Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225485 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2006 Inspection date Lesley Barrett 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 1987. She lives with her husband, adult son and school-aged child in a residential area of the town of Melton Mowbray. Children have access to the ground floor rooms and a bedroom for sleeping arrangements. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for three children under five years on a part time basis and two children over five before and after school. The childminder also provides care for children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. They stay healthy as the childminder follows good hygiene procedures and ensures the risk of cross-contamination is minimised. For example, she ensures that children have their own individual bedding which is washed regularly. Children are developing an understanding of the importance of good hygiene as they enjoy brushing their teeth and the bathroom sink is of an appropriate height allowing children increasing independence. The childminder is aware of the need to record accidents and gain parental permission to administer medication. She has a first aid qualification and obtains parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment allowing her to seek help in the event of a medical emergency to protect children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder ensures that she obtains necessary information regarding their dietary needs. She liaises with parents regarding the types of foods offered and provides a range of healthy snacks for children. Children are able to freely access drinks according to their own needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from activities which incorporate daily physical exercise and fresh air. The daily routines include walks to and from school and the children are provided with regular opportunities to play outside where they can use a variety of wheeled toys. A canopy provides a shaded area within the garden helping to protect children from the sun. On occasions when the childminder is able to offer one-to- one care, she takes individual children swimming enabling them to develop their confidence and skills in this area. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their own needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a home where risks have been identified. They use a satisfactory range of toys and play resources, which are clean and in a safe condition. These are accessed within the room primarily used for children and they are able to access them freely. Appropriate furniture, some of which is child sized, is available enabling children to increase their independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder maintains good levels of supervision to ensure children's safety and minimises hazards within the home. A monitor is used when children sleep upstairs so that the childminder is altered to their needs and a baby who sleeps downstairs is able to sleep in an area where he is undisturbed by other children. The premises are kept secure to prevent children from leaving unsupervised and the entry of an unauthorised person. The childminder has appropriate car seats in place to keep children safe when travelling. All necessary fire safety equipment is in place and smoke alarms are tested regularly. However, the childminder has not yet practised the emergency evacuation procedures to ensure that children are fully aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. Consequently children's safety may be compromised.

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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 The childminder has an awareness of the procedures to be followed should she have any concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children in her care. She has the appropriate literature and an understanding of how to report her concerns should a situation arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed in the family home. A busy household helps children begin to develop relationships and their self-confidence, with adults, as well as other children. Children enjoy a good relationship with the childminder, they approach her with ease and respond to her warmth. This helps them to feel secure in their surroundings. They benefit from a home from home environment, as the childminder plans her day around school routines, takes them to the shops and walking in the local area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in the toys and play resources available. They have their favourites which the childminder recognises and encourages. For example, a baby enjoys looking at a brightly coloured rotating globe light which flashes around the room. The childminder interacts positively with the baby, smiling and chatting as she feeds him and recognising his babbles of communication. Her appropriate interaction creates a stimulating experience for the child and helps him to feel secure. The childminder understands the needs of younger children, she greets them warmly when they wake from their sleep and gives them time to sit on her lap until they are fully awake. Through everyday play situations the childminder praises and encourages the children, helping to promote their self-esteem. Older children enjoy participating in imaginary play, playing games or doing some craft work when they arrive from school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled, valued and respected as individuals. Consequently, they feel confident and at ease in the childminder's care. They are able to learn about the local community as they go on walks and meet other people. All children have access to activities according to their individual needs. The childminder has a positive attitude towards promoting diversity, however, her play resources in this area are sparse and limit children's ability to learn about the wider world through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. the childminder encourages good manners and has clear consistent boundaries which helps children learn what is expected of them. Their confidence and self-esteem is promoted as the childminder gives appropriate praise and encouragement through their play and everyday activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents. Information is regularly exchanged with parents to ensure continuity of care. As a result children's individual needs are met and they are cared for within their usual routines, helping them to feel settled.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed within the childminder's home which is organised to meet their individual needs. Suitable space is available for children to rest and play, with opportunities for them to make some choice within their play. The childminder arranges the time she spends with children effectively to ensure that they are provided with a balance of activities inside and outside the home.

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Organisation

The childminder has an understanding of the regulatory documentation and is aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality to protect children. However, she does not currently obtain written parental permission to leave the children in the care of an assistant. Consequently, children's well-being may be compromised. Overall the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that alcohol in the dining area and sharp knives in the kitchen area are inaccessible to the children. This has been successfully addressed and has a positive impact in the care of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also required to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and ensure that the written medication records, signed by parents, include the details of the medicine given to children. This has been addressed although slight amendments were needed which were discussed with the childminder at the inspection and she agreed to implement them immediately.

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Complaints 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedures

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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 • improve upon resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise • ensure that accurate records are kept regarding children being left in the care of an assistant.

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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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