Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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258217 Unique Reference Number 27 September 2007 Inspection date Kate Bryan 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 satisfactory. 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 2001. She lives with her partner, adult son and teenage son and daughter in a house in the Stocking Farm area of the city. The whole of the ground floor area of the property is used for childminding. Children also have access to the family bathroom and a bedroom for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play and the family has a small dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to look after three children and currently has two children on roll. There were no children present during the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends a local carer and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of how she would maintain children's health. Good hygiene routines such as hand washing before food are described and the importance of supporting children's learning about these through appropriate discussions. She explains how she would reduce cross-contamination appropriately by supplying liquid soap and a clean towel daily for children to use. She would also use an anti-bacterial gel when children are outside. The childminder talks about how she would maintain the health of all children by the exclusion of those who are ill and infectious and how parents would be made aware of these arrangements when they visit her. She explains how she makes sure nappy changing is hygienic by using a changing mat and anti-bacterial wipes She has ensured that all relevant details and consents are in place regarding children's medical needs so their health would be

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes how children benefit from exercise and the good range of activities they take part in. For example they use a park which has a climbing frame and swings and indoor activities would include dancing and games such as Twister.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion the childminder shows a sound understanding of meeting children's dietary needs. Explaining that she has used practical activities such as baking and making pizzas to discuss healthy eating with them. Snacks would include fruit, pitta bread and wraps and drinks would be available at all times so children's needs are met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is well maintained, clean and warm and provides an appropriate and safe environment for children. For example, the childminder describes how she is always in the kitchen and garden with younger children to ensure they are suitably protected. The childminder describes how space would be used to meet children needs, for example children sleep in a travel cot in a bedroom and a baby monitor is used so their safety is well promoted. A good range of toys are available and the childminder describes how these are rotated so children always have a selection to interest them. Resources are cleaned and checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates how she keeps her home safe by the measures she has put into place to achieve this. For example, stair gates and socket covers are in place and the garden is enclosed. The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children in learning about safety. She describes how she explains to them about hazards such as being in the kitchen whilst she is cooking so they learn to be responsible for their own safety. Children would also be involved in practising an emergency escape plan so their safety could be maintained in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection procedures as she explains how she keeps children safe. She is aware of causes for concern and knows who to contact to ensure children are protected. She also has contact numbers available to ensure she could respond quickly to any concerns.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder explains how she likes to have some structure to the day so that children have a good balance of adult-led activities and their own play. Activities include arts and crafts, play dough, cooking, reading, dressing up and free play. Older children would make choices about their activities to maximise their enjoyment at the home. They have access to resources such as a laptop and could also play outside, relax or complete their homework. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework although this is not fully implemented in her practice. She discusses how she makes use of local facilities to offer children a wider range of experiences. For example visiting a local carer and toddler group, places of local interest, the library and shopping. This would also provide the children with opportunities to socialise with other people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder explains how she promotes children's language development by talking to them and explaining what they are doing. She also understands the importance of listening to children so they feel valued. The childminder talks about how she uses practical activities to develop children's understanding of numbers and letters. For example asking children to find a certain number of apples when they are shopping.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder evidences that she has a sound understanding of using age appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour. For example, younger children would be distracted whilst older children would receive 'time out'. Children would receive explanations so they know why the behaviour is unacceptable and given time to reflect upon the consequences of their actions. She describes how she ensures children are aware of simple house rules such as sharing and how good behaviour is rewarded with lots of praise and stickers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through discussion the childminder demonstrates that she has a sound understanding of equal opportunities which ensures that all children are treated as individuals. She describes how she actively supports children to positively learn about the wider world and different cultures. For example how the children have celebrated Chinese New Year and how they visit the library and museum to see displays. The childminder explains how children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities would have the opportunity to be included in all activities and how these would be adapted to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talks about how she works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are suitably met. A daily diary would be compiled for children and daily conversations with parents ensures they have a good awareness of their child's development. The childminder shows a sound understanding of maintaining professional relationships with parents and carers by being clear about her expectations and boundaries. Children's safety would be promoted as they are only collected by authorised people that the childminder has met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder explains how she organises her home to ensure that children are kept safe at all times. This means that children are cared for on the ground floor where they are always within sight or sound of her. They have access to the lounge for quiet time and television and

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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 the kitchen for table activities, the garden is also used daily where possible. Children's safety would also be enhanced as the childminder does not leave children with uncleared people. The childminder describes how children's attendance patterns means they receive good levels of support at her home.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed an Introduction to Childminding Practice course, a first aid course and training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This demonstrates her commitment to providing a quality service to children. All relevant records are in place to ensure that children's health, welfare and learning would be promoted.

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Organisation

The childminder makes an information file available for parents which includes a policy about looking after sick children, this means they have a clear understanding of how their child is looked after. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to enhance her knowledge and understanding of special needs and become familiar with the Leicester City Area Child Protection Committee guidelines.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider now has a clear understanding of learning difficulties and/or disabilities and Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures. This means children receive an appropriate service and are well protected.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop further activities for children under three using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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