Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 226692 Inspection date 10 August 2005 Inspector Kate Bryan

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1983, she lives with her husband and adult son in a house in Leicester which is close to shops and parks. Within the home children have access to the hall, lounge, dining room, toy room and kitchen. Children also have access to the family bathroom and enclosed garden. The childminder is registered for 6 children and has 10 children on roll. The childminder has a dog.

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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 The childminder runs a carer and toddler group in the area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the risks of infection by the clear procedures in place to look after them should they become ill. Parents are contacted to collect sick children which enhances their emotional well-being and makes them feel secure. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where effective hygiene practices prevent cross infection and maintain health. They learn the importance of routines such as hand washing through effective discussion with the childminder and by reminders. Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a range of activities which promote their health and development. For example, frequent trips to a local park provide children with access to large play equipment which allows them to develop growing confidence in their physical skills. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are met well because the childminder works

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Helping children to be healthy

closely with parents to ensure that routines are in place which support their well-being. Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating as the childminder promotes healthy options. For example, children are encouraged to eat fruit and drink water in order to promote their physical development. Older children may help themselves to water which promotes their independence. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health actively promoted. Sound policies and procedures are in place to safe guard children's well-being although a first aid qualification is not current and parental signatures are not in place to acknowledge medication given to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in a warm, clean environment where they feel secure and move around confidently. They are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promote both play and learning. This encourages them to make responsible decisions about their activities and promotes self-assurance. The home is well organised to provide a range of experiences for children whilst also promoting their safety, for example, children enjoy floor and table activities in areas that the childminder can oversee. Children's safety both indoors and outdoors is effectively promoted by discussion, this enhances their awareness of stranger danger and road crossing and encourages them to be vigilant about their own safety. Within the home they are suitably protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation procedures have been practised. Children's welfare is appropriately promoted by the sound use of policies and procedures. This includes a suitable awareness of child protection procedures. The childminder is aware of signs of abuse and knows who to contact to ensure that children's welfare and safety are promoted.

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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 enjoy a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities which increases their opportunities to learn through play. For example, younger children enjoy dressing up whilst all the children enjoy trips out and picnics. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children ensures that they feel confident to explore their environment and enjoy a good range of outdoor activities which increases their physical skills and strength. Children are skilful communicators and work well together to ensure that activities are successful, for example, during role play games. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three framework to plan activities so that children are able to progress their learning and respond to challenges. Children respond appropriately to effective questioning which is designed to make them think about issues. For example, a child was playing with magnets and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

was encouraged to explore the properties of these by attempting to attach them to a range of surfaces. Children receive a great deal of praise which increases their confidence and self-esteem, for example, when counting. Good levels of adult support allow children to develop their creative and imaginative skills in activities such as role play and dressing up. This effectively promotes children's self-assurance and enhances learning as they explore different scenarios.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and have their needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure this. They feel secure and are able to settle well because their routines are promoted. For example, young children have their needs for food and rest complied with according to their needs. Children learn about the wider world by trips out in the local community and the celebration of festivals. This encourages them to respect their own and other cultures and fosters a sense of belonging. Children have their individuality effectively acknowledged and respected because the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources. Children are well behaved and work together harmoniously, sharing and taking turns where appropriate. They are well aware of sensible house rules and have been involved in devising these which actively

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promotes their sense of responsibility and belonging. Children's behaviour is well managed by strategies which allow them to reflect upon their actions and the consequences of these. For example, older children receive 'time out' which encourages them to sit quietly and think about what has happened whilst younger children are distracted from the activity. Children's self-worth and confidence are effectively enhanced as details of their achievements are shared with parents on a daily basis.

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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 Children feel relaxed and secure in a home that is well organised to promote a range of experiences for play and learning. Good levels of adult support encourage children to develop their own play and gain confidence in making decisions about activities and exploring the environment. Children's physical well-being is well promoted by daily use of the garden for children. Younger children have their need for rest and sleep met well which fosters their emotional well-being. Children's welfare, learning and care are appropriately fostered by the use of sound policies and procedures which are shared with parents. This enables parents to be aware that the service is provided in the best interests of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to obtain parental consent to administer medication and for emergency medical treatment. These have been obtained which enhances existing safety measures in place for children.

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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 parents sign to acknowledge medication given to children • ensure that a first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, is undertaken.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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