Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225661 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2007 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 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 1997. She lives with her husband and children aged 18 years and 15 years in a village in Leicestershire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has suitable routines in place to keep the home, equipment and toys hygienic. They are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene procedures, which are promoted by the childminder. For example children wash hands after using the toilet and after playing in the sand pit. Children's well-being is promoted satisfactorily as the childminder has considered procedures to be followed should a child become ill. The childminder has completed a suitable first aid course and has sufficient first aid supplies, so helping her to provide appropriate treatment should a child have a minor accident. Children enjoy activities which develop their physical skills. They experience regular opportunities to play outdoors, either in the garden or at the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are sound arrangements in place to ensure children are adequately nourished. They enjoy healthy snacks, such as different types of fruits. Main meals, such as shepherds pie, roast dinner and tuna pasta are generally freshly prepared and suitably balanced, so helping to contribute to the children's healthy diet. Their nutritional needs are appropriately met as the childminder obtains all relevant information from parents about their dietary needs on placement.

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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 welcoming, warm and comfortable family home. Use of the ground floor provides them with sufficient space to play and relax within close proximity of the childminder, so ensuring they are adequately supervised. All children have access to a balance of toys and equipment which reflects their age and level of understanding. Resources are stored in boxes at child height, allowing children to have some freedom of choice of what they wish to play with. Toys are of a reasonable quality and are regularly checked by the childminder, so helping children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the main, all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure a safe and secure environment is created for children. Children are beginning to learn about safety within their daily routine, for example as they talk about road safety issues when out walking or using the correct restraints when travelling in the car. However, an identified emergency escape plan has not been fully developed or practised. This compromises children's safety and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder is clear on the procedures for reporting child protection issues and the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of her duty to protect children and ensure the relevant records and documentation are maintained taking into consideration confidentiality issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy at the childminder's home. They are confident in their surroundings and in their dealings with adults. For example, a pre-school child enjoys involving the childminder in her board game, and is also secure enough to play on the bike and scooter independently. Children have access to a suitable range of toys and resources which promotes their play and learning. The childminder has a sound understanding of the children she cares for and the

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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 activities they enjoy. She has developed some informal planning which is reflected in the daily routine. Children have regular opportunities to make their own decisions and select toys and activities that they choose to engage in. Resources are stored at the children's height enabling them to access play materials freely. Opportunities to experience activities outside of the home, such as trips to the library and the park are organised by the childminder, so helping children to begin to appreciate the local environment. Activities within the home provide a balance of learning and creative experiences for children, such as cooking, play dough and small world toys. Older children are able to enjoy board games or construction and are encouraged to be involved in creative activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder recognises that they may have a range of different needs, for example, relating to their health, culture or abilities. The childminder raises children's awareness of the wider world, through discussion and incorporating some activities that link to different lifestyles. However, hands on resources that reflect equality of opportunity in relation to other cultures and lifestyles are limited. This inhibits children opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding in this area. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure that any children with disabilities or learning difficulties are not treated less favourably than others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of behaviour management issues and children benefit from her clear strategies in promoting good behaviour. They begin to learn what is expected of them because the childminder is consistent in her approach and encourages them to follow ground rules. For example, children ask permission to play outside and readily assist with the tidying up of toys. Children's self-esteem and confidence is nurtured by the childminder who regularly acknowledges their positive behaviour and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds positive relationships with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met well. Written agreements with parents cover most aspects of their child's routine, business and care arrangements. However incident records and information regarding complaints are not consistently and clearly maintained. This potentially compromises the childminders' ability to deal with any such event, in children's best interest. The childminder ensures a regular and informal verbal exchange of information is maintained with the parents to keep them fully informed about the care of their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs are met. Children feel safe and secure at the childminder's home and she works within the adult: child ratio to help ensure they have sufficient support and supervision. The childminder has completed a suitable paediatric first aid course, so helping her to protect their safety and welfare. A range of activities provided both within and outside of the home provides a balance of learning opportunities for the children. The childminder mostly follows appropriate procedures to support the children's well-being and records and documentation are generally maintained to a satisfactory standard. Documents are stored appropriately and confidentially.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents to seek advice or treatment in an emergency. The childminder has addressed this and has systems in place and has obtained parents written permission to seek advice or treatment in an emergency. Consequently, children's welfare is protected.

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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 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 that positive steps are taken to promote safety with regard to devising and practising an emergency escape plan • ensure that there is a sufficient range of activities and resources available to all children that promote positive images of diversity • continue to develop the complaints procedures and ensure all relevant information is clearly maintained and ensure a record of incidents is maintained.

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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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