Smith Kimbra Leigh

Inspection report for early years provision

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226067 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2006 Inspection date Kate Bryan 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, seven and five years. They live in a house situated close to the centre of Glenfield. It is within walking distance of the local school, park and shops. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom, small bedroom and loft conversion are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for four children and currently has 10 on roll which includes some children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a local carers and toddler group and other community resources on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's health and well-being is promoted well. They are well supplied with drinks throughout the day and older children have their own named bottles so they learn to recognise their own health needs. Children have lots of fruit and enjoy eating grapes and bananas and wholemeal bread. Their health is well maintained because the childminder takes all relevant details about their dietary needs and allergies. They also learn about healthy options through discussion in activities such as shopping and food tasting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where routine and effective hygiene practices prevent infection and maintain health. They learn the importance of routines such as hand washing through discussions so they can make responsible choices. Clear written procedures for looking after sick children ensures that their health and emotional well-being are fostered and these are shared with parents at admission. Records are kept of accidents and medication dispensed which contributes effectively to children's well-being and health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is promoted well as they enjoy play in the garden or park daily. They access a good range of equipment and also enjoy activities such as swimming and soft play which increase challenges and promote confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures. These are underpinned by a written policy which is shared with parents so they know how their child will be kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Hazards in the home are minimised as safety precautions are given a high priority, for example, stair gates and socket covers reduce the risk of accidents to children. Effective measures are also in place in the event of a fire and a written emergency escape plan has been practised with children. Children's safety outside the home is also well planned by discussions about issues such as safe road crossing and stranger danger. Children are safe to explore the environment because they are always within sight or sound of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are looked after in a warm and clean environment where they are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promote both play and learning. These are kept clean and are regularly monitored to ensure that they are safe for children's use. The childminder has also completed a basic health and safety course which enhances existing measures in place to keep children safe.

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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 happy and engaged in a good range of activities many of which they initiate themselves. For example, children's interest was sustained well in an activity they devised of making paper airplanes. They also enjoy adult led activities and were proud to display t-shirts they had designed. Older children work well together and share resources, such as pens, which promotes a relaxed atmosphere in which children play and learn. Older children are able to make selections about their activities from a good range which includes homework, X-Box and relaxing. This ensures that they enjoy and achieve well during their time at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to effectively plan activities which help the children to progress their learning. To ensure that children progress the childminder makes good use of regular written observations and development charts. Children have many opportunities to be involved in the local community and have participated in a 'Big Toddle' to raise money for charity which promotes their understanding of the wider world well. They also have many opportunities to socialise as they attend a carer and toddler group and meet with other childminders' children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident speakers and there is positive and warm interaction between them and the childminder. They happily involve her in conversations and she listens well so that children know they are valued. Lots of praise is given to young children, for example, when they first repeat a word so that they make effective progress in developing language skills. Children receive lots of cuddles so that they feel secure and content in the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of equal opportunities and has attended an 'Introduction to Equality of Opportunity' course. Children have access to a good range of resources which reflect positive images of race and culture so children learn to acknowledge differences well. They enjoy lots of trips out into the local community and festivals are celebrated so that the children develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to respect each other. Children are effectively acknowledged as individuals because the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources. A written policy regarding special needs underpins the childminder's aim to promote inclusion by continually looking at her activities and equipment to ensure children's needs are met. The childminder has attended training in promoting 'Choice, Opportunities and Inclusion' and works closely with parents to ensure

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children receive an individual service. However, more awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act would enhance the existing service for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have been given the responsibility of devising the house rules which increases their sense of belonging well. For example, 'welcome all children into the house and treat all with respect and kindness' is a rule that the children adhere to as their behaviour and interaction are very good. A written behaviour management policy shows that behaviour is effectively managed by the use of strategies such as distraction and 'time out' which allows children 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 reflect upon their actions. The childminder manages behaviour consistently so that children are always aware of what is acceptable and has undertaken training in promoting acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children proudly take home work they have created to share with parents, this leads to acknowledgement and self worth. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are shared with parents upon admission which ensures that they know how care, learning and play will be delivered to their child. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she is aware of children's changing needs and speaks to parents daily about their child's progress. Younger children receive a daily diary so that parents are always aware of their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care learning and play is well supported by the childminder and the home is organised so that they have access to a good range of resources. For example, the front room is used for table activities and computer use whilst the back room is designed for floor play and quiet time. This arrangement also ensures that children are closely supervised and their safety given a high priority.

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Organisation

Young children receive good levels of adult support and have their need for rest and sleep met well which fosters their emotional well-being. They are confident to explore their environment and happily play with small world equipment and interact with other children.

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Organisation

The childminder promotes positive outcomes for children because she takes time to discuss issues of safety and health with them. Children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively by the use of clear written policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken a wide range of extra training which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. These include a level 3 childcare qualification, a first aid course, and the 'Birth to three matters' framework training. 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 provider agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is now in place which enhances existing safety measures for children.

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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 complaint 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): • increase awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act in regard to children with learning disabilities.

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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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