Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222283 Unique Reference Number 24 September 2007 Inspection date Paula Hunt 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 registered in 2001. She lives with her child aged 11 years old in the Wigston area of Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group, takes children to the park and library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 full-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children remain healthy because they are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder has appropriate standards of hygiene. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene and are becoming independent in their own personal care. They wash their hands before meals and after playing in the garden or messy activities, such as painting. Children are protected

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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 from illness and infection through a suitable exclusion policy. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate as required, keeping her knowledge up to date. However, prior written parental consent has not been obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure children's welfare in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met well because the parents provide all the meals for their child so that they are in control of what their child eats. These are stored appropriately. A variety of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit or a yoghurt are provided by the childminder and water, milk or squash is available throughout the day ensuring children remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience a variety of activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy physical play both inside and outside the house which promotes movement and exercise. For example, they use wheeled toys, dance and are taken on regular walks and visits to the local park. A good selection of equipment is available in the garden to keep children busy. Children playing in the garden are closely supervised to ensure their safety.

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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 environment where most risks are identified and minimised. Generally, the childminder is vigilant and has appropriate safety precautions in place, such as a stair gate, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The premises are secure and the children understand where they can play safely and understand the restriction of safety gates and locked gates. Effective practices ensure that children can move around safely, freely and with some independence. Children are able to experience travelling safely in a vehicle as the childminder provides appropriate car seats and insurance cover for the vehicle is in place. However, children are not sufficiently prevented from accessing the fire in the lounge and a heater in the hall. Consequently, children are not fully protected from risk of injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide variety of quality equipment, appropriate to their age and stages of development. It is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe, well maintained and appropriate. Toys and resources are stored at child height and are easily accessible to children, thus encouraging freedom of choice and independence. Children's welfare is safeguarded well and promoted by the childminder who has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care. She has developed a written child protection policy and procedures she would follow in the event of a lost or uncollected child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy in a homely environment that offers flexible care tailored to their individual needs. They can self select toys and equipment from a good variety available, both inside and outside the house. Children are well settled and at ease with the childminder and they are gaining confidence and self-esteem as they are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. Their independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions, such as what they would like to drink or which activity to participate in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a close relationship with the childminder as they enjoy quiet times when they look at books. The childminder plans a wide variety of activities for the children, from blowing bubbles to enjoying an outing to the local Knighton park. Children use their imaginations as

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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 they play with the dolls and the small figures. Children learn colours, shapes and numbers as they talk with the childminder and look at books. They are provided with opportunities to practise writing letters and recognising their names. They gain hand to eye co-ordination as they play with the plasticine which they roll, cut and shape. The children have an active social life and regularly have the opportunity to mix with other children and adults in group situations, which helps to increase both their social skills and range of play and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They are becoming aware of the wider society. The childminder encourages children to realise that other people have different needs to their own. There is a very good range of resources available to the children which illustrate diversity, such as dolls, small world figures and books. Children are becoming familiar with the local area and the facilities, such as the library. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of how to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, although none currently attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about behaving well and respond positively to the childminder’s moderate and calm approach. Children’s self-esteem is increasing through consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder. They are beginning to learn about rules and boundaries as the childminder gently but firmly reminds them of what is acceptable and what is not.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of children’s individual needs and is able to offer any additional care needed. A good partnership exists between the childminder and parents. They are given regular opportunities to share information about children’s needs, interests and experiences and the childminder ensures they are kept well informed through progress diaries and regular chats. Parents are shown her comprehensive policies and procedures and are given copies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare is important to the childminder at all times. She plans the daily routine to fit their individual needs so that they have regular physical activity, play and rest at suitable times. Space in the home is organised well so that children are comfortable. Most of the required documentation is in place and is stored confidentially which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being.

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Organisation

Each child has their own file with all necessary information kept. This ensures the continuing welfare, care and learning of children is promoted. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection children's well-being is more effectively supported by the childminder's improved practices to prevent spread of infection. For example, by frequently changing the sand in sandpit. The childminder does not now have any pets and ensures that her first aid box is fully stocked and the contents checked and replaced regularly. Smoke alarms are installed at every level of the house and the garage is bolted to prevent access by children. A written emergency escape plan has been devised and practised ensuring children's safety in the event of a fire. The childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of the current child

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 protection procedures through obtaining literature from the local authority. She now also has a child protection policy in place which she shares with parents. The childminder has procedures in place to ensure that her records are readily available for inspection by the early years child care inspector and to notify Ofsted of any significant changes.

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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): • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for each child • ensure children have no access to the fire in the lounge or heater in the hall.

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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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