Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225602 Unique Reference Number 23 June 2006 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 1983. She lives with her husband in a large village in Leicester. They have two dogs. There is a large enclosed rear garden for the children to play outside. Her husband works with her as an assistant who is left in charge of the children for short periods of time whilst the children are taken to, or collected from school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is available for childminding from Monday to Friday through the year, including school holidays. She occasionally childminds at weekends and has experience of caring for children with special needs. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children.

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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 in a welcoming, child-friendly environment and learn the importance of good hygiene practises in everyday routines. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day, for example after messy activities, before meals and after using the bathroom. They observe the childminder following good hygiene routines also, in everyday situations. Children's individual routines with regard to rest and sleep are incorporated into the day and in line with parents' preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Health records are maintained and shared with parents although accident records are recorded on one sheet of paper, which does not take into account confidentiality. Children are well protected at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and she follows appropriate steps to ensure their welfare and comfort. Parents benefit from verbal discussion with the childminder about exclusion periods at times of illness and any medication they may require is stored safely and administered in line with requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as the childminder provides a variety of well-balanced meals that take into account individual dietary needs and preferences. Fresh fruit and vegetables are provided and children are encouraged to make healthy choices with regard to food. Children enjoy a good variety of physical activities that encourage their overall development. They access large climbing equipment and enjoy walking in the community. They learn that physical activity is good for them and drinks are provided throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play, eat and sleep in a safe and secure environment and the childminder has taken good precautions within the home and garden to ensure their safety and welfare at all times, for example stair gates are in place, the fire is inaccessible and all sharp knives are out of the reach of children. Toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a very good condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves and they are kept in a cupboard in the office in large age related boxes. Children are well supported when choosing the resources they require. Baby toys are monitored to ensure that they are suitable for stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are made aware of potential dangers and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety when outside, such as crossing the road safely, understanding stranger danger and safety at parks or places of interest. Children are well protected in the event of a fire as a clear evacuation procedure is in place and the childminder is planning to practise this with the children. Children are well supervised and not left unattended with people who have not been vetted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected with regard to child protection as the childminder and her assistant understand their roles and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and child abuse.

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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 They are aware of local procedures and legislation and the need to record any concerns they may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy, interact and learn from the range of activities provided by the childminder which are safe and suitable for the varying ages of the children cared for. Activities include Fisher Price cars, garage, a Brio train set, building blocks, duplo Lego, zoo and track, airport, little Lego, dolls, tea sets and role play equipment such as shop equipment and foods. Balls, scooters, a tractor and other outdoor equipment is provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for as individuals with different needs because the childminder has a good knowledge of child development and is aware of their likes, dislikes and interests. Children are well supported in trying out new activities because they are given individual attention from the childminder and her assistant. Activities meet the needs of children at their different stages of development because they are appropriately challenged, wide ranging and the children are interested and keen. Good relationships have been formed between the childminder, her assistant and the children. They develop good social skills and are actively involved in games together. Interaction is very good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals because the childminder has a good awareness of their religious, cultural, abilities and dietary needs. They become aware of the wider world and diversity through a variety of activities, resources and through discussion at an appropriate level. Both the childminder and her assistant have a positive attitude with regard to equal opportunities and are good role models to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to feel good about themselves and all enjoy activities that will encourage and enable them to reach their full potential. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements or information are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. Special needs of children are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits if required which compounds their feeling of security. Parents benefit from daily communication and are kept up to date with their child's progress and achievements. All required documentation is maintained and held securely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand the 'house rules' with regard to behaviour. The childminder is consistent in her approach and parents are involved in discussion regarding behaviour. Children learn to develop respect for each other and behaviour is good. They respond positively to praise.

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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 are happy and relaxed and move confidently around a safe and secure environment. The home is well organised and welcoming which compounds their feeling of security. Clear and consistent routines are in place and the childminder and her assistant meet the individual needs of the children they care for. Verbal policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children.

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Organisation

All required documentation and information is held securely and is easily accessible. Partnership with parents is promoted through the good daily communication that takes place. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continually develop her knowledge and skills through ongoing training through the local authority.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend the range of activities that develop children's practical and creative skills. Since then she has increased the amount and variety of creative equipment and resources available to the children to include pens, crayons, card, glue, sticky tape and a range of paper. Children are involved in both planned and free choice activities to develop and enhance their creative skills. Their independence is also encouraged in everyday activities and routines.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 accident and medicine records are recorded confidentially.

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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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