Childminder in Leeds

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320101 Inspection date 01 March 2006 Inspector Abigail Caroline Cunningham

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and four children, aged 2, 5, 9 and 14 years, in Roundhay, Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the premises and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats and two guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 all day and five child over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The

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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 childminder attends local parent/toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their good health. Regular visits to the local park and toddler group, walking to and from school, and playing in the childminder’s garden help to develop their coordination and physical skills. There are satisfactory hygiene practices in place. The childminder encourages the children to wash their hands before meals and after toileting, using soap, individual face cloths and individual towels. Babies' emotional needs are well met; they receive lots of individual attention, support and cuddles. The childminder effectively recognise the signs of tiredness in babies and young children. Children’s individual sleep and rest patterns are well met and, as a result, they sleep in accordance to their home routine and parent’s wishes. Children have independent access to drinks at all times. The childminder is fully aware of individual dietary requirements and preferences which are discussed in full

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Helping children to be healthy

with parents. The children's parents currently provide all the children's meals. The childminder treats mealtimes as an opportunity to help children enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves; for example, young children have many opportunities to feed themselves using their fingers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is warm and welcoming with good evidence of children’s play and activity. Photographs of children at play and involved in a range of activities are on display. The children have independent access to a good range of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment to effectively meet their needs. All toys and equipment are maintained in good condition and are checked before and after play. The childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards and takes positive steps to promote safety; for example, the children are supervised at all times, sharp objects and dangerous substances are out of the reach of children, safety gates and socket covers are in place. Fire safety is good. A fire escape plan is available and is regularly practised with the children and recorded. Potential fire hazards are identified and made safe, for example, a fire guard is fitted in the living room, smoke alarms are fitted at all levels

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and are in working order, and a fire blanket is available and easily accessible in the kitchen.

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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 Children's welfare and safety are important to the childminder. She has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection. She has attended child protection training and knows where to seek advice if she is concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled. The childminder meets the needs of all children attending, such as individual routines for sleep and nappy changing, meal times and activities. The childminder is kind and attentive towards the children; she respects their backgrounds and values them and what they have to offer. Activities are well organised. Children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside, and through visits and outings, which supports and promotes their all round development. For example, visits to the park and toddler group. There is a broad range of activities which particularly interest older children and encourage them to make decisions and co-operate, such as board games, construction toys, and art and craft materials. Children are encouraged to make decisions, explore and investigate their surroundings. The childminder balances her time carefully to allow children to play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and learn independently as well as giving time to support and encouragement; for example, sitting close by to the babies to offer support when needed. The childminder is very interested in the children and what they say and do. She consistently talks and listens to them, and asks questions to make them think. She responds enthusiastically giving praise and encouragement; for example, whilst mark making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are well behaved, happy and settled. The childminder manages children’s behaviour positively and consistently, and according to the child’s level of understanding and maturity. The children have access to a satisfactory selection of resources, which help children learn about, and value, each other’s similarities and differences, for example, books, dolls and play people. The parents have trusting and friendly relationships with the childminder. She recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to help identify and meet the children's needs. The childminder discusses all aspects of practice with parents during initial meetings. The children are cared for as agreed with the parents and information is shared daily on a verbal, informal basis.

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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 All the required documentation is in place, which contributes to the efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided, for example, contracts, attendance register, accident and medication record book. Necessary documents are easily accessible and confidentiality is maintained at all times. A satisfactory system is in place to record the children’s daily attendance and this is accurate and up to date. The children enjoy the familiar routines. The childminder is well organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources imaginatively to create a stimulating, orderly and supportive environment for the children. Qualification requirements have not been met. This is because the childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate. The childminder is committed to

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Organisation

developing her practice, for example, she has recently attended the birth to three matters course. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has obtained a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures including contact details, which has improved the childminders knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. The range of resources, which promote equality of opportunity, have been increased and the children are able to have access to sufficient toys and books which promote positive images. Fire drills are regularly practiced and recorded, which has improved fire safety.

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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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • maintain a current first aid certificate.

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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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