Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225357 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2006 Inspection date Shami Kumar 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 1991. She lives with her husband, two adult children and younger child aged 14. The family live in a house in East Goscote in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor, except for the conservatory, and bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently caring for 12 children, three of whom are under five, three under eight and six over eight. All children attend at different times and are on a part-time arrangement. The family has two pet dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group and attends a further group on a regular basis. She takes the children to the park, on walks, to the shops and story time at the library. 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 satisfactory. The childminder takes satisfactory steps to develop children's understanding and awareness of good health and hygiene and explains the importance of hand washing. Children wash their hands after toileting, before meals and after messy activities. Children are cared for in a clean environment and they stay healthy because there are positive measures in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray for cleaning surfaces, towels are changed daily, nappies are disposed of appropriately, and animal feeding bowls are inaccessible to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the benefits of a healthy diet. Whilst the childminder does not provide meals for children she tries to ensure that the packed lunches or food that parents provide are healthy and she stores and prepares them appropriately. The childminder talks to the children about healthy options and uses appropriate books about eating well. Children enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit and drinks are freely available to children during the day, to ensure that they are well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gains information on any special dietary needs, likes and dislikes and children's preferences. She takes into account their individual needs such as their sleep routines, toileting arrangements and the importance of children bringing their own blanket and comforters from home which enables children to settle and feel part of the home setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected in the event of an accident or an emergency because the childminder has consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and she maintains clear accident and medication records which are shared with parents. The childminder is currently updating her knowledge of first aid. She has a well-stocked first aid kit, so is therefore able to take appropriate action in the event of an accident. The children are well protected if they are ill because the childminder has clear verbal procedures in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to develop a healthy lifestyle through accessing regular exercise and fresh air. They use the garden and enjoy using the variety of play equipment to develop skills such as, riding wheeled toys, climbing and balancing. The children also visit the local park, shops, mother and toddler groups, childminding groups and story time at the library which help children develop their self-confidence and physical skills.

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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 welcoming environment that is safe and secure. The childminder risk assesses the premises on a regular basis to ensure hazards are inaccessible. Children are able to move around the house safely as the childminder has a very good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure and takes into account hazards affecting different age groups. Appropriate safety precautions are in place to minimise risks throughout the house and garden. For example, electrical sockets are inaccessible, stair gates are fitted to prevent access in certain

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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 areas, low level glass conforms to safety standards and the garden is checked for any dog mess. Effective practices ensure that children can move around safely, freely and with some independence which increases their confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided and regularly checked to ensure they are in working order. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they regularly practise the evacuation procedure and the childminder talks to them about where to go to stay safe in the event of an emergency. The children also are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe outside the home because the childminder talks to them about looking and listening for traffic, road safety, about 'stranger danger', and the dangers of touching other people's dogs. Older children show concern by making sure that they help the younger children and keep small toys out of their reach. All relevant documentation is in place in relation to outings and written consent is obtained from parents to take their children on outings and for transporting them in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a variety of good quality equipment which is appropriate to their stage of development. Children independently select activities from a range of toys, games and resources while the childminder carefully monitors and supervises younger children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate. The childminder keeps a regular check on the condition of the equipment by ensuring they are clean and safe for children's and babies use. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities for the welfare of the children in her care and has a clear understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle quickly at the childminder's house. They are secure because they have good relationships with the childminder and their peers. Young children are affirmed as the children sit comfortably on her lap, have cuddles and are nurtured as the childminder talks, listens and responds enthusiastically to words, smiles, actions, expressions and gestures. Children of different ages relate well to each other and enjoy playing and participating in activities and games many of which they have planned for themselves. Older children show kindness by taking time to play, talk to the younger children and supporting them when they need help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their social skills and learn how to play harmoniously in larger groups as they have regular visits to parent and toddler groups, the library and childminding groups in the community. Their confidence is significantly enhanced because the childminder encourages them to make decisions whilst they play. For example, where they should put 'Tigger', how the beads on the bead abacus works, where they need to look to find the rabbit book, and fitting the eggs on the shape sorter. Children further develop their investigation and creative skills through activities such as using play dough, constructing with man-made and natural materials, painting, sand and role play. The children approach the childminder confidently for reassurance and support and they settle well because the childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children purposefully engage in a stimulating and challenging range of activities that develop their learning. For example, helping to place cars in a line for a younger child, making key rings,

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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 and organising and encouraging skills in board games and drafts. The developmental needs of young children are well promoted as there is a range of stimulating equipment within the environment that encourages them to learn as they explore. The childminder's good use of language and eye contact raise children's levels of confidence and independence. For example, children help each other, the older children plan games and activities independently and engage in art and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children acquire new skills and knowledge through participating in first-hand experiences such as reading books, making Easter chickens and baskets, making collage butterflies and lions, and using crayons and pencils to draw. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a strong sense of belonging as they confidently choose resources to initiate their own play. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder works well with parents to ensure they are fully included within the home setting. For example, photos are available for the children to look at, children write letters to her when they are on holiday and the childminder takes care to ensure she understands differing needs such as sleep and toileting routines. The childminder also understands the importance of children bringing in their own comforters, toys, and games from home to play with, which she positively encourages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach in managing children's behaviour. Children understand how to play happily together and develop their confidence and self-esteem as they play. Older children are aware of what is right and wrong and younger children are helped to understand suitable behaviour. The childminder is consistent in her approach and age appropriate methods are used to deal with any incidents which she discusses with parents. The childminder is calm and treats the children with courtesy and respect and talks to the children about being kind, sharing and taking turns. The older children are encouraged to help the younger children by helping them to dress and show respect for the boundaries set. They learn to care for, and respect, each other through childminder's effective use of praise, encouragement and explanation which develop children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to the local park, story time at the library, attending parent and toddler groups and accompanying the childminder on school and pre-school runs. The children talk about what they see when they are on walks or outings in the local area and discuss issues about a range of aspects which include the roles of dustbin men and the milkman. Although the children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world by having access to appropriate books and some play equipment, their knowledge is limited because they have access to few play materials, resources and activities that promote diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with parental wishes. The childminder tries to ensure through discussion, the written details provided, and from her own observations that she is aware of the level of care each child requires. Although there are no children who have special

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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 needs attending the setting, the childminder has a positive attitude and is able to provide care which includes them within the setting by discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well-being. The childminder works well with parents to meet children's individual needs. A gradual introduction is offered to new children which helps them settle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through daily discussion and the older children relating to parents what they have been doing, the childminder ensures that parents are kept fully informed about the level of care their child receives and the activities they have engaged in. These exchanges enable children to feel secure and settled and provide opportunities for parents to raise any complaints with the childminder. However, the childminder does not yet have a complaints procedure in line with new requirements which has the potential of affecting consistent care arrangements. Parents speak highly of the childminder and they are happy with the way their children are cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is conscientious and has a high regard for the well-being of children. The children feel very much at home and at ease in a well-organised home allowing them to play, make choices and relax in comfortable and homely surroundings. Children have varied activities and resources to provide for their needs which they are able to access easily. The childminder has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure that children have sufficient space to play while maintaining some privacy for her family. The childminder ensures ratios are well met and that her day is organised to offer children a good level of attention and supervision. This helps them to feel secure and develop a positive relationship with the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares written and verbal information which ensures continuity of care for children. All required documentation and record keeping that contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is well maintained and stored securely. Parents are informed of the childminder's practice and procedures through effective discussions. A number of parents have written open letters recommending her as a childminder.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to ensure that parents give prior written permission to administer medication or any other treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She also has prior written permission from parents to administer medication or any other treatment. A separate sheet is also completed which records the child's name, the name of the medication to be administered, date, and the time the dosage is given. The written

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Improvements 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 documentation which has now been put into place has improved the level of care and the overall well-being of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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): • develop knowledge of the new complaints requirements and ensure that a written log is kept of any complaint made by parents that relates to the national standards • develop the range of resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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