Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341639 Unique Reference Number 26 July 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 partner on the outskirts of Leicester. 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 childminder attends a local parent and toddler group and visits places of interest. The childminder has a cat.

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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 six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children under eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, welcoming home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health and hygiene practices because of calm reinforcement and encouragement from the childminder throughout the day. Nappy changing routines are good and ensure the child's comfort at all times. Children rest and sleep

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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 according to their needs as the childminder follows their individual routines after discussion with their parents. Sleeping arrangements ensure the comfort and welfare of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health, for example, physical play at a local group, visits to places of interest, such an regular visits to feed the ducks. They develop their ability to control their bodies by using a variety of large equipment at the local group they attend. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices with regard to foods and fresh fruit is freely available to them. Individual dietary needs and preferences are respected and children are provided with drinks throughout the day so as not to become thirsty. Children are unlikely to suffer upset tummies as the childminder has attended food hygiene training and follows suitable procedures for the preparation and serving of foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. The risk of cross-infection is minimised because of a written policy that the childminder shares with parents, informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend. Children's welfare is safeguarded at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and cares for the children in a calm manner.

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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 safe environment where security has been addressed well. Potential risks have been identified and steps taken to minimise them and clear routines are in place when travelling in the car and when visiting places of interest. A fire evacuation procedure is in place and smoke alarms are in full working order ensuring the children's safety is not compromised. Children are safe because effective measures in place ensure their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from unauthorised visitors and are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied, because of the good security both indoors and in the garden. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has obtained written consent from parents to travel in vehicle and ensures that appropriate car seats are in place to meet the needs of the ages of the children in her care. Trips are only taken to places that are known to be suitable and emergency contact numbers are carried.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is fully conversant with local referral procedures and demonstrated the need to place the children's safety and well-being first.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the relaxed environment and enjoy a wide variety of play experiences and opportunities that contribute to their overall development. They experience learning and play opportunities inside and outside the home and through visits and outings and enjoy socialising with other children at groups they attend. Children enjoy gardening and cooking experiences and parents are informed of any forthcoming events. Children's independence is encouraged throughout the day especially at mealtimes and in their personal care.

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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 Children are encouraged to make choices and freely move around the home. Their confidence is encouraged at all times and they receive praise and encouragement for all their achievements. They are well supported in trying out new activities because the childminder spends individual time with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's good understanding of the individual needs and stages of development ensures activities are tailored to them and their independence is encouraged throughout the day. Children enjoy role play, books, puzzles, gardening, cooking and their creative development is encouraged. Strong relationships have been formed between the childminder and children and interaction is excellent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of the wider world and learn to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences because of the childminder's positive attitude and the opportunities to discuss issues as they arise. Although the childminder has some resources they are very limited. Therefore, children's awareness of diversity is limited. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder is able to provide care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and take turns and children are very good and respond positively to the praise and encouragement they receive. Behaviour is positively promoted by the childminder who works in partnership with parents taking into account the age and understanding of each child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child to ensure their wishes are respected and that the needs of their child are met effectively. Written information is shared with parents highlighting the ethos of the care provided. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are offered a settling in period and gradual visits. Parents benefit from discussion each day that ensures consistency of care and contributes to an effective partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Clearly written polices and procedures effectively promote the welfare, safety and care of the children, who clearly benefit from the good communication systems in place between the childminder and their parents. The childminder’s practice meets the needs of individual children which are respected and valued.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents has been obtained and documentation is well-maintained and held within the boundaries of confidentiality. The childminder understands the importance of keeping her knowledge and skills up to date and demonstrated a commitment to accessing ongoing training and development through the local authority. Parents benefit from time spent with them discussing the care they require and how their child's needs will be met.

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Organisation

Overall the needs of the children are met.

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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

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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): • continue to develop resources that reflect race, culture, gender and disability.

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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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