Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346663 Unique Reference Number 10 August 2007 Inspection date Shami Kumar 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 2007. She lives with her partner and two young children aged four and eight years of age. The family live in a house in Kibworth in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet and sleep facilities available on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. She is currently caring for three children, two of whom are under eight. Most children attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the local park, the library and for walks in the village to the shops.

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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 thrive and stay healthy because the childminder follows effective hygiene procedures and practices. Young children are very familiar with simple, good hygiene routines and when asked when they need to wash their hands, they quickly respond 'We wash our hands after using the toilet, before eating and after playing in the garden'. When asked why they need to do this they replied 'Because if you don't wash your hands you get germs on your food and you don't want to get poorly'. Children are cared for in a welcoming, clean environment. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination. For example, the childminder uses antibacterial spray to clean surfaces, the changing mat and high chair, and children have their own individual flannels. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines, as discussed with parents. Babies can sleep undisturbed upstairs with their own

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Helping children to be healthy

bedding. Children can be heard via monitors and are regularly checked by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and keeps a well stocked first aid box, so is therefore, able to take appropriate action in case of an emergency. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or an emergency because the childminder has clear written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She has the appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication and she maintains accident records. Children's health is also promoted as parents are made aware that in the event of an illness they will be contacted to collect their child as soon as possible.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder caters effectively for children's dietary needs, likes and dislikes by liaising closely with the parents. Children enjoy a good variety of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. These include fresh fruit, raisins and she encourages the children to eat fresh vegetables. Children also try out different fruits such as kiwifruit, mango and melon. Food and bottles brought from home are stored, heated and served appropriately. Children are well hydrated as drinks are freely available to children and the older children help themselves. A daily record containing details of the children's food intake is given to parents each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience a good range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise as they visit the local park and library and go for walks in the village. They develop self-confidence and co-ordination as they use a wide range of outdoor equipment in the garden. They have opportunities to jump on the trampoline, kick balls, ride wheeled toys and use the climbing apparatus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment both indoors and outdoors. Appropriate safety precautions are in place, such as dangerous substances are inaccessible and safety gates are in place to prevent children having access to certain areas. Fire equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors, are provided at every level of the house and regularly checked to ensure that they are in working order. However children are not fully protected as the emergency evacuation procedure has not been practiced. Children are able to move around the setting safely and the premises are comfortable, well maintained and secure. Activities are safely set out and potential hazards are removed. Children have access to a good range of toys and resources which are age appropriate. Toys and equipment which the children use are cleaned

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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 and checked regularly for safety and hygiene. The children are comfortable in the setting, with rooms used appropriately for their needs, such as the dining area used for art and craft activities and the lounge for construction and looking at books.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as they know they are not allowed to run indoors and not to run on the stairs. Whilst out and about, children are beginning to understand safe procedures. For example, younger children are strapped in a buggy or hold hands. The childminder stresses the importance of road safety and talks to the children about walking with her and not running off. She explains to the children about 'stranger danger' and the risks of touching other people's dogs. The childminder uses appropriate car seats and booster seats when transporting children in a vehicle and has all relevant documentation in place in relation to outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities for the welfare of the children in her care. She has a good understanding of child protection issues, signs and symptoms of abuse and a written policy to support her practice. The childminder has the necessary information and procedures at hand should she have a concern about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They have many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. They gain new knowledge and skills as the childminder supports the older children with their reading and the younger children with their physical skills, such as standing and walking. They achieve well because the childminder uses her knowledge of child development to provide good quality care. They make positive relationships with the childminder as she acknowledges and nurtures babies and young children. She provides good support and play experiences, such as various shakers, stacking bricks, musical and sensory toys. She responds actively to babies when they are crying or smiling by using talking to them and using facial expression. All children develop good confidence and self-esteem. For example, the baby has a fun time as she empties all the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toys out of the boxes and makes it a game. The baby watches in fascination at different musical balls rolling on the floor. The older children and the childminder join in and play peek-a-boo with the baby and the baby claps, laughs and giggles in delight. Older children confidently select activities to engage in all types of play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the childminder's comfortable home. Children develop their imagination, investigation and creative skills through activities, such as sticking, gluing and experiencing a range of craft materials to make collage pictures. They further develop their imagination as they dress up in different costumes, such as saris and nurses outfits, and pretend they are different characters. They act out real life situations as they pretend to play families using the play kitchen and have picnics in the play house. The childminder frequently looks at different ideas to keep the children occupied and interested and the children themselves suggest ideas. For example, they enjoy making models from play dough and having water fights. They settle well because the childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level, and follows their lead. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promotes children's vocabulary as she sings to them, reads them stories and they dance to music. The developmental needs of the very young children are well promoted as there is a range of stimulating equipment within their environment that encourages them to learn as they explore.

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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 achieve well and make good progress. The childminder has a caring relationship with the children, she shows value in what they say and do, and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. Young children have a fun time playing with musical toys and particularly enjoy playing with various shakers. Children of different ages relate well to each other and enjoy playing and participating in activities and games. They have many opportunities to experiment with different textures as they play with sand, salt dough and paint pictures. The children develop their co-ordination and manipulative skills as they use scissors for cutting, make patterns with Hama beads, build with construction sets, complete puzzles and use various drawing and writing materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals, with their needs and routines being discussed carefully with parents. They are valued and respected as individuals. Children have a sense of belonging, as they are treated as part of the family, they have their own space to put their art work and they are able to bring toys from home to play with. The childminder has developed a close and loving relationship with the children. For example, she responds and holds them close for spontaneous hugs and they sit on her lap for cuddles. She supports the children well as she assists the baby in walking and encourages the older children to suggest activities for them to do. The childminder tries to ensure through the written details provided and from her own observations that she is aware of the level of care each child requires.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to various parks, visiting the library and going for walks in the local area. The children chat about what they see when they are out and discuss issues about a range of aspects. These include the changes of the weather, different animals they see and the different shops in the village. Children have access to a good range of resources that reflect diversity, such as books, dressing up clothes, dolls, board games and puzzles. Children's awareness of diversity is further developed as they participate in activities associated with different festivals, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and Christmas, as well as others. The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as she is aware of children's developmental stages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder supports children and encourages them to share, take turns and be kind to each other. She has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour, such as using distraction for the younger children and talking and explanation for the older children. Children are very well behaved and show good consideration for each other. Children are actively encouraged to help tidy up, take turns, help and care for each other. They are well occupied, relate well to each other and play together harmoniously. The childminder acts as a good role model to the children and has a calm and patient manner with them. The childminder uses positive praise and encouragement which promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. The children are confident and understand the clear and consistent house rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well-being. Parents are given information about the service the childminder provides in the form of a parent pack. They are also kept informed of how their child is progressing, both verbally and in the form of a daily book. This includes information on routines and activities she provides. This ensures parents are well informed and made to feel welcome from the beginning. Children are cared for in accordance with parent's wishes and all required documentation and permissions have been completed.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because they are cared for in a home where space and resources are organised to ensure they have opportunities to take part in all types of play. Clear floor space is provided for imaginative play, as well as comfortable seating for the children to relax. Children are able to select and develop their ideas as they play and can choose to play in the lounge or dining area. The childminder ensures that her day is organised to offer children a good level of attention and supervision. The children are welcomed into a well resourced environment that benefits their well-being. Children are happy and settled in a calm environment.

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Organisation

The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares written and verbal information. She completes all necessary documentation as required under the National Standards. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents and they guide the childminder in her daily practice. All documentation, policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated. This ensures children's needs are met, they are safe and have consistency of care. She organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is confidential but easily available. Children feel secure because routines are well established and take into account their individual needs.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 that an emergency escape plan is practised.

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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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