Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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226557 Unique Reference Number 13 October 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 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her three children aged 16, 14 and seven years of age. The family live in a house in the area of New Parks in Leicester. The children have use of the whole premises with the exception of the loft conversion. There is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. The family have fish which are in a large fish tank and birds in an aviary in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight; of these not more than three may be under five years, and of these not more than one may be under one year. In addition, the childminder also cares for children aged eight years and over. She works with an assistant from the same premises. When working together she is registered for seven children under the age of eight; of these not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. The childminder is currently caring for six children under eight and two over eight. Most of the children are part-time.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes the children to the local park, shops and day trips. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and children who have English as an additional language.

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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 eating and after playing in the garden as part of their daily routine. They are cared for in appropriately clean premises where they are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices. Children's health is protected as the childminder keeps the home clean and hygienic which reduces cross-contamination. For example, cleaning surfaces with anti-bacterial spray and disposing of nappies appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is supported by the childminder's knowledge of first aid. She keeps a well stocked first aid box so is able to take appropriate action in case of an accident. Children are fully protected as there are clear arrangements with parents for seeking any emergency medical advice or treatment, for the administration of medicines and for recording accidents, and the childminder also makes parents aware of the procedure she will follow if their child becomes unwell. The needs of young children are met because the childminder has an understanding of their individual needs such as their sleep routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep healthy because they receive a balanced range of foods within their meals and provision of healthy options such as fruit and vegetables. This helps the children to develop good eating habits. Drinks are available throughout the day ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable. Children's individual dietary needs are acknowledged and met because the childminder takes account of parents' wishes as she discusses dietary requirements with them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from appropriate outdoor play and exercise, as they play in local parks, go on walks and play in the garden. The children benefit from using a range of outdoor equipment which includes bouncing castle, bikes, balls and rockers which enable them to develop their co-ordination and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around the home and garden freely and independently. The children are looked after in a safe and welcoming family home where the childminder is largely able to identify and minimise risks. For example, dangerous substances are inaccessible and low-level glass conforms to standards. However, children's safety is potentially compromised because electric sockets are accessible to children. The childminder has smoke detectors and a fire blanket which are appropriately sited, and children are fully protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has regularly practised an emergency escape plan with them.

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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 able to access and select from a suitable range of toys, books and equipment. These are organised and stored in boxes allowing the children to choose independently. The childminder makes sure that children use suitable equipment by making regular checks to ensure they are clean and safe to use. The children are comfortable in the setting, with space used appropriately for their needs, such as the lounge for quieter activities to read or watch television and the play room for craft activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe when out of the home, as the childminder has appropriate car seats and booster seats available, and has the necessary documentation in place in relation to outings. The childminder also helps children to develop knowledge and take responsibility for keeping safe whilst walking with her. For example, younger children are strapped in a buggy, older children are encouraged to hold onto the buggy and toddlers use reins and wrist straps. The childminder talks about road safety and where to cross safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and referral procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child and is aware of her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care and are relaxed and settled. They have warm relationships with the childminder who interacts with them in a friendly manner. Children are appropriately praised in order to develop their self-esteem in her care. They are occupied and develop independence as they choose freely from activities, however, children are not able to fully build on their natural curiosity and develop their learning as there are limited opportunities and first hand experiences available to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills are encouraged as they have formed close friendships within the setting. Children's language and communication skills are developing well and these are supported by verbal interaction with adults and activities such as storytelling. They acquire new knowledge and skills through engaging in experiences such as cooking, making purses and decorating biscuits. The childminder takes into account children's personal interests and follows a child-led approach when required. Children are interested in resources which are available to them which enables them to develop their concentration skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to go out on visits to the park, walks and on day trips. Children develop their imagination as they routinely choose to take part in imaginative play such as playing with construction sets and making model cars. They develop their manipulative skills as they use crayons and pencils to draw creatively. Children of all ages relate very well to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to the park, walking to the shops, and by using a range of resources. For example, interesting

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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 aspects such as buildings, cars and different noises are pointed out to children and they particularly enjoy going shopping to buy food. The children are beginning to understand different cultures by having access to resources, books, and acknowledging Diwali and Chinese New Year when they make dragons and candles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals because the childminder discusses their individual needs and routines with the parents. Children develop a sense of belonging within the setting as children are familiar with the routines, they are happy in the setting and they are able to bring their own comforter and slippers. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder tries to ensure, through discussion with parents, the written details they provide and from her own observations, that she is aware of their specific needs. For example, she is aware of children's feeding patterns, sleep times, their likes and dislikes, and their interests which enables them to come into the childminder's house and play happily. The childminder has a good practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with special needs and for children who speak English as an additional language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are developing an awareness of sharing and taking turns, which is encouraged by the childminder to help their social development. They understand and know what is expected of them, for example, not snatching toys and not running inside. They benefit from the childminder's use of a range of positive and appropriate methods of managing behaviour, which includes explanation and time-out especially to deal with very challenging behaviour. They learn to care for, and respect, each other through the childminder's effective use of praise which develops their self-esteem and confidence. Children are encouraged to discuss their feelings and make their needs known which helps develop their confidence and understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that have developed between their parents and the childminder. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed. Daily discussions are held with parents to ensure they are informed of children's routine and daily sheets are completed for the younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and the organisation of space and resources allows them to make some choices. The childminder has regard for the well-being of the children in her care. They are able to make choices and decisions whether they wish to play in the lounge or play room. Clear floor space is provided for imaginative play, as well as comfortable seating for children to relax in homely surroundings. This helps them to feel secure and develop their play.

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Organisation

The childminder makes satisfactory use of her time and due to children's part-time hours of attendance and by working with an assistant they have periods of individual attention. This helps them to develop positive relationships. All documentation to maintain the childminding business is in good order and readily available. Her registration certificate is displayed so that parents are able to know that she remains suitable to care for children. Written policies and procedures are in place and she takes advantage of courses offered which helps her to meet children's needs.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents are mainly informed of the childminder's practice and procedures through discussion and daily sheets which are completed for the younger children. Children have good levels of continuity of care because the childminder regularly shares information with parents. 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 any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and to ensure the fence in the garden is made safe and does not pose a hazard to the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has written permission from all parents to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and the fence in the garden is now safe and does not pose a hazard to the children This ensures the safety and well-being of children.

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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.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all electric sockets accessible to the children are fitted with socket covers • provide young children with resources, activities play opportunities and first hand experiences which allow them to develop their natural curiosity as learners.

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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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