Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225184 Unique Reference Number 22 June 2006 Inspection date Mark Evans 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her two children, aged 13 years and 15 years, in a house on the outskirts of Loughborough. The areas of the house used for childminding are the ground floor rooms and first floor bathroom. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The household is non-smoking and there are no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to receive a maximum of six children under eight years and currently cares for six children. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school and takes them on visits to a nearby park.

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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. The childminder encourages children to use appropriate hygiene practices to maintain their health, for example, they wash their hands before eating and after toileting. This helps to reduce cross-contamination. Children are cared for in an environment that is clean and tidy. Their health is supported by the childminder having current knowledge of first aid and clear arrangements with parents when their children are ill or infectious. There are records for monitoring children's accidents and satisfactory arrangements for the administration of medication to make sure that this is managed consistently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from some healthy snacks for their after school care. This includes fruit to help them develop appropriate eating habits and keep healthy. Children have awareness of foods that are healthy to eat, for example, fruit and vegetables. Children's individual dietary needs are met because the childminder discusses these with the parents. They have a drink with their snack and can request other refreshment at any time, which ensures that they are well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular outdoor play and use large play equipment and enjoy ball games, which develops balance and coordination. They enjoy visits to the park on the way home from school; this gives them a sense of freedom and they benefit from the regular fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a home that is warm and comfortable. They are well supervised and cared for within an environment where the childminder minimises most risks to keep them safe. This gives children suitable areas where they can explore and play safely. However, the front door is not fully secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and the emergency escape plan has not been practised. Children learn about safety whilst with the childminder, which helps them to take responsibility for their safety. For example, she talks to them about road safety and playing in safe recreation areas when walking home from school and visiting the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a safe range of toys and resources that are suitable for their age and interests. The childminder keeps the condition of general equipment and play materials clean and safe for children's use. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder and they spend their time purposefully. They independently choose their activities and play resources. Children engage in activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as drawing and colouring, using art and

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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 crafts materials and play-dough. They enjoy role play and use of small world items to use their imagination with, for example, playing with dolls. Children play board games with the childminder, which helps them to take turns and develop social skills. Children enjoy talking to the childminder about what they have been doing that day, about their family and matters that are significant to them. The childminder shows interest in these conversations and asks questions to extend the discussion. As a consequence, children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. Children demonstrate confidence when with the childminder, being able to play alone, but also to seek closer interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's awareness of the wider community is encouraged through some access to play materials and books that include positive images of diversity. Children's cultural and religious backgrounds are valued and respected by the childminder, who acknowledges significant celebrations and care needs. Children are praised for good behaviour and they also benefit from involvement in games that encourage sharing and taking turns This promotes their confidence and self-esteem and social development. Children learn about appropriate behaviour because the childminder reasons and explains the consequences of their actions and how this effects others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have consistent and stable care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement for all aspects of partnership. Children have good levels in continuity of care because the childminder regularly exchanges information with parents to ensure that she has relevant details. The childminder is aware of how to respond to any issues raised by parents, but does not currently have a log to record any complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children have an organised and comfortable environment. This encourages them to explore their environment and to be confident in making choices and initiating their own play. Children experience individual attention and develop positive relationships because the childminder maintains appropriate adult to child ratios. Children benefit from the childminder's practice and experience as a child carer. The childminder keeps relevant records to help safeguard the welfare and care of children. Most documentation is satisfactorily organised and kept confidential. However, the records of children cared for do not include their hours of attendance. Children have sound levels of continuity in care and this is helped by relevant records which are shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure resources reflect positive images of ethnicity, culture and disability. She provides some materials that promote positive images of diversity so that children gain awareness and develop positive attitudes and she acknowledges children's cultural backgrounds to show interest and value.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints. The childminder 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 that the emergency escape plan is practiced and make sure that the premises are secure so that children are unable to leave unsupervised • keep a log of any complaints that relate to the national standards • ensure that the record of children cared for includes their hours of attendance.

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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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