Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225616 Unique Reference Number 07 June 2007 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 1986. She lives with her husband, two adult children and two other children aged 16 and 11-years-old. They live in the Market Harborough area of Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends various local parent and toddler groups. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for 10 children, four children are pre-school age and of those, one attends full-time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They know that they need to wash their hands before meals and after using the

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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 toilet. Children use paper towels to prevent cross-contamination. Nappy changing procedures are good and more able children attend to their own personal care. Toys and equipment are clean and in good condition. They are washed periodically to minimise the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Positive steps have been taken when children are ill or have an accident. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and accident and medicine records are in place. The first aid box is fully stocked and readily available. Parents receive a copy of the health and safety policy which informs them of the procedure that would be followed if their child becomes ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because their parents provide packed lunches, therefore, their individual dietary needs are taken into account. They are encouraged to have fruit with their lunch and they help themselves to water throughout the day. Children see a display of posters about healthy eating, therefore, they are extending their knowledge of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their physical health. They use climbing equipment, ride wheeled toys and bounce on the trampoline. The garden is used frequently and children are regular visitors to parks and recreational grounds where they run and play football and basket ball. Children help to organise obstacle courses at the monthly childminding group. They have discussions about the importance of being active, therefore, children are developing a sound understanding of the effects exercise has on the body.

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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 and secure home. Risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment such as plug socket covers. Daily visual checks ensure that children move around the home safely and freely. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe inside and outside of the home through discussion and by having clear boundaries. They are learning how to cross a road safely and listen to instructions. Children know that they must not run when they get out of the car. They are careful when babies are present and help to tidy toys away when they have finished playing to prevent others tripping over.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from good quality toys and equipment. Toys are organised and stored so children can access them for themselves. Resources are regularly checked to ensure that they are safe for the children to use. Children are familiar with the emergency escape plan and have practised the procedure. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and a carbon monoxide detector is situated in the kitchen as an extra precaution.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's secure knowledge of her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has attended child protection training to enhance her knowledge of the procedure to safeguard children and has information leaflets to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in a homely environment. They have developed a good rapport with the childminder and her family and are well supported. Children play with a wide range of activities which help them to progress with their learning. They have plenty of opportunities to be creative and have fun. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with foam which they squeeze

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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 through their fingers and toes and describe the texture. They blow and chase bubbles in the garden and mould and roll play dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the children's interests and ensures that these activities are readily available. She has attended numerous courses on aspects of play which result in children being provided with experiences that promote their all round development. Children are confident and are encouraged to problem solve and ask questions. The childminder joins in with the children's spontaneous play and interaction is good.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience learning and play opportunities outside and through visits and outings. They frequently play in parks and attend parent and toddler groups, which develops children's social skills. Children recall with excitement, when they went on a train and sat in the drivers cab. They eat out in cafés, have picnics and visit farm shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive individual care according to their needs because of ongoing discussions with their parents. They have equal access to all activities and none are specifically kept for either gender. Children choose from limited toys which reflect positive images of people in society, therefore they do not fully extend their knowledge and understanding of the wider world and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children of all abilities play alongside one another and the childminder has experience of caring for children with specific needs. She has attended a general training course to enhance her knowledge and skills. Integration is encouraged and children's needs are sensitively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn how to respect each others feelings and are encouraged to be kind. Children are shown affection and respond positively to praise and encouragement. They are told when they are doing well and unacceptable behaviour is clearly explained to them. Children behave well and are reminded of house rules and boundaries. The childminder is consistent in her management, a good role model and takes account of different levels of children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents regularly share information about their children's interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Children develop a sense of belonging by having introductory visits until they are settled. Children's information is sought and exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session. Parents are provided with written information on all aspects of childcare. They have access to copies of all policies and procedures because they are displayed in the hallway. An informative folder has been developed which has many leaflets that provide parents with advice on childcare and health issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely, exceptionally well-organised environment. Children freely use all rooms to enjoy a wide range of well planned and spontaneous activities. An excellent range of policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. Communication with parents is ongoing to ensure children's well-being. All policies and procedures are readily available for parents to read at their leisure. The childminder has developed an outstanding range of additional leaflets on all aspects of childcare to help parents with any concerns or queries they may have.

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Organisation

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’s practice is effective in meeting the needs of individual children. She has all the required information and consent from parents which are regularly updated and reviewed. The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated and has attended numerous courses to improve her practice. As a result, she is aware of current procedures and this has an excellent impact on the care of the children. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. This practice is now in place, therefore positive steps have been taken to promote children's health and safety.

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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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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): • continue to develop resources and activities which develop children's knowledge and understanding of diversity.

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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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