Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250861 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2006 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 11 and four years. They live in the Birstall area of Leicester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has two cats and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for children five at any one time and is currently caring for an 18 month old and three children over the age of eight years, all on a part time basis.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where satisfactory hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. They are learning the importance of washing hands after using the toilet and before meals with the childminder's support. Children follow their home routines as discussed with their parents and their individual personal care is appropriately met. Accident and medication procedures are clear and the childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as their parents provide hot and cold snacks which reflect their dietary requirements. Children on special diets are catered for and the childminder has experience of caring for children who are on restricted diets. Fruit and water are readily available and children are encouraged to help themselves throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They use the garden for outdoor play in good weather. Wheeled toys and small climbing equipment help to develop their control and co-ordination. Children visit a local park and walk to the village shops and school. When they are unable to go outside children dance along to music which is playing on a television channel. Children learn that being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is it makes them fit and strong.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Their risk of injury is minimised as the childminder carries out visual checks on toys and equipment to reduce potential hazards. Toys and equipment are in good condition and some toys are stored at a low-level which enables children to make independent choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A panel of the garden fence has recently become insecure which may compromise the children's safety. However, children are closely supervised as they play outside and are learning about their own safety through clear explanation and discussion. Children are becoming aware of the house rules and boundaries such as not climbing on furniture or running indoors. Some positive steps have been taken with regard to fire safety. An emergency escape plan is in place and children are aware of the procedure. There is a working smoke alarm on the first floor, however, there is not one fitted on the ground floor. As a consequence, children may not be fully protected in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the home and have developed good relationships with the childminder and her family. They choose from a variety of toys, books and activities, which are stimulating and fun. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children's current likes and interests and ensures that they are kept busy and follow their familiar routines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show enjoyment as they play and interact well with the childminder and each other. Toys and equipment are suitable for their age and stage of development. They experience cooking activities such as making bread and cakes. Children are learning to use computer technology and more able children contact their siblings via e-mail. They are becoming creative as they make models from empty boxes and cartons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about colours, shapes, letters and numbers in everyday situations and by playing educational games. More able children are learning to identify coins and tell the time with the childminder's support. Visits to the local park and village shops enhances the children's learning and play opportunities outside of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are appropriately met by the childminder because she regularly exchanges information with parents. Children have equal access to a general range of resources which help them to appreciate the wider world. For example, some books and play figures show positive images of race and culture. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others by the use of everyday experiences to stimulate play and discussion. They follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. All children are encouraged to integrate and enjoy activities which will encourage their development. The childminder has no previous experience of caring for children with learning disabilities. She demonstrated through discussion how children's needs would be sensitively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to respect one another and share and take turns when playing. Clear guidelines and boundaries help children understand right from wrong. They are encouraged to play cooperatively together and receive praise for effort and good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their needs and interests. They are helped to settle in and develop a sense of belonging through gradual introductory visits. Parents are regularly consulted with regard to their children's needs and good communication exists.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Policies and procedures are appropriate in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice is satisfactory in meeting the needs of individual children. Children explore readily accessible toys

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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 and resources which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Play is organised around the children's daily routines and takes into account their individual needs.

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Organisation

Records are securely stored and children's information regularly updated, however, the childminder is unfamiliar with the current complaints procedure, therefore, may not handle concerns effectively. The childminder has not attended training, however, keeps her knowledge and skills updated by reading and talking with other childminder's. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Each child has this consent on their records, therefore, positive steps have been taken to provide for children in an emergency.

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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 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 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): • provide a working smoke alarm on the ground floor • make the garden fence fully secure. • develop a procedure for recording complaints in line with current practice

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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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