Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219226 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2007 Inspection date Karen Eunice Millerchip 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 has been a childminder since 2003. She lives in a semi detached house in the area of Braunstone Frith in the city of Leicester. There are local shops and parks within walking distance. The lounge and kitchen are used for childminding and the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and currently minds three children under five years. They go for walks in the local community and children can be taken to and collected from the local school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. The childminder provides a first aid box and satisfactory systems are in place to record accidents and medication given to children. However, she does not hold a current first aid certificate which compromises children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 bring their own food to the childminder's home, which is appropriately stored to keep food fresh. They have access to drinks at all times in age-appropriate beakers. Children's individual dietary needs are known and met and thereby promotes children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in suitable activities, which contribute to their health. They go to the local park where they use the climbing frame, play equipment and can run around in the fresh air. They also go for walks in the local community and visit the shops.

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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 generally risks to them have been identified and minimised. Daily checks ensure that children move around the home safely and freely. Suitable safety equipment is in place to help keep children safe. The children have access to a secure rear garden, however, their safety is compromised as they can access redundant decorating materials currently stored outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from toys of good quality and the childminder checks them for safety and continued suitability as they are used. Fire safety equipment is in place and maintained in good working order; the childminder has devised an emergency escape plan and practised it with the children, thereby, sufficiently promoting children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected from risk of harm by the childminder's basic knowledge of local procedures to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminders home they feel happy and secure because the childminder provides a caring and welcoming environment. Children happily accept cuddles and enjoy sitting with the childminder whilst playing. Children socialise with other children during visits to or from other local childminders. They benefit from learning and play opportunities in the home, during daily walks, visits and outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent as they choose from a sufficient range of toys, which are easily accessed in the lounge. They freely choose activities, such as cars, dolls, colouring and matching magnetic shapes. Children's language is developing and they learn new words during play. The childminder has a sound awareness of supplying activities which are age-appropriate and promote children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive individual care according to their needs. All children have equal access to resources; none are specifically kept for boys or girls. Children are being introduced to the wider community and people in society through accessing an adequate range of resources. They are developing caring relationships with the childminder and other children. Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder demonstrates a suitable approach to finding out information from parents or other professionals to ensure their needs are fully met.

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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 Children are learning to respect one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of boundaries. Children receive praise and encouragement which promotes good behaviour. They learn to be kind and considerate to one another and any disagreements are resolved through discussion and explanation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents' share information about their children's individual needs and interests such as their daily routine and preferences. Children are offered a gradual introduction to the home environment, thereby, promoting a sense of security. Parents' wishes are taken into account with regard to their children's care. Satisfactory verbal information sharing takes place on a daily basis to ensure children’s changing needs are identified and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All records and documentation are in place and stored safely. At induction parents discuss the service offered and the procedures to follow in various circumstances. Parent's have daily opportunities for discussion and consultation about their child's daily routine and well-being. The childminder is keen to attend further training and has currently completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course; she is yet to complete a first aid course which is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a suitably organised home. They benefit from the childminder's satisfactory organisational skills, which promote a homely atmosphere. Children use the rooms downstairs to take part in a variety of activities. The daily routine mirrors that of the child's home environment to provide consistency of care and help children feel secure. Regular visits outside of the home contributes to their social and physical skills. Overall, the needs of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to complete a local authority approved childminder's course. The childminder has completed an appropriate course which helps to promote children's learning and well-being.

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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. 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 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 reasonable steps are taken to ensure that hazards to children on the premise, both indoor and outside, are minimised to promote children's safety • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children to promote children's well-being.

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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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