Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225797 Unique Reference Number 09 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 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 two children aged 11 and 14 years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole of the childminder's house with exception of the main bedroom 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 takes children to the local library and park. The family have a pet guinea pig, rabbit and bird.

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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable family home. Their development is suitably promoted as the childminder has sound procedures and practises which meet their physical, dietary and health needs. Children are beginning to learn the importance of routines such as hand washing after using the toilet because the childminder actively encourages and discusses

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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 this with them. Children have access to liquid soap and a clean towel daily therefore minimising the risk of cross-contamination. Children's well-being is sufficiently promoted as the childminder has attended a current first aid course which enables her to deal with minor injuries. The childminder has an understanding of the need to maintain appropriate accident records and ensures parents are kept informed. However, written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not consistently sought. This does not fully protect all children in the event of a medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are appropriately maintained and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children have a sufficient intake of food and refreshments during their time with her. Children's meals are currently provided by parents. However, the childminder is able to provide healthy and nutritious snacks, such as, fresh and dried fruit to eat and milk or water to drink throughout the day. This enables children to learn about healthy foods and to promote their own good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a number opportunities to be physically active within their regular routine which contributes to their good health. For example, they walk to and from school and play group daily and make use of the local parks. Children also have good access to the childminder's garden and a range of suitable equipment, including a climbing frame, swings and sit and ride toys. Children develop their hand-eye coordination through a range of activities, such as, threading, drawing and shape sorters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted indoors as the childminder has taken positive steps to minimise potential risks and hazards. For example, cupboard locks are securely fitted and covers fitted on exposed plug sockets. The childminder has devised a fire evacuation procedure and has practised it with the children, helping them to understand how to act in an event of an emergency. Their safety is promoted when the childminder takes them out. For example, when walking to and from school, children walk closely with her and hold hands when crossing the road. She also uses appropriate restraints and buggies for the younger children to ensure they are safe and free from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home and they have good access to the designated place space allowing them to move freely and with confidence. The premises are secure and external doors locked to prevent children leaving unsupervised or unknown persons entering. All children have access to a balance of toys and resources which encompasses all areas of development. Toys are stored appropriately at child height in storage boxes enabling children to be independent and have some freedom of choice. Children are able to play safely as the toys and resources are well maintained and checked regularly by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound awareness of child protection issues. She shares a clear written policy with parents which outlines her roles and responsibilities with regard to protecting children in her care. She has the contact numbers of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board so can respond appropriately to any concern. Therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. A friendly family environment helps children to settle and feel relaxed at the childminder's home. Children have developed effective relationships with the childminder and are confident in her company. Daily routines usually include activities both within and outside of the home to contribute to children's overall development. For example, they enjoy regular trips to the local park and library or take part in cooking activities, dressing up and role play indoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder understands the needs of children. Her warm and tactile handling of them helps them to feel reassured and secure, for example, talking with a young baby when changing her nappy or looking at a board book together. Play is mainly child-initiated with the childminder offering support to enhance their play. Children self select toys and equipment from the selection on offer and she is readily available to offer assistance when needed and to join in with their games. Children enjoy good access to the outdoors in the childminder's garden. They have good access to a range of toys and resources including swings, sit and ride toys and climbing frame that with some imagination becomes a den, boat or spaceship.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is calm and affectionate in her dealings with children. This helps them to feel settled and relaxed in her home. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Some play resources are available, such as books, jigsaws and dolls which reflect positive images of diversity and the childminder takes children into the local community. However, her understanding of issues and her role in promoting equal opportunities is limited, therefore, activities and resources are not used to their full potential. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to obtain to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a sound awareness of behaviour management issues. Children's behaviour is appropriately managed by the use of effective strategies. For example, clear ground rules help children to be aware of what is expected of them and the childminder uses clear explanations as to why some behaviour is unacceptable. Younger children are distracted and an alternative activity offered. Appropriate use of praise and encouragement through play and everyday routines is maintained, helping to promote children's self-esteem. Parents are provided with a behaviour management policy detailing the childminder's practice. However, this does not include systems for the effective recording of incidents of physical restraints should it be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure they have a good awareness of their child's time at her home. Written agreements with parents cover most aspects of the care to be provided and helps to clarify the expectations of both parties. Informal discussion at the end of the day or an exchange of a daily diary for younger children ensures parents are kept informed of daily events and experiences. This enables children to feel happy and secure in the childminder's home.

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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 able to feel relaxed and confident as the childminder organises her premises, time and resources effectively. Daily registers are up to date and detail the name and hours of attendance of the children. Consequently, they demonstrate that required adult to child ratios are met, enabling children to be supervised appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains most of the required documentation and information, however there are some omissions. Therefore, this does not fully protect children's health and well-being. Parents have a good understanding of how their child is looked after as the childminder has devised clear policies and procedures which are shared with them when they place their child with her. Overall, children needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder received four recommendations to improve. These were to ensure the daily record is accurate, up to date and includes the hours of attendance and maintain a record accidents occurring on the premises. She was asked to ensure the garden was made safe with regard to bicycle storage, obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now maintains accurate registers and a record of accidents occurring on the premises which have a positive impact on the care of the children. However, written permission for the seeking of medical treatment or advice is not consistently obtained for all children, therefore their welfare is not fully protected in the event of an emergency. The childminder has obtained some toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise, however her lack of understanding and knowledge means that these are not used to their full potential. Therefore, children's understanding of the wider community and diversity is hindered.

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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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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 written parental permission is consistently requested for all children, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure any incident with regard to physical restraint is recorded and the parent informed of the incident on the day • develop knowledge and understanding to ensure that equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise for all children is promoted effectively

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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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