Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319726 Inspection date 26 June 2006 Inspector Sarah Measures

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, two adult sons and daughters aged 15 years and seven years, in Thurnby, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools, parks, shops and places of interest. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently cares for five children with part time arrangements, three of whom are under five years. The family has a pet cat. The childminder has experience of providing care for children with disabilities and learning difficulties and for those who speak English as an

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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 additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, and holds a level 3 childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children show excellent understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. For example, they grow their own fruit and vegetables and talk about what foods are good for them. They readily express their own needs because of the childminder's expert guidance and confidence in her practice. For example, they are able to identify and explain that they feel cold, hungry or thirsty. All children including the youngest in the setting show a willingness to keep themselves healthy and take responsibility for their own needs as they wash their hands independently and talk about why this is important to keep themselves well. Children are very well protected because the childminder follows robust health and hygiene routines. For example, she wears disposable gloves when changing children, she hoovers floor areas before children arrive and takes care to clean the table before and after children eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate outdoor activities. They benefit significantly from being out in the fresh air as they choose from imaginative and creative activities as well and physical play activities out of doors. Children are eager to use the excellent range of toys and equipment that help them develop physical strength and confidence. Their physical health is further encouraged as the childminder uses her expert knowledge to improve their co-ordination and awareness of space by providing music and dance activities within the home. Children's health is significantly enhanced because the childminder gives utmost attention to meeting their needs by being aware of their individual routines, likes and dislikes. For example, she takes care to ensure she carefully follows sleeping routines for babies and very young children and is well aware of how they best settle

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Helping children to be healthy

to sleep. Children are extremely well nourished because the childminder provides healthy home cooked meals, some of which include fruit and vegetables children have grown themselves. They always make healthy choices at snack time because the childminder offers a range of healthy alternatives. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or an emergency because the childminder has very clear written consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and she maintains clear accident records with good detail.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming environment that is safe and secure. The

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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 play area is especially allocated to the children and is arranged so that children feel at home with photographs and displays of their work on the walls. Children's safety is ensured because they are well supervised within and out of the home and because the childminder has risk assessed the premises to ensure most hazards are inaccessible. Children are kept safe when using the large trampoline in the garden because it is fitted with appropriate safety equipment and because there are clear rules that children only use this one at a time. Children are well protected in the event of a fire because the childminder ensures she practises fire drills with all of the children and has completed training in fire safety. Children play with a very good range of good quality toys and resources that meet

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

their developmental needs well in many fun and interesting ways. The needs of babies and young children are well met because a range of suitable sensory toys are available to encourage them to explore safely and appropriate equipment is used to support their needs. For example, the childminder has a suitable double buggy for use out of the home and has a booster chair for children to use at the table that is fitted with appropriate safely straps. Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection well and has good experience of working with children and families that need support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play a dynamic part in the setting as they make choices in their care at every opportunity. For example, they choose what foods to eat and how to prepare snacks and they choose what activities to take part in and what books to read. Their confidence is significantly developed as the childminder expertly encourages them to make decisions whilst they play. For example she asks children playing with toy animals what they would like the dog's name to be and asks older children if they would like to help her with the younger children. Children have excellent relationships with the childminder who puts them first. Their self-worth is significantly enhanced because the childminder skilfully praises and encourages them. Children relish their time in this vibrant setting as they choose from a range of expertly organised activities within and out of the home. For example, children have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recently planted sunflowers and are developing a keen sense of responsibility as they water them and watch them grow. Children learn about the natural world and look at change. For example, they make sandcastles out of wet and dry sand and discuss which makes the best sandcastle. A range of opportunities for children to develop good imagination are available. In addition to enjoying role play with a range of resources accessible, children have stretched their imagination and had a wonderful time making an aeroplane from a large cardboard box whilst playing freely in the garden. The childminder uses her expert knowledge of the framework 'Birth to three matters' to adapt activities to ensure the developmental needs of the younger children are encouraged at all times. For example, she is continually aware of their emotional needs and she provides different equipment to ensure young children can take part

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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 in activities. The developmental needs of very young children are extremely well promoted as there is a range of stimulating equipment within their environment that encourages them to learn as they explore. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their understanding as the childminder skilfully asks questions to make them think. She listens to children carefully and extends their learning at every opportunity. For example, children count and compare and learn new language as they look at toy animals and discuss what the name for the male animal is. Children thoroughly enjoy story time as they cuddle up to the childminder discussing stories and predicting what will happen next. The opportunity for them to value books and stories is significantly enhanced as the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder expresses her own pleasure as she reads. She also presents stories in a variety of fun and interesting ways. For example, children help make up stories using story sacks and puppets.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging because they are valued by the childminder who works well with parents to ensure they are fully included within the life of the setting. For example, the childminder takes care to ensure she understands any religious or cultural considerations to make sure these are respected within the care provided for children. Children learn to value and appreciate diversity as a range of good quality resources that promote equality of opportunity are included within the toys they play with and within the books they read. Although no children with special needs currently attend, the childminder has good experience of caring for children with disabilities and fully understands the issues involved. Children are very well behaved because they feel secure and are well occupied. The childminder acts as an excellent role model to the children. She treats children with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

courtesy and respect and discusses being kind and helpful to others. As a result older children show excellent consideration for the younger children. For example, older children make sure younger children are comfortable as they go to sit down in the play area. Children learn how to cope with feelings of frustration and uncertainty because the childminder skilfully looks at the cause of their behaviour and provides appropriate and therapeutic activities to help them deal with their feelings. Continuity of children's care is not fully promoted because the childminder does not have a written agreement with parents regarding business and care arrangements for all children. However, children's welfare is effectively encouraged because the childminder has co-operative and caring relationships with parents and children. Daily discussions with parents ensure they are well informed of their child's routines and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure the childminder is fully aware of any issues affecting children's care.

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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 Policies and procedures are robust. They support the good practice of the knowledgeable childminder and are particularly effective in promoting children's good health and enjoyment and achievement. The childminder has worked supporting children and their families in a variety of different settings, giving her valuable experiences that have a significant impact upon the quality of care provided at this setting. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Space and resources are well organised to make children feel welcome, to offer stimulation and to keep them safe. Children feel secure because routines are well established and take into account their individual needs well. Children's welfare is promoted because record keeping systems are generally well maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see upon request. The complaints record may contain complaints other that 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): • make sure written agreements with parents which set out the expectations of both parties as the care of the child, activities and business arrangements are available for all 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: 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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