Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337460 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Lynn Dent 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 2006. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 12 and 7 years in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed patio area in the garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the park. The family has two pet rabbits. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's physical development is enhanced through opportunities within the home. They competently stack wooden bricks, push trolleys and vehicles along the floor and place Duplo

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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 people into cars. Active outdoor play is made available through visits to the local park. The childminder regularly takes younger children to the local toddler group. Theses visits allow children to use slides and wheeled toys. Consequently, they enjoy activities which help to enhance their balance and coordination. Children benefit because they receive a healthy and balanced diet which is freshly prepared and cooked. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that foods do not contain excess sugar, salt, fat or preservatives. Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are known and respected. Younger children are encouraged to develop independence when eating as the childminder provides finger foods which they manage well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively participate in routines to maintain their good health and personal hygiene. Younger children are learning how to prevent the spread of germs as they use individual towels and know to put them into a bin when they have finished. Children are positively encouraged to become independent in their personal care and recognise the needs of their bodies. For example, they can access drinks and choose when to eat their snack. Children are well protected from infections because the childminder implements effective procedures when children are ill. This information is shared with parents. Consequently, they understand why their child needs to stay at home when they are infectious.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures. She clearly explains signs that would alert her to child abuse and neglect. For example, injuries occurring over a period of time and changes in children's role play. Consequently, children's welfare is secure. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe as they follow realistic rules set by the childminder. During mealtimes younger children are encouraged not to put too much food in their mouth to prevent them from choking. This is shown as they are encouraged to eat one piece of fruit at a time. Children are kept safe when travelling in a car as the childminder has clear understanding of the latest legislation regarding seatbelts and places children in the rear of the car. Their safety continues to be managed well when walking with the childminder as she uses wrist straps and buggies for younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Before allowing children to play at the park the childminder checks the equipment and grounds to ensure they are suitable for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a dedicated playroom which is bright and stimulating for them. Their safety is maintained well because the childminder regularly checks the whole of the premises and resources for potential dangers. As a result she implements a good range of safety precautions. Family medication is stored inaccessible to children and low-level cupboards and drawers are locked. To prevent accidents children are not allowed in the kitchen when the childminder is cooking. Children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised as keys to exterior doors are put safely out of reach. The emergency evacuation procedure is clearly displayed and indicates possible exits. However children may be at risk as this has not been practised. Toys for children are in good condition, bright and appealing. They can safely access these from their playroom. Equipment for younger children is safe. For example, the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensures that buggies have good brakes and a harness that complies with safety regulations.

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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. The childminder's aim is to provide a happy, safe environment for children to play. This is observed to happen in practice as children are confident and enjoy themselves with the childminder. Children spend their time purposefully because the childminder dedicates quality time to playing with them. For example, she helps them to learn about colours and numbers as they stack wooden bricks. The childminder helps children to develop their imagination as she uses a different voice to portray a farmer during role play. The daily routines help children to settle. However, this is flexible to take good account of the children's needs. This is shown as different toys are offered to maintain their interest. The childminder clearly understands and uses ideas from the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Therefore, younger children receive good care and a range of experiences that promote their development. Regular observations

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the children mean that their achievements and the next steps in their development are identified.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's early communication is promoted as the childminder encourages them by talking to them, using facial expressions and body language. Consequently, they become skilful communicators and can express their needs well. Children engage in structured and free play for sustained periods of time. They receive regular opportunities to interact with others at the toddler group and with local childminder's. This promotes their emotional and social development. Children are confident and have good self-esteem. Consequently, they are happy and settled with the childminder who encourages them to develop harmonious relationships and respect for their friends. Discussions and photographs show that older children enjoy messy play, baking, games, dressing-up and using the computer. This means that the activities provided are suitable for the ages of the children cared for. As a result their development and confidence

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and parents cultural background is valued. For example, the childminder encourages children to use their own language alongside English. She also works with parents to learn the words which children regularly use. Children learn to develop an understanding and respect for those who may be different to themselves as they participate in activities to celebrate events and festivals throughout the year. The premises are suitable for children with special needs, particularly if their physical abilities are limited. This is because toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. As a result their personal care needs can be managed effectively. Ongoing good two-way communication exits between parents, carers and the childminder. As a result good account is taken of children's current care and developmental needs. Detailed information about the children is kept and supports their care. Parents receive good policies and procedures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

at induction as a result they understand the service provided. A notice board for parents means they can easily access day to day information about what is happening.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children confidently make choices about their play and personal needs. For example, children being cared for after school use a computer, make crafts or relax. Consequently, they learn to take some responsibility for themselves. Younger children show good behaviour and play harmoniously with and alongside their friends according to their developmental stage. When children want to play with the same toy the childminder effectively encourages sharing. This is successfully achieved by using calm discussions and distracting children's attention by offering similar toys. The childminder sets realistic rules which are displayed to remind older children

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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 why they must adhere to these. They learn that name calling can be hurtful and to say sorry when someone is feeling hurt. Therefore, become aware and learn to show consideration for others. The childminder is a good role model as she treats children with kindness and respect, using praise to promote good behaviour. Consequently, children have good self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. As a result this is successfully implemented to ensure the developmental needs of younger children are effectively met. Good organisation results in an appropriate range of experiences for older children. All children are encouraged to participate in the activities and experiences provided. Consequently, they spend sustained periods of time settled and interested in what they are doing. The childminder spends time dedicated to playing with the children. Therefore, they feel secure and enjoy themselves. They have time for active play, activities and relaxation. Children are confident to choose activities and initiate their own play and learning. Their welfare is underpinned by the successful implementation of clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents. Daily diaries and discussion with parents ensure children's routines are

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Organisation

maintained and their current care needs are identified and met. Detailed information about the children can be accessed easily because documentation is well organised and clearly presented. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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): • practice the emergency evacuation procedure.

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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 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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