Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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226014 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2007 Inspection date Shami Kumar 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 has been registered since 1986. She lives with her husband and four adult children. The family live in a detached house in a quiet residential area, on the outskirts of the village of Stoney Stanton in Leicestershire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. This includes the lounge, dining area, conservatory, kitchen and toilet facilities on the ground floor, and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time. She currently has 13 on her books of whom nine are under eight. Most of the children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local playgroup, parent and toddler group and library and meets regularly with other childminders in the area.

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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 are cared for in a clean and hygienic home. Children learn simple health and hygiene practices through daily routines. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after toileting. Satisfactory arrangements are in place to prevent infection as the childminder has appropriate cleaning routines. For example, the childminder cleans surfaces with anti-bacterial spray and changes the towel in the bathroom daily. Younger children are changed regularly in order to ensure they feel comfortable and to meet their physical needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are effective measures in place to prevent the spread of infection. The verbal sickness policy ensures that children do not attend when they are ill and she has written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. However, children's health is not fully promoted as the first aid box is not fully stocked. All relevant documentation regarding accidents is in place and she has appropriate permission regarding the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep healthy because they receive a balanced range of foods within their meals with provision of healthy options such as fruit and vegetables. This helps them to develop good eating habits. The childminder caters effectively for children's individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes by liaising closely with parents. Food brought from home is stored, prepared and served appropriately. Children sit at the table for their meals and the childminder encourages them to have good social skills and table manners. Any special dietary requirements or allergies are discussed before care begins and recorded on children's records. This ensures parents' wishes are respected and children's needs are met. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day which ensure that they are well hydrated. The childminder takes care to ensure she carefully follows sleeping routines for younger children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience a satisfactory range of activities that contribute to their health and they benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. For example, they visit various parks, go for walks and have physical play in the garden. The children improve their co-ordination as they ride wheeled toys, kick balls, play with hula hoops and play hop scotch. Their physical health is further encouraged as they dance to music on the television.

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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 comfortable and welcoming environment that is safe and secure. The organisation of toys and resources means children can move around the house and garden safely and independently. She has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure whilst they are in her care. For example, dangerous substances are kept out of reach, low level glass conforms to safety standards, and stair gates are used in certain areas to prevent access. Children are well protected in the event of a fire because the childminder ensures she practises fire drills. She also has appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors which are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select from a wide range of well-maintained, good quality toys, books and play materials suitable for their age and stage of development. The needs of young children are well met because a range of suitable toys are available which encourages them to explore

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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 safely. Toys and equipment which the children use are checked daily and cleaned every half term or when necessary. The children are comfortable in the setting, with space used appropriately for their needs. For example, the lounge for main activities, the conservatory for sleeping and the dining area for engaging in craft activities. Children learn good safety procedures when going on outings. For instance, children are safely restrained in buggies and car seats and booster seats are used when travelling by car. Whilst walking the childminder talks to the children about safe roadside practices such as waiting for vehicles to stop on both sides of the road and to be alert to cars coming out of driveways. Children also learn to protect themselves as the childminder reminds them of not climbing on the furniture and sitting on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and referral procedures and is fully aware of her responsibilities in relation to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They are relaxed and settled and enjoy a fun relationship with the childminder from whom they receive support and encouragement. Children initiate much of their play as resources are accessible, therefore promoting their awareness of positive choices and increasing their confidence and learning. Children make positive relationships with the childminder as she acknowledges young children. She provides good support by talking to them about interesting aspects that they have seen on television which develops their understanding of the wider world. Their physical skills are promoted as they dance to music and use the outdoor play equipment. The children develop their co-ordination as they draw pictures using a variety of graphics material as well as stencils.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their investigation and creative skills through activities such as sticking, gluing and make models using play dough. They settle well because the childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun. For example, she asks the children what they can hear with the stethoscope and what colour crayon they want to draw a picture. This and the childminder's good use of language, raises children's levels of confidence and independence. The developmental needs of the children are well promoted as there is a range of stimulating equipment within their environment that encourages them to learn as they explore. For example, young children have great fun in making Easter cards, they also play with train sets and complete

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a caring relationship with the childminder. She shows value in what they say and do and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. Children have good opportunities to develop their understanding as the childminder extends learning at every opportunity. For example, children discuss different shapes, colours, match objects and count everyday objects. Children of different ages relate well to each other and enjoy playing and participating in activities which the childminder has planned for them, as well as when they have free choice of activities and games. The children have great fun and look inquisitively as the windows are cleaned by the window cleaner. They acquire new knowledge and skills through satisfactory first-hand experiences such as painting, baking cakes and biscuits. Children use their imagination well as they enjoy dressing up and pretend to play doctors and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

nurses. They also have fun playing families with the dolls and teddies and make tents and pretend to have picnics.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to the park, going on walks, visiting shops and through a range of resources. The children chat about what they see when they are on walks in the local area. For example, they talk about the different trees, flowers and leaves falling off the trees. They discuss the weather and look at the cars and lorries. Children's knowledge of and attitudes to the wider community are; promoted by the childminder's knowledge and constructive outlook regarding equal opportunity issues. There are resources available to support this learning which include books, dolls and play people and appropriate activities are organised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel a strong sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs such as routines, and she encourages them to bring their own toys and comforters from home. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their needs being discussed carefully with parents. The childminder tries to ensure through the written details provided and from her own observations, that she is aware of the level of care each child requires. Young children form a trusting and secure relationship with the childminder as she responds to their needs. For example, she gives them spontaneous cuddles and they confidently sit on her knee. Although the childminder has little experience of providing care for children having identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities she is aware of children's developmental stages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children begin to understand how to share and generally play happily together. They are developing their confidence and self-esteem well, in response to the childminder's calm manner and she offers them regular praise. For example, she praises them when they take turns or when they share toys. She treats children with courtesy and respect and encourages them to have good manners. She is consistent in her approach and uses appropriate methods of dealing with any incidents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that have developed between their parents and the childminder. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about daily routines and activities. She takes time to discuss their child's progress and sends phone texts to the parents to keep them informed of any interesting aspects that occur. These exchanges provide opportunities for children to have consistent and stable arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is supported as a result of being cared for in a comfortable and safe family environment. Space and resources are appropriately organised to meet children's needs and ensure they have access to a varied range of activities. Routines are established to help children feel secure. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities when caring for children and all the required records and documents are in place to support her childminding. For example, records are stored confidentially and emergency information is to hand. The childminder is conscientious and has regard for the well-being of the children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder makes satisfactory use of her time and due to children's part-time hours of attendance they have periods of individual attention. Children have good levels of continuity in care because the childminder regularly shares information with parents. Parents are informed

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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 of the childminder's practice and procedures through daily discussion. However, children's safety is compromised as the childminder has not kept her first aid certificate up to date.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She was asked to keep detailed records of all accidents to children and to obtain parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She was to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images, equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She is required to provide suitable outdoor play equipment and toys to meet the needs of all children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has developed her knowledge of child protection procedures by reading relevant information. She now keeps a detailed record of accidents in a confidential manner and has obtained consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She has developed an appropriate range of resources and activities which promote positive images and diversity. These include books, dolls, play people and borrows books from the local library. The childminder talks to the children about different festivals and they try out associated food. She now has a range of suitable outdoor equipment and toys to cater for all children. These include tractors, balls, hula hoops, skipping ropes and the children are also taken to activities outside the home. These recommendations which have now been addressed have improved the care and overall well-being of children.

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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.

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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 the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. • complete a first aid course which includes training for infants and young children.

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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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