Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY103750 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Claire Jenner 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18 years, 16 years and 11 years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. Children also have access to the bathroom on the first floor. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park. The family have a pet cat.

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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 nine children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is successfully promoted. They are protected from the risk of infection and cross-contamination as the childminder follows effective procedures within her everyday routines. For example, food preparation areas are cleaned regularly and pet equipment removed

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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 when children are present. Children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices. For example, washing hands after using the toilet or after handling the pet cat. The risk of cross-contamination is minimised as children have access to liquid soap and a clean towel daily. The childminder has completed a first aid course which enables her to act in the children's best interests should they have a minor accident. Accident records are maintained and shared with parents ensuring they are kept fully informed should their child sustain an injury. A sick children's policy has been considered and parents are made aware at admission that the childminder cannot look after a child who is ill, which promotes children's good health and helps protect them from infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are able to rest or sleep in either a buggy or travel cot in agreement with their parents. Older children not requiring a sleep can enjoy some quiet time if they wish, either looking at books or watching an appropriate television programme. Children enjoy activities which develop their physical skills as the childminder provides frequent opportunities to experience outdoor play and enjoy fresh air. Whether it be puddle jumping in the winter months or picnics at the park in the summer. A variety of physical play activities are also provided within the childminder's own home and the children enjoy daily walks to and from school and playgroup.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met. Records are maintained noting any likes, dislikes or allergies. Meals are currently provided by parents. However, the childminder is able to supplement this with a range of healthy snacks and regular drinks. Children begin to learn about healthy eating to promote their own well-being as the childminder talks about what is healthy and encourages them to eat the healthy option from their lunch box first.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a warm and comfortable family home and the childminder has taken a number of sensible steps to minimise the risk of potential hazards. For example, cupboard locks are fitted in the kitchen and covers are fitted to all exposed plug sockets. Use of the ground floor rooms enables children to play within the childminders sight or hearing, therefore ensuring they remain appropriately supervised. An emergency evacuation plan has been practised and a fire blanket and smoke detectors help minimise the risk from fire. Children also learn about safety within their daily activities. For example, when walking to and from school they talk about road safety issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use suitable and safe equipment and the childminder ensures that it is in good repair, clean and well-maintained. Children are encouraged to look after the toys too. For example, to handle them appropriately and to help tidy away when they have finished. They have good access to a balance of toys and equipment which are stored at child height in boxes or on shelves. Consequently, children are able to access them independently and develop their decision-making skills. Additional resources and equipment are stored elsewhere in the home and the childminder rotates them regularly to ensure children enjoy a balance of toys and activities which further promotes their play and learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare in the main is protected as the childminder is aware of what child abuse and neglect mean and understands her responsibility to act on any child protection concerns. She has the numbers of the local safeguarding Children's Board so she can respond promptly to any concern. However, she does not consistently record existing injuries in line with local

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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 procedures and is not fully confident in discussing her responsibilities with parents. This means that her ability to safeguard children is potentially compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home and receive a good level of adult support which allows them to explore their environment in safety and with confidence. A balance of adult-led and child-initiated play opportunities both in and outside of the home effectively promotes children's play and learning. For example, children enjoy regular trips to the local community, visiting shops and the library or go on nature walks to collect items for a collage on their return. Activities indoors include cooking, art and craft, or dancing to music. The childminder takes into account the 'Birth to three matters' framework when considering the activities to be provided for the younger children. Older children can make selections about their activities from a selection including homework, reading, playing games or art and craft. This ensures that they enjoy their time at her home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have built up good relationships with the childminder who joins in with their play and offers her support when needed. For example, assisting a young child with a jigsaw puzzle or playing with the small farm animals together. Children approach her confidently for stories and she encourages them to recognise objects in the pictures whilst looking at a book together. This helps them to develop their communication and thinking skills. The childminder has a clear understanding of the needs and abilities of the individual children and considers and adapts activities to meet these.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals as the childminder ensures she is aware of their individual needs. She works closely with parents to make sure they are included fully in the life of the setting and maintains clear records detailing children's individual needs. The childminder shares information with the parents at the end of each day either verbally or in a written diary. Scrap books which include examples of activities undertaken by the children are also completed and shared with parents. Consequently, children are helped to feel secure and comfortable and parents are kept fully informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the wider world as they use a good range of toys and resources such as books, dolls and small world figures. The childminder introduces new ideas and topics, such as a recycling scheme and a sponsored child from Bolivia to help children to learn about the environment and how other people live. The childminder has a good understanding of inclusion and has systems in place to allow her to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses clear and consistent strategies to ensure children fully understand what is expected of them. For example, by applying some sensible house rules and by being a good role model. Children are praised for their efforts and co-operation, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is clear that no physical punishment is permitted but that physical restraint may in some circumstances be appropriate . For example, if a child were to hurt themselves or others. However, systems for recording such incidents are not in place.

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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 good. The childminder has a clear understanding of her roles and responsibilities, and the care and educational needs of the children. She has undertaken introductory childminding training and holds a current paediatric first aid qualification, so helping her to maintain children's safety and welfare. The childminder has planned to undertake further training in the future which demonstrates her commitment to providing good care to children.

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Organisation

Children feel relaxed and are cared for in a welcoming and comfortable environment. They enjoy a range of activities both in and out of the home and are able to make some independent choices of what they wish to engage in. Therefore, they grow in confidence, learn and have fun. The childminder works within the permitted adult:child ratios to help ensure children receive sufficient supervision and support. Records and documentation are well-organised and stored confidentially. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide an appropriately stocked first aid box and to provide resources reflecting positive images of disability. The childminder has addressed both of these recommendations satisfactorily. The first aid box is readily available, in good order and well-stocked. Therefore, promoting children's welfare in the event of an accident. The childminder has obtained some resources which reflect positive images of disability. Therefore, helping children to develop their awareness of others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the childminder's 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

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 knowledge and understanding of the nationally and locally agreed procedures to be followed in the event of any child protection allegation or concerns • ensure records with regard to incidents of physical restraints are maintained.

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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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