Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296578 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Patricia King

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and seven in the village of Groby which is situated to the north of Leicester. The whole of the house except for the box room on the first floor is used and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and has three children under eight and two over eight currently on roll. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the local parks and walks around the village.

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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 enjoy good health and healthy lifestyle because they are learning about personal hygiene and self-care. For example, they wash their hands before eating and understand that putting their hands in front of their mouths when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of germs. They are well protected from health risks because the childminder has effective systems in place to promote good hygiene and safeguard children from the dangers of exposure to the sun. For example, children have their own washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious. Children are beginning to understand the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily to be healthy and grow strong. They enjoy a good variety of nourishing meals planned by the childminder to meet the nutritional and dietary needs, personal choice and

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences agreed with their parents. Children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote their physical development, such as climbing, riding on wheeled toys and playing in the garden area. They are also taken on outings to local parks and places of interest to explore and develop their physical skills on larger equipment. Children play, rest or sleep according to their needs in a clean, comfortable environment which is well maintained by the childminder. The childminder takes care to find out about their individual routines and plans the day to provides opportunities for rest and quieter times.

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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 secure, stimulating, comfortable home where risks are recognised and made safe. This means that children move around safely, freely and confidently making good use of the areas. However, the childminder has not practised her emergency escape plan. Children independently select activities from a broad range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, that are stored within easy reach. They are beginning to learn about personal safety by talking about how accidents happen, for example, touching sharp tools and knives. They are finding out how to avoid danger. For example, keep small pieces and toys out of reach of babies and young children who may put these into their mouths and having regard for others when climbing or riding on toys outside. They are developing safety awareness outside the home by learning and using the Happy Hedgehogs

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

road safety scheme when out walking with the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and how to take any action required to protect children. The childminder ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults.

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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 are settled and comfortable in the environment and take part confidently in the routines and activities offered for their care and welfare. They enjoy using the broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, they enjoy art and craft activities and create colourful collages, cards and pictures out of the wide variety of materials and resources provided. They act out familiar roles, use their imagination to experiment with different mediums such as water painting and confidently chat about their experiences and learning. Children's care and development is promoted by the childminder who is beginning to use the Birth to three framework to inform and support her plans and daily practice. Their learning and personal needs are well met as the childminder recognises each child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as an individual and is careful to treat them with respect. Children are developing positive relationships with each other and others outside the setting and learning about the wider world. For example, by going out and about with the childminder in the local area, to the library, shops, parks and community groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are exploring and experiencing the wider world, increasing their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others through stories, games and role play. Children's care and welfare is discussed and agreed with the parents, establishing a close working partnership to keep them fully informed and included in the care of their children. The childminder shows good understanding of how to manage the situation positively when recognising health or special needs of minded children. This means that their individual needs are carefully considered, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident with her. She is careful to consider confidentiality when discussing children's progress and making any arrangements with parents. Children learn to behave well, have self-esteem and show concern for others, for example, they make special occasion cards to show they care. They are given the opportunity

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to reflect upon their own behaviour, develop self-awareness and a have a positive sense of belonging. For example, children have the confidence to express their needs such as a story and a comforting cuddle when tired.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. They have confidence to make choices, express their needs and make good progress in their overall development. Children's welfare and safety is positively promoted by the comprehensive set of polices, guidelines and information accessible to parents. These ensure that documents and records necessary for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. Children are protected because all

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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 adults living in the household are vetted, visitors are supervised and children are never left alone with other adults. Parents are kept informed and included in the care of their children by daily discussion which means they are fully involved and contribute to their child's continued development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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): • take positive steps to promote safety within the setting by practising the emergency escape plan.

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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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