Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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319941 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2006 Inspection date Margaret Shelborn Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1994. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 14, and 16 in the Beeston area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children. The childminder walks to the local school, parks and play centres.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Children have a clear understanding of the reasons why they must wash their hands, for example, a three-year-old tells me, 'you have to wash your hands after visiting the toilet and before eating to stop the spread of germs'. Effective hand washing practices and cleaning routines by the childminder reduce the risk of cross contamination when nappy changing takes place.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has procedures in place for recording accidents and medication appropriately. However, the childminder does not have parental permission for the seeking for any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and she does not have a valid first aid certificate. This means that children's health and safety may be compromised in the event of an accident, which is a breach of the National Standards.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder discusses them with parents. She provides nutritional meals and snacks and ensures children have regular drinks throughout their time in her care. Children enjoy a range of physical activities, which contribute to their good health. The childminder provides regular opportunities for them to play in the garden and visits the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes positive steps to reduce hazards and risks to ensure the children are safe and secure. For example, a fireguard is used, a fire blanket is sited appropriately in the kitchen, stair-gates are fitted and an emergency evacuation procedure is regularly practised with the children. Children's understanding and learning in keeping themselves safe is developing suitably through the childminder talking to children about issues. For example, she discusses how important it is to tidy toys away when finished with to avoid accidents. A three-year-old replaces a selection of jigsaws in the drawer for jigsaws and is pleased to receive praise from the childminder for doing so.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a satisfactory range of play resources and equipment which are easily accessible, well maintained and meet the required safety standards. Resources are stored at a child's height which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the necessary documentation in place to promote children's welfare. She has some knowledge of child protection procedures and has a copy of the relevant guidance.

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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 satisfactory. Children are content and settled in the childminder's care. Children are warmly welcomed into her home which helps them feel secure. The childminder recognises children are individuals and meets their needs well. For example, children are asked what they would like to do by the childminder or they can independently choose their own play resources. They enjoy drawing with chubby crayons letting the childminder know what colours they are using. They patiently become engrossed in jigsaws asking for help when the numbers of a clock are not fitting into the spaces. Children access the rear garden and have a varied selection of outdoor equipment, such as a climbing frame, swings, a sandpit and a selection of sit and ride toys they enjoy using.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder and have developed a close attachment to her. They are spoken to in a warm, caring manner. She gives them lots of praise and encouragement as they play. Regular daily routines are in place which have been agreed with parents. Children spend their time purposefully playing and exploring with the range of toys and resources. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a happy and settled atmosphere where they are valued and treated as individuals. The children behave very well. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to successfully teach children to play together and share toys. Children are well mannered, they use the words 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately. They enjoy visits to parks and play centres which helps the children to learn about their local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a satisfactory selection of resources and activities, however, resources are very limited to promote equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice and disabilities. It is an area she is aware she needs to improve on.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and parents benefit from a close and friendly partnership. Parents are invited to the home to discuss all aspects of childcare, therefore, they settle well. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day through verbal discussions at the end of the day. Children are very content and settled in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has an acceptable knowledge and understanding of child development and regard for the well-being of children. Space and resources are organised to enable children to participate in activities and follow their individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development.

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Organisation

Required adult-child ratios are met on the day of the inspection and the childminder provides satisfactory levels of care and supervision to ensure that children are sufficiently supported. In response, children are settled in their surroundings.

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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 The childminder has a suitable knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and elements of the required documentation are in place to promote the care and welfare of children. However, it has been identified that there are aspects insufficiently implemented. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has started to collect resources that reflect positive images of disability and she has a list of infectious notifiable diseases which she shares with parents. The improvements have added to the well-being of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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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 written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure play resources are extended to promote equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice and disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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