Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225524 Inspection date 03 April 2006 Inspector Kate Bryan

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 16 and 13 years in a house in Melton Mowbray. Within the home children have access to the hall, lounge/diner and kitchen and the first floor bathroom and bedrooms. There is an enclosed garden area for outside physical play and activities. The family has a cat.

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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 registered for 6 children and has 10 on roll, some of whom are aged over 8 years. The childminder is a member of the National Child Minding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are satisfactorily protected from the risks of infection and cross contamination as they use a clean towel daily and use sensible hygiene practices, such as hand washing, as part of their daily routine. The childminder promotes children's awareness of preventing the spread of germs by discussion which encourages them to be responsible for the promotion of their own health. A satisfactory sick children policy ensures that an exclusion period is in operation for children with contagious illnesses and all records are in place to ensure that their health is suitably maintained. Children's routines are agreed with parents so that they have their needs for rest and sleep met in a consistent fashion which suitably promotes their emotional well-being. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities daily in the garden or park which promotes their health and development well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a satisfactory awareness of healthy eating through discussion. They have their health needs suitably met as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that their dietary and physical needs are fostered. Parents provide food for the children whilst the childminder provides snacks, such as fruit and yoghurt, which suitably promote healthy options.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in a warm, clean environment because the childminder has identified most risks and taken suitable measures to minimise these. For example, they are well protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and an emergency escape plan has been practised with them. Children are well protected when they are outside because the childminder is vigilant about their safety. They are made aware, by discussion, of safe road crossing practices and the hazards of stranger danger. The childminder ensures that all equipment conforms to current safety standards and has attended basic health and safety training. The home is suitably organised so that the childminder can monitor children in all rooms. This means, for example, that children can enjoy table activities in the dining area and quiet time in the lounge in safety. Children can make their own selections

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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 from a suitable range of easily accessible resources which promotes confidence and decision making, these are rotated for younger children to ensure they enjoy a range of experiences. The childminder has a good awareness of signs of abuse and has attended child protection training. However, reporting procedures are not secure which could affect children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are learning to be skilful communicators because the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them. This encourages younger children to practise their pre-speech skills whilst other children engage in conversations. Children's learning is well promoted, for example, the childminder makes children aware of colours during other activities so that they learn to make meaningful connections. Children can make choices about their activities and there are many opportunities for child initiated activities, such as playing with a small world kitchen or playing with cars, which they enjoy. This fosters their independence and self-assurance well. The childminder also has a good awareness of the different ages she minds and provides activities which are appropriate. For example, older children can relax or choose activities whilst the 'Birth to three matters' framework is used to plan for younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children. Children feel secure and valued because the childminder has very warm relationships with them. They happily sit on her knee and accept cuddles which makes them feel secure. Children expect to be listened to and acknowledged which effectively makes them feel valued. Children have good opportunities to develop their creativity and imagination as the childminder offers a range of activities to promote this, such as craft work and baking. They can also socialise as they visit the local shops or other childminders which promotes their confidence and personal skills well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are warmly welcomed to the home and this enables them to feel a good sense of belonging and self-worth. Children have their needs suitably met because the childminder works closely with parents and uses satisfactory records to ensure this. Parents are spoken with daily so that the childminder is aware of children's changing needs. Children take home work they have created so that parents can share in their achievements and acknowledge their individuality. Children learn about other cultures and festivals through discussion and a range of suitable resources such as books. Children with special educational needs receive an appropriate service, the childminder has attended training in providing an equal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 service to children with disabilities to ensure that they are included in all activities and their contribution valued. Children's behaviour is suitably managed by the use of age appropriate strategies. Younger children are dealt with in a patient and firm manner which makes them aware of expected behaviour. Older children receive 'time out' to encourage them to reflect upon their behaviour. The use of sensible house rules, for example, no jumping on furniture, means children are treated in a consistent manner which promotes their self-assurance appropriately. Children use good manners and help in the routines of the home, such as tidying away, which promotes a good sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive good levels of adult support which makes them feel safe and secure. They develop self-assurance and confidence as they explore the environment and interact with each other. They are cared for in a home that is satisfactorily organised so that they are always under the supervision of the childminder both indoors and in the garden. This allows children to experience a range of activities in different rooms and encourages them to make informed choices about what they wish to do. Therefore children can opt to have quiet time in the lounge area or enjoy a craft activity at the dining table. Children's physical health is well promoted by daily use of the garden or local park. They have access to a good range of equipment, such as a climbing frame and swings, to promote challenges and enjoyment. Children's welfare, learning and care are appropriately fostered by the use of sound

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Organisation

policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which enhances safety measures in place for children and has demonstrated her commitment to improving her service by attending training. However, all people over the age of 16 years living at the home require a police check to ensure children's safety. 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 provider agreed to develop the range of resources that promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children, devise and practise an emergency escape plan and ensure that the daily records of the children looked after and their hours of attendance includes each child's name. All records are in place, which has enhanced existing safety measures, and resources are available which provide children with a balanced world view.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 1st 2004. The provider is

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Complaints 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 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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures are followed in the event of any concerns about children's well-being • ensure that all persons over the age of 16 undergo appropriate vetting procedures.

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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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