Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291872 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2007 Inspection date Susan Andrews 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 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, who at times works with her as an assistant and their two children aged 6 years and 13 years in a Leicestershire village. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childcare purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children. She is currently minding seven children, who all attend on a part time basis, before and/or after school and during school holidays. She walks or drives to take and collect children from the local school and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder has experience of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 actively take part in a wide range of indoor and outdoor play opportunities that develop their physical skills. They participate in activities that encourage their development, for example, children explore stimulating play equipment such as manipulative toys, games, art and crafts, the climbing frame and trampoline, making connections through senses and movement. Children benefit from taking regular exercise by playing in the enclosed garden area. Children also run, jump, balance, climb and play freely in the fresh air as they walk to and from school and at local places of interest, parks and recreation facilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, homely environment where appropriate standards of hygiene are maintained, for example, the toilet and kitchen work surfaces are cleansed with antibacterial spray. Children are beginning to understand about their own personal care during daily routines and by playing in shaded areas under the awning or gazebo and using sun protection creams to protect them from harmful effects of the hot summer sun. They also learn about good hygiene practices as the childminder ensures children wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden and before mealtimes. However, minded children and family members currently share the same hand towel in the downstairs toilet. Therefore, although the towel is laundered daily, the risk of cross-infection is not sufficiently minimised. Children rest and relax when they are tired and good arrangements are made by the childminder to organise daily

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Helping children to be healthy

routines to ensure their individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare is safeguarded as an appropriately equipped first aid kit is readily available in the home and one is also taken on walks on outings. A range of health policies and procedures are in place including a sick children's exclusion policy. First aid training has been undertaken by the childminder, therefore, she is able to respond positively should an accident occur or a child become unwell whilst in her care. All necessary documentation for the recording of accidents or the administration of medication are in place and meticulously maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children recognise when they are thirsty and are able to access drinks of water, milk and fruit juice at all times. Additional drinks are made readily available during hot weather and after physical exercise, therefore, children remain well hydrated. They are developing an awareness of healthy eating and demonstrate an understanding of what types of foods are good for them, such as fruit and vegetables. Children's dietary needs, food preferences and choices are addressed and healthy eating is promoted by the childminder. Information is obtained from parents regarding children's allergies and the childminder is vigilant in ensuring children's diet is nutritious and well balanced. Children eat together in the dining area in a relaxed social environment.

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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 safe, welcoming environment where they move around freely. The designated areas used for childcare purposes are the lounge and the dining area which is used

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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 for mealtimes and creative activities. Careful attention is taken to ensure children's safety and hazards are clearly identified and minimised. For example, risk assessments are conducted, cleaning materials are kept in locked cupboards and sharp knives and hazardous kitchen utensils are kept out of children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys and equipment that are easily accessed, appropriate to their ages and stages of development and meet relevant safety regulations. Children remain safe and are always within the sight and/or hearing of the childminder or her assistant. They are able to play safely in the designated childcare areas with toys and equipment that are at child height so that they may choose in safety. The garden area is safely enclosed and kept free from hazardous items and poisonous plants. The childminder ensures that all childcare activities, both indoors and outside, are carefully supervised including the inflatable swimming pool, climbing frame and the trampoline. She ensures careful supervision is maintained regarding the use of the computer which has a security guard, consequently children cannot gain access to inappropriate computer games or websites. Security systems are in place to ensure children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

cannot leave the premises unsupervised and only authorised persons may collect children. Therefore children remain safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

General fire safety issues have been considered. Fire detection and fire-fighting equipment including smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place in the home. A fire evacuation plan has been devised and fire drills are regularly practised, therefore, the childminder and the children are familiar with the procedures should a real emergency occur. Children begin to have regard for their own safety as the childminder raises their awareness about road safety when they walk to school and cross the road with the help of the school crossing patrol.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She has a written child protection policy that she makes readily available to parents and carers. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and is clear about her responsibility to protect the children in her care, therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, happy and settled. The minded children respond to the childminder and her assistant with ease and confidence, relating well to the feeling of security. They seek and readily obtain encouragement and affection. Children are comfortable, confident and reassured by the childminder's sensitive and gentle approach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides care in a warm, comfortable environment and operates a flexible approach to routines based on children's needs. She provides opportunities to meet with other adults and children, as they visit places of interest such as the library, recreation areas and parks. Therefore, the children grow in confidence, develop their self-esteem and a sense of belonging to the local community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use and have easy access to a suitable range of toys and play equipment that provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and be creative. Activities are appropriate to

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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 the ages and level of children's development. Children play imaginatively and choose independently from dressing-up and role play equipment, puzzles, crayons, books, construction equipment, imaginative small world toys, Lego, paints, collage materials and computer games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A stimulating and nurturing environment is created for the children. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of their needs. She is interested in what children are doing and spends lots of time interacting with them. Children and the childminder engage in lively conversation in everyday events and activities. Children are listened to and the childminder challenges children's thinking and invites their questions, for example, asking them to recall how they made and constructed hot air balloons from the collage materials. Consequently, children respond positively, extend their language skills, develop their curiosity, learn and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge of equal opportunity issues and has a clear understanding of the importance of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, children have limited access to activities and resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Consequently, children do not extend their knowledge or fully develop their insight regarding diversity. They meet other children and adults when going to and from school, on outings to the library, local places of interest, parks and recreation areas. This helps to develop their sense of belonging to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent, realistic strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour effectively. Children behave well, are polite and they respond really well to simple and consistent house rules so that they know what is expected of them, for example, taking their shoes off as they come into the home and saying 'please' and 'thank you'. By understanding how their behaviour affects others, they are learning to play together harmoniously, take turns, share their toys and treat each other kindly. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their achievements and good behaviour is recognised, acknowledged and praised by the childminder, so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The care of children is enhanced as the childminder recognises and values the importance of talking to parents about the childminding service and listening to them to ensure children's needs are met. Parents receive a welcome pack and share detailed information at the time children are placed with the childminder. Contracts are meticulously maintained and written consent is obtained from parents, for example, to administer medication, apply sun protection cream, take photographs and transport children in the childminder's vehicle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is exchanged with parents on a regular basis through daily conversation and through regular contractual reviews. Consequently children benefit from this consistency of care, for example, maintaining similar routines, ensuring children's preferences and individual needs are addressed and a healthy nutritious diet is provided. They feel secure and parents develop confidence and trust in the childminder and the service that is offered.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and relaxed in the calm, comfortable and well organised environment. The space available is sufficient to meet children's play and learning needs. As a result, children have opportunities to make choices and engage in a wide range of well chosen activities both inside and outdoors. This enables children to be imaginative, develop their curiosity, grow in confidence, learn and have fun.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is supported by the childminder's business-like approach to her childminding service. Appropriate information is gathered and recorded with the parents at the time the child is placed with the childminder. This information is updated on a regular basis to ensure that parents feel involved in their children's care and are aware of the procedures and a full range of written policies that she has in place. Therefore, the children receive continuity of care, their development is promoted and their welfare is safeguarded.

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Organisation

Children receive good care and the childminder provides a reliable service to the parents and children, which is based on her sensitive approach and the careful organisation of her childminding service. The childminder is aware of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards and takes seriously her childminding responsibilities. Appropriate records are maintained, kept for the appropriate length of time, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder embraces new training opportunities, for example, she has completed courses in first aid, introduction to childminding practice and British Sign Language. This extends her skills and knowledge so that the care, protection and developmental needs of the children in her care are enhanced. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to promote safety within the setting by making sure that hazards in the garden are made safe or inaccessible to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken positive steps to ensure children's safety, by conducting a thorough risk assessment of the area, removing paving slabs and replacing trellis to the side of the property so that children cannot access hazardous items.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • promote children's personal hygiene by minimising the risk of cross-infection, for example, by providing individual or disposable hand drying facilities • continue to develop resources and activities that reflect diversity and promote positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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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