Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225808 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Sharon Waterfall 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two daughters, in a detached house in the suburb of Oadby on the outskirts of Leicester. There are local shops and parks within walking distance. The lounge, kitchen, downstairs toilets, upstairs bathroom and children's bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years of age. Currently caring for five children under eight years and five children over eight years of age. The children attend at different times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children to and from local schools.

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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 good. Children are learning about good hygiene routines through the childminders good practice. They are encouraged and supported in developing skills of self-reliance with regard to personal hygiene through the equipment provided by the childminder, for example, liquid soap and disposable paper towels. There is an effective sickness policy and appropriate measures are taken when children are ill to ensure their health needs are met. For example, medical information is sought from parents. Accident and medication procedures meet the required standards, with the childminder having sought permission to seek emergency medical treatment supporting children's welfare in an emergency. These procedures are shared with parents to promote consistency of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet and children's attitude to healthy snacks is encouraged as they are able to choose for themselves. They enjoy a variety of nutritious meals, which comply with children's dietary requirements and their own preferences. Younger children are offered drinks during the day and the older children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children partake of outdoor play on a regular basis and this has helped them to be more confident and to develop their gross motor skills. They have gentle exercise as they walk to and from school and play in the garden regularly. Using climbing equipment and sports equipment, such as tennis sets, footballs and golf sets aids the children in developing body coordination, hand and eye coordination and stamina. The children benefit from fresh air whenever possible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in rooms which have been adapted to provide spacious areas for play. The children are able to move around the home safely and do so with confidence, accessing toys and resources independently. Children’s sense of belonging is fostered by displays of their creative work in the playroom. They have independent access from child height storage and the childminder ensures their choices are safe and supervises their play. The outdoor area is used regularly and is also well-organised to provide a enticing area for play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very aware of possible risks to children’s safety and has taken reasonable steps to remove hazards in the setting, such as written fire plans and cleaning fluids being inaccessible. Children benefit from access to and the use of a good range of toys, equipment and furniture which are kept in a good, clean and safe condition and which promote all areas of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder's detailed knowledge of signs and symptoms and of reporting procedures.

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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 good. Children settle well in the childminders care, they enter the premises confidently and make themselves at home. They are involved in a wide range of stimulating and interesting activities, which are provided to ensure all ages are catered for and they can develop activities together or choose to play independently. The children relate very well to each other, conversation is used in abundance and the children are secure in a relaxed but busy environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their self-confidence and esteem are developed through activities which enable the children to use their imaginations, reasoning skills and express their own ideas. Many of these are creative activities that link to an investigative theme, such as the children having read a story of the lifecycle of a butterfly then creating pictures and collages. Older children have written the story of the butterfly on its wings, demonstrating how activities are challenging for all age groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children learn about the world around them as they use a set of binoculars to bird watch in the garden. They then use three reference books to identify which birds they have seen. The children also used the story of the three little pigs to put on a puppet show, these activities evidence how the children are using their love of books and stories to find information and also to entertain.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For younger children the childminder is using the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to provide activities such as using mirrors for the baby to explore reflection, light and to see himself.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of diversity and views of the wider world are positively promoted by the effective use of resources provided by the childminder. For example, they celebrated Chinese New Year, Diwali and Christmas, by completing craft activities and talking about the festivals. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals and the childminder has a proactive approach to caring for children with special needs. Their needs are well met as all issues of care are thoroughly discussed with their parents. Younger children's own routines are followed and the childminder is very positive in her interaction with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are actively learning about acceptable behaviour during the well-organised routines and good manners and appropriate social skills are encouraged and supported. Their self-esteem is fostered through constant praise and positive encouragement, such as a child having completed a jigsaw puzzle and sharing nicely with a peer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children thrive through the consistency of care which the strong partnership with parents promotes. Information is exchanged regularly and in a variety of ways, for young children this is through a written daily diary and continued daily discussion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are secure in a warm and caring environment. They use the well-organised space confidently and have effective adult support, which aids their abilities to initiate and extend

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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 play and learning. Children are fostering good relationships with each other and the childminder, aiding their sense of security and belonging.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted through the effective use of policies and procedures. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's care and activities and contribute well to the continuity of care. Most documentation meets relevant standards, though at times children’s attendance is not accurately recorded.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children whom attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to put into place a system to record any physical restraint. A document is in place and this supports children's overall care.

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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 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): • ensure children's attendance is accurately record at all times.

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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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