Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331374 Unique Reference Number 05 October 2006 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband, and two children aged five years and eight years in Coalville, Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding 15 children, aged between two years and seven years. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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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 extremely well in a clean, welcoming environment, where they learn and understand the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. For example, they remind the childminder to wash her hands after changing nappies. The risk of cross infection is further minimised by the use of individual face cloths kept in separate bags hung on pegs in the bathroom. Children's health is effectively promoted because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines and procedures. For instance, she has completed appropriate first aid training and all toys, furniture and equipment are kept in a clean condition.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. The childminder offers a good range of healthy, nutritious foods, which children enjoy. Children are able to ask for a drink throughout the day, provided in their own individual beakers. Children enjoy a hot meal each day prepared by the childminder. She ensures her meals are healthy by using fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements, including likes, dislikes and allergies, which ensures children's individual dietary needs are met very well according to the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a balanced range of physical activities indoors and outdoors. They are encouraged to walk to and from school and are regularly taken on outings in the local community such as to the park and soft play centre. Children also benefit from music and movement sessions planned on a regular basis. This helps children learn about healthy living. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Younger children have access to a chair-bed and older children can rest on the settee in the lounge. All children are able to select quieter activities when they wish. They enjoy quiet time after lunch and sit with the childminder reading stories or watching the television.

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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 secure and safe environment, where they can move around freely and independently. This helps them to settle and feel confident. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder is aware of all hazards indoors and outdoors, which are recorded on risk assessment sheets. The childminder follows very good procedures to keep children safe. For example, children are very well supervised and are learning to keep themselves safe by discussing and practising road safety and the emergency evacuation plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a wide range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Children are able to self-select from a good range of toys and resources that are stored well in boxes and on shelves at their level in the conservatory and lounge. This effectively develops their independence. The childminder varies the toys that are available, on a daily basis, to ensure children have variety and use toys that are appropriate to their age.

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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 are protected and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of the required procedures and documents. For example, the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is confident about action she would take if concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and play well because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support and shares her time well between them. Children are developing positive relationships with both each other and with adults. They are beginning to understand their own needs and respect the needs of others. Children are developing confidence and independence because the childminder allows them to initiate their own play and select play resources for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are well motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. They are using their imagination playing with the cars and garage and enjoy drawing pictures at a small table. Children also participate in creative activities. They experiment with paint and collage materials and explore the properties of water. During holiday time, children enjoy activities such as car washing and making their own passports. Children's development is observed by the childminder, recorded and used to plan next steps in children's learning. This ensures children are making good progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who listens to what children say, responding appropriately. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well by the childminder through constant conversation, questions and individual attention. Therefore children are effectively developing their vocabulary and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder has a pro-active approach to inclusion and takes care to ensure the environment and activities offered meet the needs of all children present. The childminder has a good knowledge of equality issues and has a well written equal opportunities policy. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through carefully selected play resources which reflect positive images. Children explore foods enjoyed in other countries and are made aware of all religious celebrations, such as 'Diwali'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and rules and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Children are developing good self-esteem. This is because the childminder values the children and rewards their individual efforts through consistent verbal praise and encouragement. Children show pride in their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported very well by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children appropriately. Parents are made welcome in the setting. Information is shared to

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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 ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their children participate in. For instance, parents are given a copy of all written policies and procedures. However, the complaints policy and procedure is insufficient, which compromises children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met effectively through the good use of space and resources. Their care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. For instance, the children benefit from an interesting and imaginative environment, using the conservatory as a playroom and enjoying well planned activities. The childminder has much experience of caring for children and is constantly improving her knowledge and understanding by undertaking training. This ensures children are cared for by an appropriate adult. However, she has not completed a pre-registration course, which compromises children's welfare. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play.

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Organisation

All records and procedures are in place and used effectively in practice. This promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Most policies and documents are kept up-to-date and stored securely.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection.

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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 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 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • update the complaints policy and ensure a log is maintained of all concerns reported • complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course.

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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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