Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342977 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2007 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 2006. She lives with her husband, 15 year old son and six year old granddaughter in a residential street within a district of Leicester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding as well as the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes and collects children to schools in the surrounding area. She attends local groups.

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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 five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under five years. She holds an early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy frequent outdoor activities, for example they visit places of interest such as Coombe Abbey and Conkers and visit a local adventure gym to improve their physical skills. They enjoy a range

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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 of physical equipment in the garden such as bikes, swing ball and take part in ball games with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They are increasingly aware of keeping their bodies healthy and they know that they need to wash and dry their hands after using the bathroom, before food, after messy play and before taking part in cooking activities. They are becoming skilled in attending to their own personal care. Their health is addressed because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and clear recording procedures for accidents and giving medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating. The childminder discusses children's dietary needs with parents and takes account of their wishes. Snack type meals are provided during the day and children enjoy making 'smoothies' with a variety of fruits and using the mixture to make lollipops. Cooking activities take place and children's independence is promoted as they are involved in preparing their own lunches. Dietary needs of babies are catered for by parents who provide a packed lunch with all their requirements.

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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 home where their needs are given priority. Risks to children have been identified and minimised and daily checks ensure that children move around the home safely and confidently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. They know that they need to stay close to the childminder when out, they learn how to cross a road safely and they discuss stranger danger to ensure that they are protected as far as is possible from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from toys of good quality and the childminder makes daily checks of safety equipment and her home. Children practice fire drills and smoke alarms are checked regularly. A very detailed health and safety policy is in place and shared with parents which includes information about safety in the sun, safety procedures followed when out and about and caring for babies. Security has been addressed well throughout the home and garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-protected from the risk of harm by the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to protecting children in her care which is outlined in a detailed written policy that is shared with parents. Clear routines are in place to ensure that children are not left unattended with people who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder’s home. They have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder and socialise frequently with other children. They attend regular organised activities and groups outside of the home with the childminder where they develop their physical skills through climbing, using a range of wheeled toys and being able to run around freely. Children enjoy dressing up, role play, dolls, buggies, books, activity toys, puzzles, musical instruments and electronic toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent as they choose from a good range of toys. They choose where to play and select toys and materials, which are well-organised in storage boxes which they are

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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 able to freely access. They are involved in planting seeds and plants and have recently cared for some caterpillars that they have watch grow into butterflies from cocoons. The children have now set them free.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for as individuals with different needs. The childminder holds a Level 3 early years qualification and has a good understanding of child development and that of the children she cares for. They receive a lot of individual attention and enjoy having stories they ask for read by her. Although the childminder has some information relating to the 'Birth to three matters' framework she does not currently implement any aspects in her practice. This limits opportunities for children under three to progress in their all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a good range of resources that reflect diversity and the wider world. These include toys and books to develop positive understanding of different cultures and children join in festival celebrations and try foods associated with the celebration. They play with dolls, figures and books representative of different cultures and abilities and learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements or information are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. Special needs of children are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to play together and how to respect each others feelings. Children respond positively when praised and behaviour is excellent. They learn to share well and are encouraged to be kind to each other. Children have been involved in drawing up the 'house rules' and are encouraged to behave well. The childminder is consistent in her management of behaviour, is 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 benefit from clearly written policies and procedures that inform them of the service provided. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling-in period and gradual visits take place to compound their feeling of security. Partnership with parents is encouraged through detailed discussion to ensure their child's needs ever changing needs are met. A parent commented very positively at the time of the inspection regarding the care provided, stating that the children benefit greatly from all that the childminder does for them and from the toys and activities she provides for them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a well-organised homely environment. They benefit from the childminder's good organisational skills, which enables them to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Children are confident and they invent and extend their own games and play. Regular visits outside of the home contribute to children's social and physical skills.

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Organisation

A very good range of written policies and procedures are used to keep children safe and healthy and keep parents informed of the care provided. Communication with parents is good and they discuss their child's development, progress and achievements daily. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continually develop her skills and knowledge through ongoing training, which has positive impact on the care of the children.

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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 Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in order to improve the variety of activities provided for young children.

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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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