Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101831 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and five years in Anstey Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a carer and toddler group and runs a childminder support group. The family has a pet cat.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children remain healthy because the childminder is well informed about their individual needs through effective discussion and recording methods with parents. Documentation is clearly recorded to provide information relating to the children's dietary requirements and personal care. Any accidents are dealt with effectively because the childminder has a sound knowledge of first aid and appropriate first aid equipment is available. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where a good level of hygiene contributes to their health and welfare. They benefit from a healthy lifestyle through vigilant daily routines to protect them from the risk of cross infection. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well organised activities. They know to wash their hands after using the toilet and are developing good self care skills as they benefit from a range of steps which enable them to reach the

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Helping children to be healthy

facilities independently. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to their physical development. They build self confidence in their physical skills as they independently access a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and resources. They climb on garden apparatus including a wooden pirate ship and jump on the trampoline to enhance their confidence and self-esteem. Children ask for appropriate support when necessary. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. They benefit from a healthy diet as they experience a range of healthy snacks including fresh fruit. Appropriate measures are taken to store meals provided by parents to ensure these remain fresh until required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Diligent security measures, both indoors and outdoors enable children to move freely within the home. Effective organisation ensures they remain safe at all times and a range of safety measures minimise possible hazards. Secure methods ensure children are able to play safely in the garden. They enjoy a range of well maintained toys and play resources which are stored appropriately to allow them to make independent choices about their play to enhance their confidence and self-esteem. Children are learning about safety through practical experiences. They climb the step ladder to the pirate ship in the garden with care and know to take their time for their own safety. Gentle reminders alert them to pack toys away to prevent tripping and increase their awareness of personal safety. Children know about emergency evacuation and appropriate fire safety equipment is available in case of emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection. However, she does not have sufficient information to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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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 take part in high quality activities throughout the day. They are settled and play happily and are confident to share ideas in play situations. They use an excellent range of role play resources to make up imaginative situations and enjoyed selling a variety of goods in the shop and restaurant. Excellent resources help them to understand shopping processes including paying for food items and giving change. They use and improve their communication skills as they interact warmly with known adults and recall past activities including outings. Children have a high level of independence. They freely select equipment to extend their play and take age appropriate responsibility for their personal care. Children explore everyday items and learn through practical play. They use a wide range of media to develop their creative skills. Paint and drawing materials are readily available and children's work

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is attractively displayed within the home to promote their sense of belonging. Number and letter friezes are used effectively and children are beginning to make sense of numbers and recognise letters in their names. The childminder works diligently to inspire, praise and encourage the children to try interesting and appealing activities. She makes effective use of local recreational facilities. These increase the children's awareness of their surroundings and outings and resources are used effectively to increase their knowledge of the wider world in which they live. Children use hospital play resources to help them make sense of different situations and understand about sirens and why they are used. The high quality of play activities and experiences allow children to continually practice and develop a wide range of skills to enhance their overall development

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to attend training events about equality and disability to ensure their individual needs are met appropriately. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure their specific needs are discussed and recorded. Children develop a positive attitude to others and are learning to understand the needs of others through a range of effective methods to promote positive behaviour. They respond appropriately to requests to share and take turns and are supported sensitively and with care to gain control of their emotions. Children develop understanding about the wider world and community through activities to increase their knowledge of everyday situations such as hospital procedures. A good range of play resources promote positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. Partnership with parents is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

very good. Children benefit from the regular transfer of information which ensures parental involvement is maintained to impact on the high level of care provided for children.

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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 Space within the home and garden is organised well to maintain a safe environment where the children are actively encouraged to make choices about their play. The childminder plans her day with activities which broaden children's experiences and creates opportunities where they develop many skills through meaningful play situations. As a result the children are stimulated and eager to join in contributing to their overall development. Policies and procedures are established and work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Effective methods ensure individual needs are clearly recorded and confidentiality is maintained. Good organisation ensures that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has secured the cables from the electrical appliances to the walls so that these do not pose a hazard to the children. A secure lock on the drinks cabinet ensures that these are stored safely and children are not able to access the contents.

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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): • improve knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and ensure these can be put into practice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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