Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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226072 Unique Reference Number 18 February 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 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 12 years in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house 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.

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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 two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through a range of effective hygiene practices and a well

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Helping children to be healthy

maintained-home. This allows them to play and be cared for with minimum risk of infection. Children use individual hand towels and liquid soap to clean their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. Therefore, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. They understand the

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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 importance of routines such as hand washing as the childminder discusses this with them. A range of policies and procedures are in place to ensure children's health and well-being are promoted. For example, a sick children's policy and the administration of medication. The appropriately equipped first aid box is checked regularly and replaced where necessary and the childminder has attended a current first aid course. Consequently, this allows her to act in the children's best interests should they have a minor accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to be physically active. They benefit from fresh air and exercise on a regular basis in the childminder's garden or trips to the local park. Access to a range of equipment including a climbing frame, tunnels and slides helps to develop their physical skills. Within the home they dance to music and take part in ring games. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are well supported because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that routines are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a varied and healthy menu provided by the childminder. Their health is promoted as they are provided with a good range of healthy meals and snacks. These include, chicken and vegetables, pizza, curry and chapattis, toast and fruit freshly prepared by the childminder. She works closely with parents and considers their wishes and children's preferences when preparing meals and snacks and also introduces new foods for children to try. Drinks are readily available for children to allow them to hydrate themselves as and when required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Use of the ground floor only ensures they are always within the childminder's sight or hearing, so ensuring they are appropriately supervised. The childminder is proactive in minimising potential risks and hazards and she ensures she checks the rooms daily prior to children attending. Effective measures include appropriate detection and prevention procedures for an outbreak of fire and a written emergency escape plan. External doors and windows are kept secured to ensure children cannot leave unsupervised. As a result children's safety is effectively promoted. Children learn about keeping themselves safe for example, as the childminder talks to them about road safety. She talks about good practice with the children when out walking and supports this with planned activities at home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are settled and relaxed as they confidently move around the allocated play space. They enjoy good access to the comfortable and spacious accommodation, including appropriate areas for them to relax and rest if they require. Children have excellent access to a wide range of age-appropriate toys and resources which reflect their interests. These are well organised and stored appropriately enabling children to make independent choices of what they wish to engage in. As a result their confidence and decision making skills are promoted. Children are able to play safely with the toys because they are of excellent quality and are checked regularly by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Following attendance at relevant safeguarding children training, the childminder is fully aware of what child abuse and neglect mean and is aware of her responsibility to act on any child protection concerns. She has relevant contact numbers and the necessary guidance to keep herself updated. She has her own written policy which she shares with parents to inform them of her duty to protect children. Consequently, 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 outstanding. Children are confident at the setting and relish their time in a welcoming and well organised home. They enjoy a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities supported by the childminder. Children's individual needs, skills and interests are taken into consideration by the childminder when she plans activities for them. As a result, children are interested and enthusiastic to take part. Children's communication skills are actively promoted by the childminder as she ensures she spends time talking and listening to them. They engage in lively conversation and show a real interest in each other. For example, as they talk animatedly about each other's day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this effectively to promote young children's learning. For example, as she provides a balance of well organised, stimulating and enjoyable activities for them. Including art and craft, cooking music and dancing. She supports older children with their homework and also ensures they have opportunities to enjoy free play and time to participate in games that interest them. Such as, board games, creative activities or supervised computer access.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Warm relationships are in place between the childminder and the children which creates a happy and relaxed atmosphere at the home. The childminder is enthusiastic and dedicated about her work and ensures she asks children about their work, interests and achievements too. Consequently, they feel acknowledged and supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met and that all children are fully included in the life of the setting. Records are maintained clearly showing children's individual details and requirements. The childminder provides a range of resources to help children learn about their own and other cultures. These include, books, small world toys and jigsaws. The childminder further raises the children's awareness of the wider world, through incorporating a range of activities that link to cultural festivals. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities needs but demonstrates a positive attitude towards their care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the childminder's care. They understand responsible behaviour and what is right and wrong. The childminder uses clear and consistent strategies such as the application of simple house rules and age-appropriate methods for managing behaviour. For example, distraction for the very young and time out and explanation for older children. The childminder is clear that no physical punishment is permitted but that it may be appropriate to use physical restraint to protect a child from hurting themselves or others. However, she does not have systems in place to record any such incident or to inform parents. Consequently, her ability to manage any such incident effectively may be compromised. The childminder praises and encourages children to build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive good levels of care and the childminder has developed a positive relationship with parents. She welcomes them into her home and takes time to talk with them about their expectations and the care that she provides. A good range of policies, procedures, practises and information, regarding all aspects of their partnership, is made readily available to them

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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 when a child is placed in her care. This provides a sound basis for parents to be involved and make informed decisions about their child care arrangements and consequently this enhances the continuity of care for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a reliable, well-organised and supportive service and the children receive good care. They benefit from the childminder's professional and dedicated approach to the child care service that she offers. She embraces training opportunities, for example, she has a current first aid certificate and has completed other training workshops, such as 'Birth to three matters' framework training and a Basic food hygiene course. She has planned for the future to undertake further training which demonstrates her commitment to providing a quality service to children.

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Organisation

Children enjoy a good range of activities both in and outside of the home which promotes their play and learning. They receive a good level of adult support which makes them feel safe and secure and the organisation of the home and play space ensures they are kept safe and well supervised. Most, relevant records, for example, children's personal details and parental consents and contact details, are maintained to help support provision of children's care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder received four recommendations to improve. These were to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, ensure accident and medication records are kept appropriately and include parents' signatures, provide a first aid box and include times of arrival and departure in the registration system. These have all been seen successfully addressed and have a positive impact on the care of children.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure incidents with specific regard to physical restraint are recorded appropriately and are in line with the National Standards.

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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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