Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331264 Unique Reference Number 19 September 2006 Inspection date Mark Evans 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 April 2006. She lives in a house in Kirby Muxloe with her partner and seven year old child. Within the home children have access to the ground floor lounge areas, kitchen, dining area, study area and toilet room and the first floor bathroom. Children also have use of an enclosed rear garden for their physical play and activities. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to receive a maximum of five children under eight years and currently has three children on roll. She can take and collect children to and from local pre-schools and schools and takes children on outings to local parks and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 within a home environment that is hygienic and orderly. They develop understanding of the reasons for good hygiene because the childminder talks to them about this. Children use appropriate hygiene practices, for example, washing hands after toileting and brushing teeth after eating breakfast. This helps to reduce cross-contamination and develop sound personal care skills for the children. Children's well-being is maintained because there are good systems for monitoring accidents and for the administration of medicines. However, parents are not asked to sign the medication administration records to acknowledge each entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive meals and snacks to meet their nutritional needs. They benefit from a healthy diet and have a good balance of foods that contribute to their dietary needs. Meals consist of a range of foods, including proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Children are aware of healthy eating and of the foods that contribute towards this. Children's individual dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents to make sure that they remain healthy. They have good access to drinks during the day, ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience regular outdoor play and have walks and visits to the local park. They have opportunities to use large play equipment and to play ball games. This provides challenge, supports the development of their physical skills and helps to keep them healthy. Outdoor play gives the children a sense of freedom and experience of the natural environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are kept safe because they are cared for within a safe and secure environment and are very well supervised by the childminder. The childminder minimises risks inside of the home and outdoors, which helps to keep children safe. For example, she keeps hazardous materials inaccessible to children, has smoke detectors and keeps the premises secure. This gives children suitable space and areas to explore and play safely. The childminder helps children to develop knowledge for keeping safe and to take personal responsibility, for example, by observing road safety awareness when on walks and outings and through discussion of what to do for emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities and play resources that are safe and appropriate for their age and stages of development. They are kept safe because the childminder keeps the condition of equipment and play materials in suitable condition. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she has a written child protection policy and good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow.

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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 good. Children are very settled and happy in the care of the childminder and they spend their time purposefully. They independently choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children discuss what activities they would like to do and the childminder also gives ideas to help expand their choices. They enjoy making things and are keen to show what they have done and describe how the activity went. For example, by making robot pictures with moving arms. Children are able to feel a sense of achievement with their activities and this supported by use of activity books that hold examples of their art work. They have other occasions where they can be creative, which includes arts and crafts and baking. These activities also involve other learning aspects such as measuring ingredients and seeing changes to the mixed components. Opportunities to use role play and natural materials are more limited.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who shows interest in what they say and do. The childminder encourages children to talk about what they have been doing and of matters that are significant to them, such as home life experiences and families. Children feel valued because the childminder listens and asks questions to extend the conversation. They demonstrate confidence when with the childminder, being able to play alone, but also to seek closer interaction. Children enjoy social interaction and games that initiate challenge and interest, for example, by playing a quiz that includes identifying aspects of the local community area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of the wider community is helped by access to some play materials and books, which promote positive images of diversity. They learn about their local community as they visit places of interest and have regular outings, for example, to the park, library and museum. Children are valued and respected as individuals and adaptation is made to ensure their needs are met. They have good levels in continuity of care because the childminder regularly exchanges information with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good, secure relationships with the childminder. They experience praise for their efforts and achievement, which promotes confidence and self-esteem. Children are aware of the expectations of adults and behave well. Consequently, they are cooperative, helpful and socially adept. Children have consistent and stable care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing written agreement for all aspects of partnership. A well presented pack of information is provided for parents, including a range of written policy details. This provides a sound base for parents to make informed decisions about their childcare arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children have a well organised and comfortable environment. They are confident and able to fully participate in activities and play. Children experience individual attention because the

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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 childminder is interested in them and takes time to interact on a one-to-one basis. This is also helped by maintaining appropriate adult to child ratios.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and practice through relevant training, for example, she has completed an introduction to childminding practice course and first aid training. Documentation is well presented and organised and made available for inspection. However, the records of children's attendance do not always accurately reflect the period of time they were looked after. The childminder uses records, written policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Children have very good levels of continuity in care because the childminder regularly shares information with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • ensure that records for the administration of medication have parents signature to acknowledge each entry • make sure that record of children looked after includes their hours of attendance.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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