Jesson Clare

Inspection report for early years provision

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225848 Unique Reference Number 25 September 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and nine years. They live in a house in the village of Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. There is a village hall, park, toddler groups, playgroups, schools, library and shops within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the property 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 family has two fish tanks with ornamental fish in them and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Broughton Astley District Childminding Association. The childminder currently cares for seven children on both full and part-time placements. There were two minded children present during the inspection.

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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 overall health is well protected through the consistent reinforcement of good hygiene routines throughout the day. They are aware of the importance of washing their hands before they eat a meal, after using the bathroom and after messy play. They use individual towels and flannels and liquid soap is provided. Clear nappy changing routines are in place to ensure the comfort of the children and they rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s risk of infection passed on by other children is minimised because a clearly written policy is shared with parents, detailing exclusion times for contagious illnesses. They are well protected in case of accidents because the childminder holds an in date first aid certificate and deals with accidents in a calm manner. A fully stocked first aid box is easily accessible. Health records are maintained and the required consent for emergency medical treatment has been obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because their individual dietary needs are taken into account and they are provided with well balanced, nutritional meals. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices and are fully aware of what is available to them to enable them to make decisions, for example, carrot sticks, cucumber, bread sticks and meals are freshly prepared each day. Children are unlikely to suffer stomach upset due to unsafe food because of the childminder's good food hygiene practices. She also holds a current food hygiene certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. For example, they regularly access the garden where they play with a swing, sand pit, cars and bikes, and children have been involved with making a racing track for themselves. Balls, tennis rackets and swing ball are also provided and they visit the park regularly. Children enjoy regular visits to a large soft play area enabling them to further develop their large motor skills. They learn that being active promotes good health and that when they become hot following exercise they need to drink to keep themselves hydrated. The two year old present explained that all the children have to help rub cream into their skin to stop it becoming sore in the sunshine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because steps have been taken to minimise potential risks such as stair gates, a fire guard and socket covers. Children are safe because their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves. Baby toys are continually monitored to maintain their suitability for the stage of development of those attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe indoors and out, for example, they learn the correct way to cross the road and reins are provided if needed. Stranger danger is discussed and reinforced. Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has a written

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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 evacuation procedure and the children practise the fire drill. One child present explained in detail the fire drill and where they have to wait to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder's understanding of her responsibility with regard to child protection and local referral procedures. A clearly written policy is shared with parents which explains her role with regard to safeguarding children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy, interact and learn from the wide range of activities provided by the childminder. Resources are continually updated and added to and she is fully aware of the abilities and development of the children cared for and the things they enjoy doing. Activities include soft play, attending toddler groups, regular visits to the library, cooking activities, painting, sticking and play doh, construction, puzzles, dressing up role play, water and sand play. A paddling pool is used during the hot weather under strict supervision. Children enjoy learning about the garden and plant flowers in pots which they are able to show their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported in trying out new activities because they sit with the childminder to play and develop their skills. They benefit from lots of one to one interaction to look at books and they enjoy reading stories together. Trips are taken to places of interest and picnics are taken in the garden and also with them on days out. Lots of very positive interaction was observed throughout the inspection. One child present sat on the childminder's lap and chatted at times with us about the play she enjoys, whilst watching her favourite video.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals as the childminder has a good awareness of their individual needs and is able to meet them appropriately. They access a range of resources which encourage and develop their understanding of the wider world and diversity, for example, books, role play equipment and dolls. They learn about cultural similarities and differences through discussion and the celebration of festivals throughout the year. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with special needs and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. All children are included in planned activities and have free access to an assortment of toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is good because the childminder uses positive strategies to manage behaviour, for example, distraction, discussion and time for the children to think about their behaviour is used and shared with parents to ensure consistency between both parties. Children are frequently praised for their achievements and understand the need to share and take turns with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents benefit from good communication between themselves and the childminder keeping them informed and up to date with progress. Clearly written policies are shared with parents about the care provided, however, the childminder is unaware of changes to the regulations concerning recording complaints which means that parents are not fully informed of the course

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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 of action to follow. Children's emotional well-being is encouraged through a gradual settling in period which enhances their feeling of security.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment which is welcoming and well maintained. Space is well organised to enable the children to move confidently and safely around all the areas available to them. They have access to a wide variety of age appropriate toys and equipment and their independence is encouraged in everyday routines.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are effective in promoting the children's welfare, care and learning and the childminder’s practice continually meets the developing needs of the individual children she cares for. All the required information and consent from parents has been obtained and the childminder demonstrated an interest in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised in relation to the security of the front door. A bolt has now been placed on the front door and children are unable to access the door due to a stair gate and they are always supervised. Children are fully aware of the need not the open the front door. Therefore, their safety is not compromised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to ensure that records of any medication administered are retained for a period of two years. A book is now available through the NCMA and is completed for medication. A separate consent form has been completed for children who require Calpol and a phone call is also made to check with the parents before any medicine is given. The childminder demonstrated a clear understanding of the required retention of files.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Finally, she was asked to ensure that the emergency evacuation plan is practised. This is now practised and the parents are given a copy of the evacuation plan. The older children have to read and a letter signed to say they and the parents are fully aware of the procedure to follow. Then regular drills take place and a record is completed. Therefore, children's safety in an emergency situation is maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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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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): • ensure awareness of revised regulations concerning recording complaints.

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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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