Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225202 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Mark Evans

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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 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 first registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and 19-year-old daughter in a house on the outskirts of the village of Sileby. Children can use the whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house, including the lounge and dining room, and the first floor bathroom. They do not have access to the garden area, although a local park is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for no more than six children under eight years at any one time. She currently has 10 children on roll.

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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 enjoy activities that contribute to their good health. However, they do not regularly take part in outdoor play, which means that the benefits of exercise, fresh air and the opportunities to develop physical skills are limited. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they use appropriate hygiene practices and learn about personal care, for example, washing hands after toileting to reduce cross contamination. Their health is supported by the childminder's knowledge of first aid. However, there are some omissions for parents to consent to the administration of medicines and for seeking of relevant training for technically administered medication. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They have a satisfactory range of foods which includes some healthy options, for example, fruit for snacks. Children have good access to drinks and can have drinking water and juices

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Helping children to be healthy

throughout the day ensuring that they are well-hydrated and comfortable. The childminder gains information on any special dietary needs and preferences to ensure that the children have appropriate foods, which are in accordance with the parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a generally safe environment. The childminder minimises risks inside of the home, which means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are gaining awareness of safety. Children select activities from a satisfactory range of toys, books and equipment. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of the equipment, keeping it clean and safe for the children to use. She safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has most procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has sound knowledge of child protection issues having completed relevant training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and very well settled at the childminder's house. They become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a range of activities and work together harmoniously, being constructive and supporting each other in their play. Children socialise very well and engage in activities that encourage sharing and co-operation.

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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 Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who shows interest in what they say and do. They develop knowledge through the childminder's support within routine activities, for example, counting each step when going down the stairs. Children demonstrate a sense of security with the childminder, being confident to play alone but also to seek close interaction. They talk to the childminder about events and matters that are significant to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder is effective in exchanging daily information with the parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder meets the children’s needs well and they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children’s awareness and understanding of others in the wider community is helped by the inclusion of some resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Children behave very well. They have co-operative attitudes and understand the need to share and play harmoniously. Children's self-esteem and confidence is further developed by the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. They experience stable and consistent care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement for business and care aspects.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and have adequate space and resources within the premises. They are able to make decisions of where to play under the supervision of the childminder. Children experience some individual attention with the childminder helping them develop positive relationships. Children's welfare and continuity of care is promoted by effective exchange of information between childminder and parent. They benefit from the childminder's developing knowledge and practice through undertaking of relevant training. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder should improve the range of resources that promote diversity; maintain required adult to child ratios; keep a written record of any accidents; make sure that low-level glass panels are safe and obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. There are some resources available to develop children's knowledge and awareness of the wider community; adult to child ratios are maintained to provide children with appropriate supervision and support; records are kept for any accidents, which means there is continuity for the transfer of information with parents and low glass panes are inaccessible to children to keep them safe. Written permission for the

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Improvements 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 administration of medicines is obtained from parents on most occasions, although there are some omissions for this.

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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 training is sought from a qualified health professional for the administration of any medication that requires technical knowledge and obtain written consent for all medicines to be administered • make sure that children have regular opportunities to experience outdoor play and activities.

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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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