Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225645 Unique Reference Number 25 May 2006 Inspection date Kate Bryan 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 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17 years, 16 years and 8 years in a house in Braunstone within walking distance of the local primary school, shops and local amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding and children also have access to an enclosed rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a pet parrot and rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children and has 10 on roll.

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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 good. Children's health is well-maintained because they are cared for in a warm, clean environment where routine and effective hygiene practices prevent infection and maintain health. Children use a clean towel daily and liquid soap which prevents cross contamination. They learn the importance of routines, such as hand washing, through discussions and use a step to reach the sink so that they learn to be independent in their hygiene practices. Clear procedures for looking after sick children ensures that their health and emotional well-being are fostered effectively. However, parental consent has not been obtained for administering medication which may lead to delays in children's needs being met. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are met well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that routines are in place which support their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a good range of activities which promote their health and development. They have access to a good range of equipment which includes ride on toys, a trampoline, swings, climbing frame and bikes which promotes confidence in their growing physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder discusses this with them and activities such as shopping are also used to promote their awareness of healthy options. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health is actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is vigilant about reducing risks both inside and outside of the house. Effective measures include appropriate detection and prevention measures for an outbreak of fire and a written emergency escape plan which has been practised with children. Children are also encouraged to effectively think about keeping themselves safe by discussions about issues such as safe road crossing and stranger danger. Children are secure because the childminder ensures she effectively monitors the home and makes it safe for them. For example, children use child sized tables and chairs which ensures they can work at their own level and promotes their safety well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are looked after in a warm and clean environment where they are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promote both play and learning. This encourages them to make their own decisions about their activities and promotes self-assurance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of keeping children safe and where to report any concerns to ensure that children are always protected.

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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 enjoy a good range of activities both inside the home and outside which promotes their play and learning. They have many opportunities for outdoor play which effectively promotes their physical development and provides a good balance to their day. Older children are able to make selections about their activities from a good range which includes homework, computer use and a games console or relaxing. This ensures that they gain the optimum enjoyment from their time at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to effectively plan activities which help the children to progress their learning. Good levels of adult support allow children to develop their creative and imaginative skills in activities such as dressing up and craft work. They also regularly talk about feelings and what has been happening at home so that they learn to make good connections between their experiences and those of other people. This effectively promotes their understanding and enhances their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are skilful communicators and the childminder uses lots of praise to encourage and support language development with young children. The childminder lets children know she is interested in them by responding to their expressions and gestures and constantly talking to them. Children receive lots of cuddles and positive interaction so that they feel secure and valued at the home. This ensures that they can respond confidently to effective questioning and are confident to involve the childminder in their activities, for example, bat and ball games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder works closely with parents to promote their daily routines, for example, for sleep and rest. They proudly take home work they have created to share with parents which leads to acknowledgement and feelings of self worth. All children's details are taken at admission to ensure that they receive an individual and effective service that is agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works effectively to promote their understanding. There are trips out into the local community and festivals are celebrated so that the children develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to respect each other. Children are effectively acknowledged as individuals because the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources. Children with special needs receive an individual service because the childminder has a good awareness of promoting inclusion and working closely with parents to ensure the child's needs are effectively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is effectively managed by the use of strategies such as distraction and 'time out' which allows them to reflect upon their actions and the consequences of these. They are able to follow sensible house rules, for example not using the front room, so that they learn to be responsible for their own behaviour which promotes good levels of self-assurance. The childminder manages behaviour consistently so that children are always aware of what is

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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 acceptable. Children are well mannered and respond to the childminder's calm approach as she makes clear to them what behaviour is acceptable, for example, not throwing racquets.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy a range of activities in a well-organised home that is designed to provide opportunities for play and learning. For example, the back room is used for quiet time whilst the children have a designated play room with lots of resources to stimulate children's play and learning. This allows the children to develop good levels of confidence and independence in initiating their own activities.

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Organisation

Young children receive good levels of adult support which encourages them to explore the environment and gain confidence in exploring the outside area. Children's physical well-being is effectively promoted by the regular use of the garden and park and younger children have their need for rest and sleep met well which fosters their emotional well-being.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, learning and care are well promoted by the use of clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit. This ensures that parents are aware of how the service will be provided in the children's best interests.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken the Introduction to Childminding Course, the Developing Childminding Practice Course and the Extending Childminding Practice Course which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. 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 agreed to ensure medication or other treatment is not administered to children unless the parent has discussed its use and given prior written permission and to acquire resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. Resources have been acquired which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children, however, the requirement to obtain parental permission for dispensing medication is still outstanding.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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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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

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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 parents give permission for dispensing medication to children.

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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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