Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225395 Inspection date 21 September 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 outstanding. 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 1997 and her husband works with her as an assistant. The childminder lives in a semi-detached house with 3 bedrooms in Birstall. She shares her home with her husband and 3 children aged 11, 9 and 6 years. The childminder is registered for 5 children and has 4 children on roll. Within the home children spend most of their time on the ground floor, they have access to the hall, play room, lounge, kitchen and one upstairs bedroom which is

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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 used for sleeping arrangements. Children also have access to the family bathroom and enclosed rear garden. The family has two cats. The childminder has completed an NVQ Level three course in Early Years Childcare and Education and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is positively promoted as the childminder has highly effective measures in place which meet the children's health, physical and dietary requirements. They are cared for in a warm, clean environment and receive significant levels of adult support to ensure that they learn the importance of being healthy. For example, children gain an excellent awareness and understanding of hygiene through discussion with the childminder and by having the opportunity to develop independence by using wet wipes and individual flannels and towels. A comprehensive written procedure for looking after sick children ensures that their health and emotional well-being are given top priority. For example, parents are contacted to collect any child who may become ill whilst being cared for. Children are encouraged to be outdoors daily and the childminder's considerable knowledge of the

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Helping children to be healthy

Birth to three matters framework ensures that she presents a wide range of stimulating indoor and outdoor experiences to enhance children's physical well-being. For example, daily use of the garden or an indoor obstacle course provides children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence in their growing physical skills. Children are curious and confident to explore the environment and accept physical challenges which allow them to develop a positive attitude to physical exercise. For example, a baby manages to pull himself upright using furniture and is delighted with his accomplishment which is duly acknowledged. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are effectively adapted into the childminder's practice so that their emotional well-being is successfully promoted. For example, the childminder recognised when the baby needed to sleep and cuddled the older child when she became tired so that

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Helping children to be healthy

they felt valued and secure. Children develop a considerable awareness of healthy eating through the imaginative use of activities such as baking, shopping and play. For example, when cooking the childminder only uses wholesome food so that children recognise healthy alternatives. This is well supported by the use of fruit and vegetables as snacks and water as a healthy drinking option. The childminder also makes comprehensive use of explanations to provide the children with the reasons why certain options are not healthy which encourages them to think about their own health. For example, if children ask for three biscuits they are told why this is not a healthy option and will not effectively promote their physical well-being. Children's dietary needs are

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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 discussed with parents to ensure that they are well protected from allergies and their health actively promoted. Very effective policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children's well-being and the childminder has a current first aid qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident to move around the well organised home which includes a designated play room for children's use. This room provides a stimulating and colourful environment in which children can play and learn and contains a wide range of high quality resources for children of all ages. Children are encouraged to make their own selections during free play which promotes decision making and confidence as they experience making their own choices. For example, a child thoroughly enjoyed pretending to make meals using small world equipment and confidently extended this experience to include the use of money. Children are kept safe from risks because the childminder is extremely vigilant about their safety and risk assesses the equipment and premises daily. Children's safety is given top priority and the childminder promotes this effectively by, for example, discussing with the children the need for them to be aware of safe practices such as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

road crossing. Within the home children are very well protected from the risks of fire because monthly checks are carried out on fire prevention equipment and regular fire drills ensure that all children participate and are aware of procedures to keep them safe. Children's welfare is very well promoted by comprehensive policies and procedures concerning health and safety which includes a personal emergency plan for looking after children in unforeseen circumstances. This ensures that children's safety is consistently fostered at all times and increases their security and well-being. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and has a comprehensive written policy in place which details her commitment to providing for children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a very wide range of activities which increases their opportunities to learn through play. For example, children are able to effectively choose their own activities in free play and the successful balance between this and adult-led activities ensures they are able to progress at their own pace. They also have many opportunities for outdoor play which effectively promotes their physical development and provides a good balance to their day. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage which enables her

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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 to provide high quality care and learning to children. For example, the activity of counting is built into other activities so that children are able to make meaningful connections and feel a strong sense of achievement and accomplishment. They receive a great deal of praise for efforts such as recognising letters which delights them and increases their confidence and self-esteem. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children increases their sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children are clearly recognised as individuals and the childminder ensures that their needs are well met by responding to them on a range of levels, such as offering cuddles when they become tired. This effectively enhances the children's sense of belonging and makes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them feel valued. Children are excellent communicators and the high quality of the interactions between the childminder and the children promotes this. Babies have their early communication skills well supported by face to face dialogues and encouragement of sounds whilst older children engage in a series of conversations which allows them to acquire new words and develop communication skills. High levels of adult support allow children to develop their creative and imaginative skills in activities such as role play which they enjoy and share with others. For example, making food for adults in the room which allows children the opportunity to develop other skills such as the use of money. This effectively promotes children's self-assurance and enhances their learning. The childminder is very enthusiastic about her work which results in the children being engaged, happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are positively encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works very effectively to promote their understanding. For example, by taking trips out into the local community and by celebrating festivals the children feel a sense of belonging and learn to respect each other. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals as the childminder acknowledges different beliefs, cultures and family groups. A comprehensive written policy regarding equal opportunities is in place, this is very effectively put into practice as the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources in order to increase their awareness. Children are extremely well behaved and display beautiful manners, they receive lots of praise and stickers for this which they wear with pride. This increases children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confidence and self-assurance. Children's behaviour is very effectively managed by the use of flexible strategies such as distraction and 'time out' which allows them to reflect upon their actions and the consequences of these. Children have also devised their own set of house rules, such as sharing and taking turns, which allows them to play a full part in the home and actively fosters a strong sense of self and being acknowledged. A comprehensive written policy regarding behaviour management sets out the childminder's aims to provide an environment in which children can flourish with clear expectations and in safety which promotes their confidence and

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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 self-esteem. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder has excellent working relationships with parents. The childminder is proactive in seeking their views about their children's needs prior to starting at her home and daily during their time with her. Younger children have a 'Day in the Life of' sheet completed so that parents are able to share in their achievements and older children proudly take home work they have created which leads to acknowledgement and increased self-worth. The childminder also actively seeks parents views, via questionnaires, about her practice so that she can continually upgrade the high quality service she provides for children. Parents are provided with a very comprehensive range of policies and procedures which detail how the childminder will ensure that children cared for receive an

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual and stimulating service which allows them to enjoy activities and learn through play.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children feel very secure and at home in an imaginative environment, they have a dedicated playroom which allows them optimum access to a wide range of good quality resources which promote learning and play. Children's physical well-being is effectively promoted by daily use of the garden or parks and younger children have their need for rest and sleep met well which fosters their emotional well-being according to the wishes of parents. Children's welfare, learning and care are consistently promoted by the use of comprehensive policies and procedures which are shared with parents. Children receive a high quality service because the childminder is self-motivated and proactive in seeking out further training to update her knowledge, for example, she has completed a level three qualification in childcare and education and is awaiting accreditation to offer funded nursery education to children. Practically this means

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Organisation

children receive a wide range of flexible and stimulating activities which promotes their physical, social and intellectual development. For example, a child was delighted to show her skills on a see-saw and then asked for help to hang from an overhead bar, the child twice failed to hang on but persevered, with encouragement from the childminder, and was able to complete the task at the third attempt. The child was elated with this accomplishment and repeated the activity until she was confident and skilled. Children receive extremely high levels of adult support which encourages them to be confident and undertake challenges. For example, a baby was confident to explore the play room and was beginning to pull himself upright by using furniture as an aid. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend extremely well.

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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 At the last inspection the provider agreed to make the premises secure so that children could not leave them unsupervised. The hole in the fence has now been plugged which has further enhanced existing safety measures 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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