Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY218946 Inspection date 04 April 2006 Inspector Justine Ellaway

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her mother, father and brother who is over 16 years in Braunstone, Leicester. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, along with the first floor bathroom, are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five at various times and four children over five before and after school at various times. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and

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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 toddler group. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical activity including daily walks to the park, playing in the garden on the fixed play equipment and going on outings. As a result children's physical needs are well met. Children are well nourished, they enjoy a range of meals and are encouraged to try healthy options. Snack is healthy and includes a choice of fruit. Children's social skills are developed as they sit together at meal times. Information on children's health and dietary needs is gathered from parents at the time of placement to ensure any particular needs are met. Children are consistently encouraged to wash their hands to promote good hygiene. They receive appropriate care if they are ill to ensure they are comfortable. The childminder has an up to date first aid qualification. However, she has not sought permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice or for the use of plasters,

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Helping children to be healthy

to ensure children receive the most appropriate treatment in an accident. Children's good health is promoted and the risk of cross infection is minimised as the childminder has a clear policy on the exclusion of children who are ill which is shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely indoors as risks and hazards have been minimised. For example, the childminder restricts access to the kitchen by the use of a stair gate. Children play safely outdoors as the garden is fully enclosed and child friendly and the childminder maintains constant supervision. Effective collection procedures ensure that children are only released to expected adults. Suitable procedures for protecting children when out and about ensures they are safe on outings. Children learn about their own safety as the childminder talks to them about road safety when they are walking to and from school and shares the house rules with them. Children’s safety and welfare is effectively promoted because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. Children are happy in the welcoming environment. Older children enjoy free

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

movement between the lounge and dining room which promotes their independence. Space is effectively organised so that children have lots of floor space to play with their toys, a table and chairs for activities and eating and a separate space for rest and quiet. Children play safely and freely with the toys and resources as they are in good condition. They independently access the toys and resources and develop a sense of ownership as they help to tidy them away.

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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 good. Children are happy and comfortable at the childminder's home. They engage in purposeful play as the childminder interacts with them. Art and craft and messy activities are planned so children can participate in them regularly if they wish. Children also enjoy weekly visits to the local toddler group. The childminder usually uses appropriate questioning during play, for example, talking to children about the colours of the play dough they are using. The childminder makes effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to provide appropriate activities for younger children. As a result children's development and learning is well promoted. Children are able to freely access the interesting range of toys and do so with enthusiasm. Children relate well to the childminder and each other and are confident in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has regular communication with parents and discusses any issues. Parents have access to a useful folder of information to ensure that consistency of care is maintained. Children develop a sense of belonging because the childminder celebrates their birthdays, displays their work and gives them a book of photos of the time they have spent with her. They receive a good level of support to enable them to feel valued. Children with special needs receive appropriate care, as the childminder has a sound understanding of the issues. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and each other. They share the toys and resources and will take turns. Good use of praise and encouragement fosters their self-esteem during play. The childminder praises children when they are behaving well. The childminder shares a clear and informative behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

management policy, to ensure consistency of care. As a result children play well together. Children learn about wider society through a suitable range of resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure and have a good relationship with the childminder. They are comfortable and settled in the welcoming environment. Good organisation of the environment and resources means that children can move around and choose what they want to do. They enjoy interaction and support whilst they play, including one to one time with the childminder. The childminder has a CACHE Certificate in Childcare and Education which positively impacts on the care provided for children. All of the required documentation is in place and effectively organised to ensure children receive appropriate care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to maintain a record of children's time of arrival and departure. Accurate and up to date records are maintained to ensure children's safety. The childminder has expanded the range of resources that reflect positive images of different culture, ethnicity, gender and abilities. As a result children develop a suitable understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 7: health and hygiene and Standard 3: care, learning and play. The complaint related to the hygiene of the premises and the care of children who are ill. Also to the range of activities provided for children. Ofsted visited the provider to investigate the concerns raised in July 2005. There were no breaches of national standards found. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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 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 that you request permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all minded children • ensure that you obtain written permission for the use of plasters with minded children

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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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