Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 319965 Inspection date 25 April 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 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 since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 8 years and 12 years in the Headingley area of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all on a part-time basis. The premises are within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The family have guinea pigs and a hamster.

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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. She takes steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping her home and toys clean, and by providing the children with separate flannels and towels. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before a meal although, they do not wash their hands before having a snack. They are helped to understand that washing their hands will keep them healthy. There are adequate sickness policies and procedures in place about children who are sick or who have infectious diseases, and these are shared with parents. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and her accident and medication records are kept suitably logged. However, some parental permission has not been sought for seeking emergency treatment, should it be required, and although parents have given blanket

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Helping children to be healthy

permission for the administering of medication and discussed its use, there is no written record of consent for each individual medication. The food provided by the childminder promotes the children's good health and ensures that they enjoy a varied and nutritious diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Fresh ingredients are used rather then processed, whenever possible and the childminder is aware of the salt, sugar and additives content of the food she serves. Children's allergies and dietary requirements are considered appropriately and their food preferences are taken into account. Drinks are readily available and children are confident to independently access them. Children benefit from a good range of outdoor play equipment in a well enclosed garden, offering both paved and grassed areas. Visits to local amenities provide them with further variety of larger equipment and they confidently point out from

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Helping children to be healthy

photographs the adventure playground they enjoyed. Children have sufficient rest and sleep according to their needs and they are comfortable in their routine, which is discussed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment as the childminder ensures that all appropriate safety precautions are in place. For instance, doors are kept locked with keys accessible and a safety gate is in place on the stairs. Children are developing an awareness themselves of what might be dangerous for them. They know, for example, that they only cross the road when the crossing lights show a green man and that the oven is hot when in use. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder takes appropriate information, such as parents' contact numbers with her, in case of

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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 an accident or emergency. A clear fire evacuation procedure for the home is in place which has been practised, is well logged and includes a record of smoke alarm checks, raising the children's understanding of what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder organises her space and resources effectively to allow children to move easily and safely around the premises. For example, children put on backpacks and imaginatively play at going on a journey into the kitchen, kissing the childminder goodbye before they go. Children are encouraged to tidy up before getting out other resources giving them a safe area in which to play. They use a wide variety of safe, good quality, age-appropriate resources which are well organised at child height encouraging their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-protected as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. She has attended two courses on child protection to further enhance her knowledge and care of children. There are effective systems in place for the safe collection of children and her written policy on child protection is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and have a good sense of belonging. For instance, they enjoy looking at photographs and identifying themselves, and their siblings, taking part in various activities. Children are engaged in their play and are confident to ask for help when needed. The childminder offers good encouragement and praise, raising their levels of self-esteem and confidence. The good range of activities and resources contributes well to the children's development. They are gaining in confidence and independence as they choose activities that appeal to them. The children's play and creativity is valued and they proudly show pictures they have coloured and chickens they have made. Children relate well to a cuddly story time and spontaneously sing rhymes, such as 'Incy Wincy Spider', when reminded of spiders in a book. They are developing a good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

understanding of size, numbers and colours through the skilful use of everyday activities. For example, children remark that a slice of banana looks like a wheel and they play happily trying to fit one Russian doll inside another. They learn about nature and enjoy growing plants, such as cress and mung beans to eat, and plant bulbs for presents for their mothers on Mother's Day. The children's individual needs are effectively catered for as the childminder has a good understanding of their differing abilities and personalities, and offers support when needed. Older children are well catered for and given time to relax after school before starting homework. Children benefit from a good range of outings which are age appropriate. They visit, for example, toddler groups, the farm or local museums and extend the experiences in a range of activities when they get home. During school holidays older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy trips further afield to the Royal Armouries, for example. Discussions about the outings improve the children's communication skills and they confidently talk about seeing goats on a visit to a farm or playing in the ball pool.

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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 good. Children have access to a broad range of resources, play opportunities and activities, which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. For example, she has many multilingual, age-appropriate books and explains to the children what the colours are called in a different language. Outings are well planned and are used effectively to help children learn to appreciate their local environment. All children are respected and, regardless of gender, have access to the full range of activities and resources. Their work is valued and displayed around the childminder's home. The childminder manages behaviour in a way that is suitable for the children's age and development. This helps the children learn to understand right from wrong and they play together harmoniously. Children are helped to understand the need to share and this is re-enforced regularly by the childminder. She is consistent, firm and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

patient without loosing the element fun. Good use of praise for positive behaviour gives support to the children, helps build their self-esteem and they are encouraged to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Partnership with parents is good and the childminder works well with them to help children settle in her care by having a flexible settling in period. Their wishes are respected, ensuring that their children's individual needs are competently catered for. Parents are clearly informed about the provision both through written information and through verbal exchanges of information. The childminder shares information about their child's day on a daily basis and parents are confident their children are being well looked after.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming and organised effectively to give good supervision and meet the children's needs. Children are settled and familiar with their routines. They have safe and free access to appropriate resources promoting their independence and confidence. Older children are given time and support to do homework after school. The childminder makes effective use of local facilities and regularly arranges outings to parks, farms, the library and museums. The number of children in place at any one time is low, thus offering a good level of adult support and interaction. The childminder shows clear commitment to extending her knowledge, for instance by attending a course on Makaton signing, enhancing the service she offers to the children. An adequate range of policies and procedures are in place and contribute to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. Records are

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Organisation

suitably documented and most parental consents are in place to support the safety and well being of the children. The childminder ensures that privacy and confidentiality is upheld at all times when dealing with children's information. 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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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written permission from parents to administer medication to children should it be required, although this does not cover specific medication. She has also compiled a list of parents emergency contact numbers and persons authorised to collect children, further promoting the children's safety and well-being at all times. Systems are in place to practice the emergency escape plan and practices have been carried out, raising the children's awareness of what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder has a maintained a broad range of toys that positively reflect race, culture and disability which help children become aware of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 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 written permission is obtained from parents for the seeking of emergency treatment and written parental consent is obtained each time prior to administering medication • ensure consistency in good hygiene procedures regarding handwashing, particularly at snack time.

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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:

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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 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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