Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269519 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Paula Hunt 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her two children aged 18 years and 13 years and grandson aged 2 months. They live in a house in Blaby, Leicestershire. There are local amenities within walking distance such as schools, playgroups, toddler groups, a village centre and parks. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children under eight years and eight children aged over eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have six cats and four budgerigars.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder takes satisfactory steps to prevent the spread of infection by ensuring that her home is adequately clean and that she and the children in her care follow suitable hygiene practices and routines. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's best interests are served should they become ill as the childminder has a current first aid certificate, a fully stocked first aid kit and she ensures that parents are clear with regards to her sickness policy. Parents are aware that their child should not attend if they have a contagious illness and that they will be contacted if their child becomes ill. This protects other children in the childminder's care and all the required medication and accident records are up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and dietary needs are satisfactorily met because the childminder provides a range of hot and cold meals. Fresh fruit is always available and the childminder takes account of children's allergies and parents' wishes when offering meals. Children have access to drinks throughout the day, because the childminder offers them on a regular basis, ensuring they do not become thirsty. Children take part in activities which contribute to their health and are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities inside and outdoors. For example, they play football, jump on a trampoline and use wheeled toys at the childminder's home to help them develop control.

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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 homely environment where they feel secure and confident. Space within the home, together with furniture and resources are arranged to enable children to move around safely and to provide sufficient room for play. However, the bathroom that the children use is not well maintained which compromises their health and welfare. Children are provided with a satisfactory range of toys and equipment daily, some of which are stored in boxes that are easily accessible to children, thus encouraging some freedom of choice and independence. The childminder carries out regular visual checks on equipment and monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children and good safety and security precautions are in place. For example, a fireguard is used to prevent children accessing the fire, socket covers are placed in unused electrical sockets and the entrance doors are secure. Children’s welfare in the case of an emergency is taken into consideration by planned and regularly practised fire evacuation procedures and the organisation of emergency cover arrangements are in place with another registered childminder, known to both parents and children, should they be required. Children are also encouraged to keep themselves safe when they play outside or are taken for walks. For example, the childminder carefully supervises children and ensures that they are holding her hand or safely strapped into a buggy while talking to them about crossing the roads safely. As a consequence, children know that they

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have to 'listen to hear the cars and look both ways' to keep them from danger. Children are able to experience travelling safely in a vehicle as the childminder provides appropriate car

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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 seats and insurance cover for the vehicle is in place. However, written parental consent has not been gained to transport children in a vehicle and therefore, children are not fully protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she is well aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, caring environment where the childminder spends time with the children, playing and talking to them. Children are asked questions and their interests are responded to. They are developing confidence and self-esteem through forming a positive relationship with the childminder and her family. Interaction between the children and childminder is good and affection is given and warmly received.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in an adequate range of appropriate activities, which includes reading books, building with bricks, push along toys and educational activity toys. The childminder sets some activities out in the lounge and puts some boxes to the side of the room for children to self-select, encouraging their independence. Children experience regular creative play to enable them to experience different textures and colours. Children are becoming aware of their local community through visiting local amenities such as the library, shops and the local park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School-age children choose activities that best suit their moods and energy levels after school. The childminder regularly checks that less mobile children have an interesting selection of toys within easy reach and shows them how to play with them. She has some understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has attended relevant training, although she does not yet make full use of it to enable her to extend and enrich her care for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. They respond well to each other and when interacting with the childminder. The children are comfortable and secure in their surroundings and are developing confidence and independence. For example, children are encouraged to feed themselves and to independently play with toys. Children are learning to appreciate the differences and similarities between people because the childminder provides some resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability, but the choice is limited and play opportunities in this area need to be further developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play happily and co-operatively and are sociable and secure. They respond very positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with the use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children receive praise and happily seek cuddles and reassurance from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes are respected and the needs of their child are met effectively. Daily discussion between both parties ensures consistency of care and contributes to good partnership with parents.

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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 satisfactory. Children are welcomed with a familiar daily routine; children are confident and at ease in the childminder's home and care. They benefit from being cared for in a homely environment, where they have room to play, move around freely and there are facilities for children to rest and sleep. Children are given a satisfactory variety of age-appropriate experiences during the day, which include going out and about within the community. Information is regularly exchanged with parents to ensure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress. Checks have been completed to ensure persons in regular contact with the children are suitable and she supervises children at all times when off the premises to ensure their safety. Most required documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the provision and to ensure the children's needs are catered for. Children's records are stored

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Organisation

confidentially. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has taken steps to improve children's health, safety and welfare. A fully stocked first aid kit is readily available and the contents are replaced as necessary. The childminder maintains suitable records on any accidents that may occur using one page per child to ensure confidentiality. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet because the childminder now offers an adequate range of nutritious meals and snacks. For example, fish pie and peas, cheese on toast and assorted sandwiches. Children are offered fresh fruit as a snack to encourage good eating habits. Children have no access to cat litter trays as they are stored in the porch and the childminder ensures socket covers are placed in any unused electrical sockets to prevent accidents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has procedures in place to ensure any person over 16 living in the household submits to a vetting procedure which includes a criminal records check to maintain children's welfare. She has increased her resources to promote a positive view of their wider environment and an understanding of others although the choice is still limited and play opportunities in this area need to be further developed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 14:documentation. Concerns were raised in response to the childminder's failure to inform Ofsted of a significant event. Ofsted investigated the concern with an unannounced visit and an action was raised regarding informing Ofsted of any significant event or changes in the future. A written response was received within the specified time, checked and approved. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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 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 areas used by children are maintained in a suitable state of repair and decoration • obtain parents' written permission to transport children in a vehicle • increase the resources and activities which promote equality of opportunity.

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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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