Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222458 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2007 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 2002. She lives with her two adult children in the Glen Parva area of Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and two cats.

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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 three children at any one time and is currently caring for three school aged children during term time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean, comfortable home. They are independent in their personal care and learn that hand washing procedures help to avoid germs. Toys and equipment are clean and well-maintained, therefore, positive steps have been taken to prevent the spread of infection. The first aid box is adequately stocked and readily available. Satisfactory procedures

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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 are in place to record accidents and the administration of medicines. Consent for seeking emergency treatment or advice is sought from parents. However, the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate and consequently, children's health may be compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished because they are provided with breakfast and a range of snacks when they return from school. They are encouraged to make healthy choices and thoroughly enjoy helping to prepare fruit, sandwiches and pancakes. Children's individual dietary needs are known and taken into account because of discussions with parents. Children ask for drinks and choose from water, milk or fresh fruit juices. The childminder has a sound awareness of storage and reheating procedures because she has attended food hygiene training. Therefore, the risk of children being served unsafe food has been minimised. Food is freshly prepared as needed and children sit at the table when they eat. As a result they develop good table manners and social skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They enjoy outdoor play and are encouraged to be active. They develop balance and co-ordination as they play ball games and use equipment in the park. Children walk to and from school and have a positive attitude towards exercise. They learn that being active promotes good health and this has a positive impact on their body.

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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 safe and secure home. Space is appropriately organised to allow them to move around freely and independently. A welcoming environment is created by setting toys out ready for children when they arrive and displaying their artwork. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment which are clean, well-maintained and checked prior to use. Most resources are stored at children's level which enables children to self-select.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside and areas are safe and secure. They are learning about dangers and hazards through discussions with the childminder. Children know, for example, that they must not answer the door or go into certain rooms within the home. Older children are involved in discussions about road safety. They learn to look before they cross the road and know that they must stay close to the childminder or hold her hand. Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has an emergency evacuation plan which has been practised. The fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order and checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is sufficiently safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. However, she does not have the most up to date information regarding the referral process which may compromise children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well-settled, happy and confident to initiate their own play. They use a variety of toys and resources that encourage them to interact and have fun after school. Children enjoy going to the childminder's home and have developed a good relationship with her and her family. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and a good awareness of their likes, dislikes and

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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 interests. For example, she knows who enjoys drawing, which children want her to join in with their games and those who prefer to sit quietly. Toys and activities are rotated on a regular basis to ensure that children remain occupied and interested in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their imagination well and are encouraged to be creative. For example, playing shops with tills and boxes and making up their own board games. Children paint, play with dough and dress up. The childminder thoroughly enjoys reading stories to the children and it is clear that they enjoy her company. Interaction is good and children learn from their experiences because the childminder asks them questions about what they are doing and listens to what they have to say. She shows an interest in their school day and offers advice and reassurance. Children have some learning and play opportunities outside of the home such as picnics in the park, however, time is limited as currently children attend for a short time after school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive individual care according to their needs as discussed with their parents. They have equal access to a satisfactory range of resources and activities which help them appreciate the wider world by showing positive images of race, culture, gender and ability. Children are developing a positive attitude towards others by the use of books which are used to promote discussion. They talk about what it would have been like living in the past and discuss special days and celebrations that take place in school. Children were fascinated by a visitor who spoke French and told them about traditional foods that were eaten in France.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements are noted and information exchange takes place regularly. Additional needs of children are recognised and met sensitively. Children of all abilities play alongside one another and are well supported. They are encouraged to feel good about themselves and activities are adapted to enable children to integrate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and consider others. Their behaviour is managed consistently. Strategies include talking to children about why their behaviour is unacceptable. Children have clear rules and boundaries and as a result they know about expected behaviour. They show kindness and consideration to each other and are generally well behaved. Children respond positively when praised. They are thanked for their efforts and told when they are doing well. The childminder is a good role model and takes account of different levels of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents develop a sound working relationship with the childminder and regularly share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. They are kept informed of their child's day because of good communication at the end of each session. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and have gradual introductory visits.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have formed good relationships and are at ease and settled in the childminder's home. They receive consistency of care as a result of the childminder’s sound partnership with their parents. Children participate in a range of activities because space and resources are appropriately organised. They are able to play and rest in a safe and suitable environment. A

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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 variety of spontaneous activities and familiar daily routines ensure children’s needs are met and they feel at home. Toys are rotated on a regular basis to keep children interested and occupied.

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Organisation

Documentation is sufficiently maintained and periodically updated. Policies and procedures are appropriate in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children, however, the first aid certificate has lapsed. Children’s personal information is stored securely, which helps to maintain confidentiality. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills updated by reading literature that she receives from various childcare agencies. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and complete an appropriate first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. All children now have written consent from their parents for emergency medical advice or treatment, therefore positive steps have been taken to promote children's health. A first aid course was completed after the last inspection, however, the certificate has now lapsed as the childminder was unaware that it needed to be renewed after three years. She is willing to complete a first aid course as soon as possible. The recommendation has been carried forward from this inspection to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to ensure children's health and safety.

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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. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • continue to develop knowledge of safeguarding children procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and gain an awareness of the Government booklet ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused-summary’.

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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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