Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225751 Unique Reference Number 26 January 2007 Inspection date Jean Suff 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 has been registered since February 1996. She lives in a four bedroom semi-detached house situated in a residential cul-de-sac in the market town of Market Harborough. She shares her home with her husband and three children aged 17 years, 15 years and 12 years old. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She also cares for children over eight, before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding including the lounge, kitchen/dining area, playroom and downstairs cloakroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder attends local toddler groups, parks and local shops with the minded children on a regular basis. The family have a pet guinea-pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 are cared for in a welcoming, clean, light and airy home. They are kept healthy as the childminder is very aware of the need to minimise the spread of infection, for example, children have their own towel and peg to hang it on. The childminder follows very good practices to ensure that the house, toys and equipment are clean and hygienic so protecting children against germs. The childminder considers ways to keep children healthy and uses comprehensive policies which she shares with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthy food, supported by parent's wishes. Children are offered regular drinks and can independently access their own cup or beaker so ensuring they are well hydrated and comfortable. Very good communication takes place with parents to ensure individual needs are met, such as children's sleep patterns. Children have good regular daily exercise and fresh air as they walk to school and play on the recreation ground or in the garden so effectively learn about a healthy lifestyle. Ample accommodation provides space for babies to crawl and sturdy furniture allows children to pull themselves up whilst learning to walk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of toys, play equipment and resources that meet the needs of children across the age range. Toys and equipment are maintained in excellent condition to ensure ongoing suitability and safety for children. Rooms are well organised so children keep safe from potential danger. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where the childminder understands the importance of safety issues and implements effective procedures and vigilant practices so that risks of accidental injury to children are minimised. For example, toys and equipment are made readily available at child height so they may choose safely. Dangerous substances such as medicines, cleaning materials and sharp knives are kept out of reach in locked cupboards and children's access to the stairs and kitchen is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in the enclosed garden which is kept free from hazards. When out walking and when crossing the road, children keep safe and begin to gain an awareness of road safety through discussion and developmentally appropriate routines. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted and used to influence ongoing practice, so children remain free from harm. The childminder has devised a safety quiz to do with the children to enhance their awareness of safety issues. Children are protected from the risk of fire as safety procedures have been carefully considered, for example, an emergency evacuation plan is on display on the living room door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children are always within her sight and hearing. She establishes a good balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Children, therefore, know what is expected of them and move freely around the environment where they play, explore, learn and have fun in safety. The childminder has a thorough knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures, so that children are protected and their well-being

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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 is safeguarded. She recognises signs and symptoms of abuse and is acutely aware of her duty to protect the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are happy and eager to participate in the broad range of activities and learning opportunities available to them, for example, small world play, role-play, arts and crafts, listening to stories and singing along to tapes of nursery rhymes. Younger children take pleasure in using cause and effect toys and handling tactile materials. Children's confidence and self-esteem is being developed very well as they are treated kindly and with respect. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder so helping to develop their self-assurance. The childminder talks to children about their play, asking questions to clarify and extend their thinking and they in turn listen carefully and respond to what she says. Through constant praise and encouragement children learn that they are valued and so achieve. The childminder is versatile in her response to children's individual needs so

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ensuring all children are content and purposefully engaged at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's time is well planned to include an appropriate balance of activities both indoors and outside in the local community. They attend a nearby playgroup twice a week. Activities in the home are changed regularly to provide continuing interest and stimulation. Children choose from a range of play materials so helping to develop initiative and independence. The childminder knows when to take an active part in children's play and when to step back to allow children to solve a problem for themselves. She encourages children of all ages to work together and help each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a home where they are valued and respected as individuals. Their achievements are encouraged and praised so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced. For example, by the childminder who acts as a good role model to children. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and takes appropriate action when necessary. Children develop a good understanding of the wider world, for example, through knowing where they fit into their families and through working with each others differences, similarities, ages and stages of development. They meet other children and adults whilst walking to school, attending playgroup and playing on the local recreation ground. This develops their sense of belonging to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well, are polite and respond to simple and consistent house rules so that they know what is expected of them, for example, saying 'please' and 'thank you' and waiting to take a turn. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to praise, encouragement and gentle reminders to care for themselves, their environment and each other. They are learning to take responsibility for their own actions with good clear guidelines and support.

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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 The childminder recognises and values the importance of providing parents with a good range of information about her childminding service. She listens to them to ensure children's needs are met. All the necessary written consents are obtained from parents to allow children to participate in a range of activities, for example, permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is continually exchanged with parents through daily conversations. Children benefit from continuity of care, for example, by maintaining similar routines. Children feel secure and parents value the childminder's commitment to share information. This develops confidence and trust in the childminder and the service that is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in an environment where the childminder diligently evaluates her practice, taking into account the National Standards and additional information provided by the National Childminding Association. Children's care is very much enhanced by the high level of organisation and the childminder's ongoing desire to improve the exemplary quality service to parents and the children in her care.

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Organisation

Children are happy, calm and settled within the childminder's routines which include effectively organising space, time and activities. As a result, children are stimulated and busy, engaging in a variety of planned and spontaneous activities. These include themed activities that take into account children's ages, interests and stages of development.

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Organisation

The childminder upholds a highly organised, business-like approach to her childminding. She has clear knowledge of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards, takes seriously her childminding responsibilities and has all the relevant documentation in place to support the childminding service. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and efficiently uses their documentation. She provides comprehensive written statements regarding a wide range of procedures and policy documentation which has a positive impact on the consistency and quality of care and contributes to children's health, development and well-being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure that accurate times of minded children's arrival and departure be recorded in the register and ensure that door keys are inaccessible to minded children. Both requests have been met therefore children are protected.

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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

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 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 by 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): • to develop further the nutritional aspect of foods offered to all children.

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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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