Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225544 Unique Reference Number 13 July 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 1989. She lives with her husband, two adult dependants and child aged 13 in a rural village in Leicestershire. Children have access to the ground floor lounge, play room, kitchen, hallway and toilet/wash room. On the first floor they can use two of the four bedrooms and the bathroom. 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 six children under eight. Currently there are 12 children on roll that attend a variety of times and days. Some of these children are aged over eight.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed a level 3 in childminding practice and a level 3 in childcare, as well as a number of short courses that support her role.

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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 thrive and stay healthy because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices, which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Young children are very familiar with simple good hygiene routines and when asked what they need to do before and after their snack, the older of two children present stated 'wash our hands!'. Their health and well-being is further protected as the childminder recognises the need to ensure that children's outdoor shoes are removed to prevent the risk of cross-contamination from outdoor materials. She also ensures that parents are aware of the need for their children to wear sun hats and lotion, and provides opportunities for children to play in the shade when using the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are encouraged to use the toilet or potty and older children are able to access this area freely and independently. All children have individual towels and flannels, the childminder also provides paper towels when many children are present, to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines, as discussed with parents. Babies and young children can sleep undisturbed upstairs with their own bedding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and benefit greatly from a range of activities which contribute to their good health and help develop their physical skills. Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a good range of activities which promote their health and development. For example, children today enjoyed playing on the ride-on toys, skilfully manoeuvring them around the garden table. Frequent trips to the park and varied play areas, provide children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence in their growing physical skills, such as a climbing frame and swings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy, varied and nutritious diet. They enjoy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and healthy snacks, such as bread sticks. All meals and snacks take account of the children's individual needs. Children are asked if they would like a snack and are able to choose from a variety of fruits, which are cut up into small or large pieces, dependent on children's preference. Any food provided by parents is stored and prepared appropriately. Mealtimes are seen as a sociable time where adults and children eat together, chatting and laughing.

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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 clean and comfortable home in which space and furniture are organised effectively to best suit their needs. They access a range of high quality, age and stage appropriate equipment and resources that are checked regularly for damage to ensure that children are protected from harm. They are fully supported by the childminder who shows good understanding of the need for children to have the opportunity to explore and learn from new challenges safely, such as younger children mastering the step in-between the kitchen and garden. Good use of soft furnishings, such as floor cushions in the play room allows the younger children to rest and enjoy quiet times for themselves.

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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 Children’s safety is actively promoted through the use of socket covers and locks on exits. A written fire procedure is in place that protects children from harm and is practised regularly to ensure that children know what to do in an emergency. However, children’s safety is compromised in the garden area due to a wall in the garden that separates the grassed area from the paved area which is hazardous to children, and windows in the bedrooms are not secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected as the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection and the relevant procedures to be followed. She has a clear policy that is shared with all parents to enable her to protect the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They settle quickly on arrival because the childminder is kind, caring and sensitive to children’s needs. This approach enables children to feel at ease and be eager to participate in the broad range of activities. For example, a child arrived during the inspection and immediately began to play with the other child present and the cars. Children are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. They have formed effective relationships with the childminder and their peers, which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows individual children well which enables her to provide a suitable range of experiences and appropriate support. Children thrive on the wealth of play equipment and activities provided by the childminder. They play well with these resources and more able children make choices and gain independence through choosing from a variety of toys and activities to encourage their all round development. Children’s mathematical skills develop as the childminder encourages them to use numbers in their play. For example, a child was counting the cars that he had laid out on the mat. He became unsure of the number after six and therefore the childminder took him over to the number frieze on the wall and encouraged him to count up to seven, enabling the child to continue his counting of the cars.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder gets down to the children’s level and supports their play well. She extends their ideas and games through good questioning techniques to enable them to think about their play and responses. She takes time in listening to them which develops their confidence and skills in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is enhanced as the childminder has a good understanding of child development and enables children to explore and learn at their own pace. Activities are balanced to include active play and time to rest, when children enjoy books or games with the childminder. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has incorporated some of the play and practical support ideas into the activities she provides for younger children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are valued and respected as individuals and have many opportunities to view and use a variety of resources that promote other cultures and lifestyles in a positive manner, such as books and dolls. More able children look at festivals such as Chinese New Year and Diwali, as these occur, to enhance their understanding. The childminder makes good use of local libraries and toy libraries to ensure that children develop a sense of self and of the needs of others. Children begin to learn about the local community through visits to play centres, parks and walks in the environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and begin to understand the rules for working together harmoniously. They develop a sense of belonging as they choose their own resources and help tidy away when they have finished playing, helping to promote good behaviour. Children have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and are beginning to recognise the difference between right and wrong. The childminder uses positive techniques which are beneficial in calming children down if they become disruptive. For example, the childminder recognised that the children were becoming fractious and bored and therefore changed the activity to outdoor play to enable the children to run around. Children’s self esteem develops as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in all that they do and uses a range of methods to encourage the children to complete tasks. For example, one of the children is currently toilet training and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

does not like to go when requested. The childminder has developed an effective method to encourage the child to go by asking the child to take ‘teddy’ to the toilet. This has helped the child to ‘show’ teddy how to use the toilet, thus promoting his confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder values the partnership with parents and carers and recognises the importance of communication between herself and the parents to ensure that the needs of children can always be met. Informal relationships between the childminder and children's parents ensures they are well informed about their child's day, what they have eaten, activities they have enjoyed and general information. The childminder keeps a daily diary of events that she has done with the children and shares this information with the parents to ensure that they are kept aware of the activities and visits the children have done. Parents are provided with the opportunity to view the childminder's detailed portfolio which includes information on policies and procedures and all documentation required.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy, settled and comfortable in the environment and have a good relationship with the childminder. Good organisation of areas means that all children are able to initiate their own play and develop their confidence well. Required ratios are maintained, however, accurate records of children's arrival and departure and not maintained, which impacts on their safety. All other required records and documentation are in place, that support the provision well and promote the care, welfare and needs of all children in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

All written documentation is shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of all policies and procedures that she has in place. The childminder's commitment to regular training and

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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 her sound knowledge of child development effectively promotes children’s development, care and learning.

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Organisation

Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to extend the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; to make sure that any loose leads are safe or inaccessible to the children and that any hazardous chemicals/items in the main bedroom and bathroom areas are inaccessible to the children; and to make sure the outdoor area is secure with regard to the perimeter fencing. Children access a range of suitable toys and equipment that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. For example, jigsaws, dressing-up, and dolls. They have looked into various festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year to develop their understanding of the needs of others. Thus children's knowledge of the wider community and world in which they live develops well. All hazardous items and loose leads have been made inaccessible to children, ensuring that they are kept safe and free from harm. The perimeter fencing has been

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Improvements since the last inspection

made secure which means that children can not leave the premises unsupervised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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 complaint 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): • ensure that the garden is made safe in relation to the drop from the grassed area to the paved area, and that keys for windows are inaccessible to children as well as remaining secure when children are present • ensure that accurate records of children's arrival and departure are maintained.

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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 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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