Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225190 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Alison Putnar 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?

This childminder registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house situated on the outskirts of Loughborough in the north of Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The first floor is not used for childminding except for the main front bedroom and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight, there are currently three children on roll attending part time during the week. The family have a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy as they are cared for in a clean environment. Secure systems are in place to ensure family pets do not pose a health risk to children. The childminder follows good cleaning routines indoors and ensures the garden is suitable to be used before children go outside. Children develop good hygiene practices as they join in effective routines, washing their hands before eating and after playing outdoors. Children's medical needs are catered for well. The childminder holds a first aid certificate ensuring she has the knowledge to offer

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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 appropriate treatment in the event of minor accidents. Clear records are kept of any accidents and medication. These are shared with and signed by parents as required promoting continuity in children's care. The childminder takes time to discuss and record information about children's dietary needs ensuring children are fed accordingly. Drinks are accessible to children throughout the time to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children benefit from exercise and fresh air as they enjoy daily opportunities to play in the garden or when visiting local parks. Here they develop large physical skills, using wheeled toys, climbing equipment and they enjoy playing ball games with the childminder. Older children benefit as they walk home with the childminder after school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is the childminder's first priority. The home is organised well to offer children comfortable surroundings where they can play freely and in safety. Children use the ground floor of the house to ensure they are within close proximity of the childminder at all times. Space is created in the front room for active play and relaxation, with the dining kitchen used for meals and craft play. This offers children a good amount of space for a suitable variety of activities. The use of rooms downstairs enables those wishing to sleep to rest peacefully according to their own routines. Children have access to an adequate range of toys and play resources. These are age-appropriate for those accessing them and maintained in a safe and clean condition. The childminder is aware of safety issues in the home and uses relevant equipment to reduce the risk of potential hazards, electrical socket covers and fixed fire guards

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are in place. Children are supervised constantly to further reduce the risk of accidents. Older children access the bathroom on the first floor and are supported by the childminder who respects their privacy and encourages their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children appropriately learn about safety as they take part in emergency evacuation practices and talk about road safety on the walk home from school. Younger children are reminded of safe behaviour when playing in the home. Discussions occur as a reminder to not run on the wooden floor and to sit on the settee to prevent any falls. The childminder has a sensible and responsible attitude to safety. She takes appropriate steps to ensure that the family pet, whilst friendly, does not pose a safety risk to children; this is achieved through ensuring that children are never left alone with the dog. Children's welfare is adequately protected as the childminder has a general understanding of issues in relation to protecting children from abuse, however she is less confident in her knowledge of procedures for reporting any potential concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed as they enjoy close relationships with the childminder. They respond positively to opportunities to make choices from an adequate range of toys provided in the front room. Children are generally active and occupied, they develop creative skills when accessing puppets and craft resources. A young child develops language skills as the childminder engages in conversation, offering the child choices requiring a verbal response. Children explore an adequate range of activities during the day, although the childminder is not yet using the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a tool to provide play activities that help children make maximum progress in their earliest years.

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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 Good use is made of local community resources to extend experiences for the children. They visit the local park to feed the ducks and explore features of the natural world. Younger ones develop social skills as they meet up with others of a similar age at toddler groups and 'stay and play' craft sessions. The childminder knows the children well and develops daily routines to offer opportunities for active play and rest in the home and garden. This is in addition to trips out in the local area. After school, children are able to rest and relax after a busy day with additional activities provided enabling them to be active with craft or to play in the garden as they choose. At children's request the childminder is on hand to support with any homework and reading.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. Good relationships are evident and children are confident to voice their wishes, asking for different activities or a drink. Their good behaviour is encouraged as the childminder speaks positively to children; praising and encouraging them. This also supports their positive self-esteem. The childminder has a suitable awareness of systems to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties or disabilities, but has limited experience in this area of work as of yet. Children are respected and equally encouraged and supported to access all the activities and toys. An increasing range of toys and books are provided that reflect positive images of the wider world. These provide opportunities for discussion points to help children to explore other's similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met as the childminder works well with parents to ensure that information is shared. Written records include appropriate information and written agreements about the care arrangements are in place promoting a professional service. The childminder spends time verbally sharing some details about her childcare practices and daily routines with parents, enabling them to make informed choices about their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder presents a professional and enthusiastic attitude to her childminding. Documentation is well organised, relevant insurance documents are available and the certificate of registration is displayed for parents. Children receive high levels of support and good quality interaction as the childminder maintains a lower number of minded children. Time is organised well. This ensures that younger children present during the day have opportunities and time afforded to explore play resources in the home and at local groups. Children's individual routines are respected in terms of sleeping and meal times.

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Organisation

The home is safe and well organised to offer a suitable range of activities and rest opportunities in a comfortable environment. Children are supervised well and their safety is further protected as household members are appropriately vetted. Records required for the safe and efficient running of the setting are accurately maintained and used effectively to benefit children's health and well-being. Records are stored in an organised manner and are only shared with individual parents to ensure confidentiality. Overall, children's needs 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to continue to develop activities and resources to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. The childminder has purchased a wider range of toys and resources that enable children to explore some features of the wider world. The childminder continues to work on this aspect of her work.

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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 knowledge of the 'Local safeguarding children's board's' requirements in relation to recording and reporting any concerns about children's safety and welfare • consider planning and providing an increasing range of activities to further help children's development in line with aspects and the approach described in 'Birth to three matters'; a framework to support children in their earliest years • consider developing the partnership with parents further, by sharing information about childminding practices, for example, sharing arrangements for sick children and child protection responsibilities.

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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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