminder and have developed a close attachment to her. They are fully involved in their activities. For example, children enjoy imaginary play with a selection of play utensils. The childminder has routines in place, for example, children visit

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toddler groups and parks where they have opportunities to socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of equal opportunities and special needs. Children have access to a small selection of books and play resources which enables them to learn about different people's cultures. Children are learning about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as the local park and toddler group. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met as they follow their daily routines. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that children's records contain information which enables appropriate care to be given. To meet all the children's needs she is aware of the importance of working closely and confidentially with parents. Children are well behaved, polite and play well together. The childminder has built good relationships with the children. Behaviour is consistently managed with sensitivity relative to children's needs, age and understanding. The childminder's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

realistic expectations, praise and encouragement helps to build children's self-esteem and encourages them to play harmoniously. Written agreements with parents set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child. Parents are fully informed about the childminder's routines and child care practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children’s care is enhanced by effective organisation. The childminder regularly evaluates and develops her practice by attending training, such as Birth to three matters and child protection. By attending training, she is continuing to improve her knowledge and childcare skills, which has a positive impact on the children. She has

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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 a good working knowledge of the National Standards. She is currently developing her understanding of how the National Standards link into the new outcomes for children. Most of the required documentation is in place and this contributes to the good management of the childminding service that she provides. However, the childminder does not have a complaints procedure in place. All information on the children is stored confidentially but easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This is regularly shared with parents and updated. The children are happy, settled and confident. This is because the childminder ensures that the children have consistent routines. She uses her time, space and resources appropriately to create a stimulating, interesting and safe environment for

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Organisation

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 needs of all the children that attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure a procedure is in place for recording complaints.

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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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