Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333054 Unique Reference Number 27 October 2006 Inspection date Paula Hunt 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her two children aged eight and 16 years old in a house in Leicester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children, three of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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. Children benefit from the childminder having efficient hygiene routines, which help to prevent the spread of infection. Her home is clean and tidy and she ensures work surfaces and children's equipment are cleaned regularly. Children are taught the importance of regular hand washing. The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating and drinks are available throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. Children are excluded from the provision with infectious illnesses to ensure the health of all the children is maintained. The childminder provides appropriate first aid equipment in the home and holds a valid first aid certificate to ensure children's welfare in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and active play during the day, which contributes to their good health. They spend time in the garden weather permitting and go on trips outside the home. For example, to the local park where they can run and climb.

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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 home where most risks have been identified and addressed. Risks to children from broken or unsafe toys, furniture or equipment are minimised as the childminder carries out suitable visual checks on all equipment used. However, children are able to access an outdoor drain and the fire blanket is not accessible in the kitchen. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe. They understand they must not talk to strangers and they practise the green cross code, when out with the childminder, to help them manage road safety for the future.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around the home independently, using the lounge and the kitchen for play activities. Children play confidently with toys of good quality and large garden equipment is securely fixed. Younger children are closely supervised when playing outside to help keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected from risk of harm as they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she is well aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a relaxed and supportive environment. Babies are supported in experimenting and accessing different toys and play activities. For example, the childminder constantly checks that less mobile children have an interesting and stimulating selection of

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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 toys within in easy reach and shows them how to play with them. Their care needs are met with cuddles and lap time for comfort as appropriate, for example when they become tired. They benefit from active play and rest or sleep to meet individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is encouraged and they confidently make choices through play, accessing a satisfactory range of toys, activities and equipment which are interesting and appropriate for their needs. Their development is supported well through the childminder's understanding of their individual abilities and her encouragement and support in everyday routines. For example, they count objects whilst walking to and from school and look at the changing colours of trees. Parents benefit from the time afforded to them keeping them up to date on their child's development and achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder adequately updates her knowledge through attending training and as part of her ongoing development, she has identified a need to increase her knowledge of care of children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Their individual needs, including likes and comforters are known by the childminder through a sound exchange of information prior to caring for children and daily exchange while childminding takes place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are comfortable and secure in their surroundings. They are developing personal independence as they make choices and take decisions within their play. They self-select toys and materials to use and older children access the toilet independently. Children are learning to appreciate the differences and similarities between people as the childminder provides some resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management methods are discussed with parents and children are distracted and offered different play activities to prevent any disruptive behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate methods suitable for the age and understanding of each child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's safety and welfare is maintained by the childminder having an adequate understanding of the National Standards and her responsibilities to the children and parents. Since registration she has completed the required training and is keen to consider new ideas to further develop the service she provides.

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Organisation

Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. They are given a satisfactory variety of age-appropriate experiences during the day, which include going out and about within the community. Children play in the rooms downstairs and make use of the space and toys available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources developing confidence and self-esteem.

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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 Most legally required documentation is in place and suitably maintained to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, written parental consents have not been obtained for all minded children, the daily attendance register is not up to date and there are no methods to keep a record of any complaints that may arise in the future.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has 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 children have no access to the outdoor drain and that the fire blanket is installed in close proximity to the cooker • ensure children's daily attendance register is accurate and up to date; develop procedures and maintain a specific complaints record • ensure appropriate written parental consents are in place for all minded children.

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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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