Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 225453 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Judith Chinnery

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered with Ofsted since 1993. She is able to care for six children under eight at any one time and currently cares for five children aged under five years at different times. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years in a four bed roomed house on the outskirts of Leicestershire. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, where toilet facilities are available, and the main bedroom on the first floor for rest. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog, two cats and a guinea pig.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being is promoted well in the setting. Good management of food preparation and clean surroundings ensure that children stay healthy. Hand washing routines are well-established and children happily follow instructions to clean their hands and faces, which helps to minimise the spread of infection. Children are well nourished with a variety of foods which include fruit and vegetables. The childminder works closely with the parents to provide children with what they like and need. Children learn about healthy eating through a wide variety of activities and experiences because the childminder actively uses these situations to talk about health. Outdoor play and physical exercise is a daily feature for children in this setting. The garden is freely available for children to explore and run about in. Varied opportunities to use the ride on toys and other equipment ensures that children are

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

able to use and develop their large body movements well. Children can rest comfortably and peacefully according to their needs either in a bed or on the settee where they can be easily observed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a setting that is well maintained and safe. Good safety precautions such as stairgates, cupboard locks and socket covers help to prevent accidents to children. Documents and records such as car and childminding insurance are kept up to date ensuring that children are safe both inside and out. Outings are well planned with children's safety in mind. Children have access to a wide variety of resources which are safe and appropriate for their age and stage. The rooms which the children use to play in are free from hazards such as trailing wires and are well equipped for children to play and move around freely and safely. They can sit safely at the table to eat and play because the childminder uses appropriate chairs with harnesses when needed. Children are well protected in the setting because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is fully aware of who to contact to report any

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy being in this setting. They experience a wide range of activities

p.3

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 which help them play and learn. They are easily absorbed by activities, persevering to fit puzzles back together or build purposefully with the bricks. Children know their way around the childminder's home and are confident to ask for what they want or to help themselves to accessible activities. Children's language skills are encouraged well since the childminder shares conversations about daily happenings as well as stories with them. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses it effectively to plan stimulating and worthwhile activities for children which enhance their care, learning and play really well.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is careful to work closely with parents to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She uses resources such as books which reflect positive images of children and families to introduce children to differences and to enable them to develop a respect for others. Activities are accessible and adapted to suit the children's needs so that all children are included in the life of the setting. The children enjoy a warm and close relationship with the childminder which helps them to settle well and feel safe and secure. Children behave well in the setting. They respond positively to the childminder's explanations and the implementation of clear and consistent boundaries. She supports them well in enabling them to share and take turns, skilfully distracting them and providing alternatives to avoid conflict. Good relationships exist between the childminder and parents. They are kept well

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

informed about what their child is doing and feel that their wishes and the needs of their children are met. However, the childminder does not yet keep a record of any complaints made by parents to ensure that everything to do with children's care is transparent to all.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children. Her sound understanding of childcare and development ensure that children are well cared for and protected. She takes steps to keep her knowledge of childcare up to date by participating in courses. The number of children cared for is kept to a minimum to ensure that children's care, learning and play is actively supported. Good record keeping supports and promotes children's ability to stay healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in August 2003 the childminder was asked to ensure that permission was given by parents to transport children in the car. Since then the childminder ensures that this is obtained from parents as part of their written agreement to ensure that children's safety is not compromised.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • provide a record of any complaints made by parents.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5