Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225489 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2006 Inspection date Alexandra Brouder 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 14 and 20 years. They live in a house situated in the centre of a rural village in Leicestershire. The ground floor is used for childminding as is the first floor back bedroom, front spare bedroom and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 at any one time. Currently she has 10 children on roll, some of whom are over 8, that attend on varying days and times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local community resources on a regular basis and has achieved a cache level 3 in childminding practice.

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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 outstanding. Children's good health is promoted very well. They wash their hands and begin to understand why this is important. For example, a child was observed washing their hands and stated that they were doing this to 'wash the germs off.' They access areas that are free from cross-contamination as the childminder follows excellent hygiene procedures, such as wiping sides after food preparation and using separate linen for beds. Excellent records are maintained regarding accidents and medication and the childminder ensures that children's welfare is maintained as she records existing injuries also.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children fully participate and enjoy a range of activities both indoor and outdoor that promotes their good health. They take part in gardening activities to help them learn about healthy eating and growth. Regular visits to local parks and walks in the locality, ensures that children extend their physical skills and develop well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children recognise when they are thirsty and are able to freely access their own drinks. Babies and younger children are offered drinks on a regular basis ensuring that they are kept hydrated. Menus are developed and displayed to ensure that children's diets are well balanced and nutritious. Older children take part in some preparation of meals enabling them to learn about different types of foods and how they are cooked. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs and she maintains written information on this ensuring that all children are offered what they like. Rest periods are provided taking account of children's individual care patterns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in suitable surroundings where risks, in the main, are identified and minimised. They remain well protected in the childminder's care through vigilant procedures, such as appropriate socket covers being in place and regular fire drills being practised with all age groups. However, there are some hazardous plants in the garden area and knives are easily accessed in the kitchen, which impacts on the children's safety. The childminder talks to the children about the need to keep safe and how to do so, both indoors and outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Older children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Younger children are able to make choices about their play under the supervision of the minder, enabling them to develop their independence and skills with the variety of resources that are available to them. The childminder takes into account the ages of children to ensure that resources that are available are both safe and suited to the individual child. The childminder has required documents and procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted and safe guarded. For example, she has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines and has a policy that reflects appropriate action to be taken should she have concerns.

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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 outstanding. Children are very happy and relaxed in the childminders care. They are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other, adults and visitors. All children have formed very effective relationships with the childminder and their peers. This creates a warm and friendly atmosphere in which children feel confident, content and secure. The childminder knows individual children well which enables her to provide an excellent range of experiences and appropriate support. All children play well with the available resources and more able children gain independence through choosing from a variety of toys and activities to encourage their all round development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder enables babies and young children to become competent learners through well placed resources which encourages their hand-eye co-ordination and all round development. Their language skills increase as the childminder gives them time to respond to instruction and in every day conversations. Younger children's independence and confidence grows as they are supported in selecting from the extensive range of resources. All children spend time indoors and outdoors, ensuring that they use and extend their bodily movements. For example, younger children were observed to use the swing and sit-and-ride toys with growing ability. The childminder spends time with all age groups present encouraging them and helping them in play when required, but also gives them time to play alone.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of early years guidance such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to guide her in providing appropriate activities and resources as well as making written observations and records on children's progress through this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides children with a range of equipment and resources that enable them to explore gender well. Older children have many opportunities to explore the needs of other cultures and lifestyles through activities linked to various festivals and through discussion with the minder. They access some resources that reflect other cultures and abilities through books and dolls. However, younger children do not have regular access to a range of opportunities to extend their learning in this area. Children learn about the local community through regular walks and exploration with the minder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well and routines are followed that have been discussed and agreed with parents and carers. The childminder recognises the importance of listening to parents and carers to ensure that children's individual needs can be met. Daily diaries are in place for all children under five years, enabling parents and carers to 'see' how their child develops on a daily basis, as well as their food intake and sleep times. Verbal feedback is used alongside this to support each child's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are encouraged to do so through positive praise and encouragement from the childminder. She has developed some basic house rules to help children recognise what is expected of them such as taking shoes off before coming in from the garden and sitting

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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 at the table for snacks and meals. Children begin to share and take turns through the positive encouragement from the childminder. For example, an older child wanted to play with all the toy animals, the childminder spoke calmly to the child about the importance of sharing and encouraged the child to share with another child so that they could play together. She was then observed to praise both children for playing well together and for sharing. Thus promoting all children's positive self esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and relaxed in the comfortable and well organised environment. This means that they are confident and able to initiate their own play and learning, depending on their age and ability. Well organised records and documentation are in place that support the provision well and promotes the care, welfare and needs of all children in the childminders care. All written documentation is shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of all policies and procedures that she has in place. Regular training courses are attended by the childminder which enables her to extend her understanding of good practice and apply this information to support the changing needs of the children in her care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the emergency escape plan was practised. The childminder has addressed this issue well. She plans regular drills every six weeks at differing times and days to ensure that all children have an opportunity to participate. Therefore children's welfare and safety are maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since April 2004.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure that plants in the garden that are unsafe are inaccessible to minded children and that knives in low level drawers are also made inaccessible • ensure that children have regular access to a range of toys and activities that reflect other cultures and lifestyles and disabilities.

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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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