Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225809 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Susan Andrews 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 years and 17 years, in a village on the outskirts of Leicester City. The ground floor and one-bedroom of the childminder's home is used for childcare purposes. 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 a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, who all attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Schools, parks, shops, the library and places of interest are within easy walking or driving distance.

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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 actively take part in a wide range of indoor play opportunities that develop their physical skills. They participate in activities that encourage their development, for example, children explore stimulating play equipment, making connections through senses and movement. Children benefit from taking fresh air and exercise by playing with toys and equipment in the enclosed garden area. Children run, jump, climb and play freely in the garden, on the trampoline, when walking to and from school and on trips to local places of interest, parks and recreation facilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, homely environment where high standards of hygiene are maintained. Children are beginning to understand about their own personal care during daily routines and by using sun hats and creams when playing outdoors in hot weather. They also learn about good hygiene practices when using the toilet, hand washing before eating or after playing in the garden. The childminder has an excellent understanding of health and hygiene issues and operates a rigorous approach regarding the importance of minimising the risk of cross infection. Hygiene is seen as a priority, for example, children use individual or disposable towels and wipes and kitchen work surfaces are cleansed with antibacterial spray. Children rest and sleep when they are tired and good arrangements are made by the childminder to organise daily routines to ensure their individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

A first aid kit is readily available and a range of health policies and procedures are in place. For example paediatric first aid, epilepsy awareness and allergy EpiPen training has been undertaken by the childminder therefore the childminder is able to respond positively should an accident occur or a child become unwell. All necessary documentation for the recording of accidents or the administration of medication are in place, however accident records lack some detail. Care is taken to ensure children are protected from the sun by use of sun hats and creams. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring children have access to shade when playing in the garden or on trips to the park. Therefore children's health and welfare in safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate care is taken and arrangements made to ensure the continuity of care for children. Information is exchanged daily between the parents and the childminder. Children recognise when they are thirsty and are able to access their drinks at all times and are developing an awareness of healthy eating, for example, children know that 'fruit is good for you and milk makes you strong'. Children's dietary needs and food preferences are addressed and healthy eating is promoted. Children eat together in a social environment and careful attention is paid to ensure children have nutritious snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables, water and fruit juice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for and move around freely in a safe, welcoming environment. The designated areas used for the childcare are the quiet area in the lounge and the kitchen/diner, which is

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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 used for mealtimes and creative activities. Careful attention has been taken to ensure children's safety and hazards are clearly identified and minimised. For example, dangerous substances such as medicines and cleaning materials, are kept in locked cupboards, sharp knives and hazardous kitchen utensils are kept out of reach. Stair gates are in place, plug sockets are covered and there are no hazardous indoor plants.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys and equipment that are easily accessed and appropriate to their ages and stages of development and meet relevant safety regulations. Children remain safe and are always within the childminder's sight and hearing. They are able to play safely in the designated childcare play areas and toys and equipment are at child height so that they may choose in safety. The garden area is safely enclosed and kept free from poisonous plants and the childminder ensures that all childcare activities, both indoors and outside, are carefully supervised, although a full risk assessment has not been conducted and parents written consent has not been obtained regarding children's use of the trampoline. Security systems are in place to ensure children cannot leave the premises and only authorised persons may collect children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

General fire safety issues have been considered. Fire detection and fire-fighting equipment including carbon monoxide, smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place in the home. A fire evacuation plan has been devised and fire drills have been practised, therefore the childminder and the children are familiar with the procedures should a real emergency occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and is clear about her responsibilities to protect the children in her care, therefore children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, happy and settled. The minded children respond to the childminder with ease and confidence, relating well to the feeling of security, seeking and readily gaining her encouragement and affection. Children are comfortable, confident and reassured by the childminder's sensitive and gentle approach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides care in a calm, comfortable environment and operates a flexible approach to routines based on children's needs. She provides opportunities to meet with other adults and children, as they visit places of interest, the library, recreation areas, local toddler and childminder groups. Therefore the children grow in confidence and develop self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has attended the relevant training courses and is beginning to implement the framework's principles to further enhance the quality of the childcare offered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access and use a suitable range of toys and play equipment that provide them with opportunities to develop their skills. Children play imaginatively and choose independently from dressing-up equipment, puzzles, crayons, books, manipulative, construction, imaginative small world toys, play dough, paints and collage. Children grow plants and sunflowers from

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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 seed and develop their curiosity in the garden as they play with water and explore a 'bug' collection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Attention has been paid to the provision of a stimulating and nurturing environment for the children. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of their needs and spends lots of time interacting with the children throughout the day. Children and the childminder engage in lively conversation in everyday events and activities. Children are listened to and the childminder challenges children's thinking and invites their questions. Therefore they responded positively, learn and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to play resources which reflect diversity and these are helping children to develop a good understanding of the wider world. For example, the local group of childminder's share specialist equipment that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Children understand where they fit into their families, the inclusion of each others' differences, similarities and range of abilities and special needs. They celebrate a range of festivals which helps them feel positive about their own and other cultures and to feel valued. They also meet other children and adults when going to and from school, on outings to the library, local places of interest, parks and recreation areas, developing their sense of belonging to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour effectively. Children behave well, are polite and they respond really well to simple and consistent house rules so that they know what is expected of them, for example, saying 'please' and 'thank you'. By understanding how their behaviour affects others, they are learning to play together harmoniously, take turns, share their toys and treat each other kindly. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their achievements are encouraged and praised, so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced. For example, the childminder acts as a good role model and by the use of books, toys and activities that reflect positive images of culture, gender and differing abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The care of children is enhanced as the childminder recognises and values the importance of providing parents with a range of information about the childminding service and listening to them to ensure children's needs are met. Parents share information at the time the child is placed with the childminder, contracts are maintained and written consent is obtained from parents, for example, to administer medication, to go on walks and outings and to travel in the childminder's vehicle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is exchanged with parents on a regular basis through daily conversation and through regular contractual reviews. Children therefore benefit from this consistency of care, for example maintaining similar routines, ensuring children's preferences and individual needs are addressed and a healthy diet is provided. They feel secure and parents develop confidence and trust in the childminder and the service that is offered.

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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 good. Children feel at home and relaxed in the calm, comfortable and well organised environment. As a result, children have opportunities to make choices and engage in a wide range of well chosen activities both indoors and outdoors. This enables children to be imaginative, develop their curiosity, to grow in confidence, learn and have fun.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is supported by the childminder's business-like approach to her childminding service. Written policies, records and documents are shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of the procedures that she has in place and so that children receive continuity of care, their development is promoted and their welfare is safeguarded.

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Organisation

Children receive good care and the childminder provides a reliable service to the parents and children, which is based on her sensitive approach and appropriate organisation of her childminding service. The childminder is aware of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards and takes seriously her childminding responsibilities. She embraces new training opportunities, to extend her skills and knowledge so that the care, protection and developmental needs of children are enhanced.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and to keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has therefore devised an appropriate format where parents sign, giving permission to administer medication. This documentation includes all the relevant information regarding the type of medication, time, dosage and records the signature of the parent and childminder to confirm administration.

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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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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

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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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 accident records contain sufficient detail regarding any injuries to children • conduct a risk assessment and consult parents regarding children's use of the trampoline.

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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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