Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225134 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 Inspection date Lynn Dent 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 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11, 16 and her adult daughter in Kegworth on the borders of Leicestershire and Derbyshire. Most of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five on various days, and seven children over five years. She also cares for six children over eight years before and/or after school and in the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local childminder and other groups. She takes children to the library, toy library and the park. The childminder 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 good. Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder promotes this through discussion and activities. For example, children enjoy cooking and helping to prepare simple meals. The childminder provides a healthy diet and is mindful to limit the salt, sugar and fat content. A list of foods shows the childminder provides breakfast and hot meals such as pasta, jacket potato and vegetables, sandwiches with a choice of fillings, for example, cheese, ham and snacks of cereals, rice cakes and fruit. Therefore, children have a balanced range of healthy options throughout the day. Details of children's dietary needs are taken at admission to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health is actively promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well maintained because they are cared for in a clean environment where routine hygiene practices help to prevent the spread of germs. For example, children routinely wash their hands and use paper towels to dry them. However, on the day of inspection a child was playing on the floor and crawled up steps in the garden. The childminder omitted to wash the child's hands before he ate a snack. Therefore, on this occasion the child's health was not fully protected. Older children understand why hygiene is important and learn to manage this independently. Clear procedures for looking after sick children ensures that an exclusion period for infectious illnesses such as diarrhoea and sickness means all children's health is well maintained. The childminder has the required records and consents in place to effectively maintain children's well-being. Children receive good care following accidents. This is shown

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Helping children to be healthy

as the childminder explains that following a bump on the head she encourages children to relax as she applies cold compress and checks their pupils and ears and monitors them for signs of deterioration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children can choose to play outdoors and have access to a wide range of toys, for example, ball games, sit and ride toys, sand play. The childminder also takes children to the park where they play on a range of equipment designed for different age groups. Indoors younger children have space to move around and can confidently negotiate steps between the rooms. Consequently, all children have access to a range of resources and activities that promotes their overall physical development and offers challenge as they try to use different equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder shows she has a clear understanding of the indicators of abuse as she explains that changes in children's behaviour and disclosures by them may be a cause for concern. All concerns are recorded and the childminder is confident to report these in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures. A clear policy is in place and shared with parents so they understand the childminder's responsibility for protecting their children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The emergency escape plan is practised monthly so children know what to do in the event of an emergency. This is evident as the childminder recalls that the smoke alarm sounded recently and children immediately made their way to the door. Following the evacuation practice the childminder spends time talking to the children about the situation. This is confirmed in documentation that also shows that the practice is carried out to ensure that all children take part. Children are also encouraged to think about keeping themselves safe when away from

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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 the home. This includes talking about how strangers may pose a risk to them. Also ensuring younger children hold onto the buggy and asking for support to access larger park equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming and stimulating environment. Photographs of children, their art and posters are displayed on the walls to make them feel welcome. A Duplo wall board provides access for children to play. No hazards were identified during the inspection because the environment is effectively monitored by the childminder to ensure it is safe. All low-level cupboards are locked and the childminder checks smoke alarms daily. Children cannot access the stairs because doors leading to these are kept closed and/or locked. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety when they play in the garden. This means that gates are secure and children are unable to open the main gates due to a secure keypad. Children have easy access to a good range of resources and can make their own selections. Consequently, this promotes both play and learning. Toys and resources undergo regular checks and cleaning to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure that they are suitable for children's use.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive due to the caring and stimulating environment where they are treated with respect and kindness. The care needs of the children are effectively met as detailed records are in place to identify their individual needs. The childminder is aware that children have set routines and adheres to these. For example, younger children who have a comforter such as a teddy at sleep times receive these. The childminder has a very good understanding of providing developmentally appropriate activities for younger and older children and photographs show that children are encouraged to participate in an excellent range of activities and experiences. For example, printing footsteps in paint, using construction equipment, dressing up, role play, chalking, singing, reading, puzzles and cut and stick crafts. Consequently, children are actively involved in activities that positively promote their care, learning and play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children flourish because they receive excellent care, attention and hugs to make them feel welcome. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference guide. This results in younger children receiving a balanced day as the childminder ensures they have a very varied range of adult-led activities and the opportunity for free play. Children are making strides as they receive time and space to explore their environment and develop and extend their play and learning independently. Focussed, adult-led activities, everyday experiences and good use of the indoor and outdoor environment help children learn in a variety of ways and in different environments. Children are extremely happy and enjoy themselves in the childminder's care. The childminder is dedicated to providing the best care for the children and radiates a caring and very warm atmosphere in the child-friendly premises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children are actively involved in an extensive range of stimulating activities. For example, babies play with activity toys and a range of small world toys such as toy irons. The childminder is exceptionally clear when explaining how she adapts activities to make them accessible to all children. For example, play dough is provided as a sensory experience which progresses with the children to using rolling and cutting tools, adding other items to change the play dough and also cooking it for a short time for older children to experiment what will happen. Older children are conscious of younger children and help them to participate in activities. For example, when making a list of the fillings each child would like in their sandwiches, the older children help the younger ones to tick the correct box. Older children are highly competent in using information technology and have made pictures and also used information to produce a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

document about the children in the care of the childminder. This information includes details

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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 about the children's hobbies, pets and favourite colours. Consequently, the children know each other well. This shows that all children spend their time purposefully engaged in developmentally appropriate activities, some of which are child initiated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very effective in using everyday outings and trips to facilitate different experiences for children. For example, they go to the local toy library, meet with other childminders and visit local places of interest. These include Calke Abbey where children enjoy breaking the ice on puddles and splashing around. Children show good imagination and use everyday objects to enhance their play. For example, they place chairs in a row to represent a train and go on imaginary journeys. The childminder is pro-active in taking the lead from the children and uses events well to help them understand events that happen in their lives. For example, when a pet dies the childminder encourages the children to talk about this and this results in further conversations about people who have died or are poorly. Children enjoy reading and sharing books because the childminder actively promotes this by allowing them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to choose to take books home from a library she has developed for their use.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children behave extremely well because they have been involved in drawing up rules and making posters about these. The rules are realistic and for older children are based around respect. As a result the children are very effective in self-managing their behaviour and often take on the childminder's role and advice during play. For example, if someone upsets them they ask their peers not to say or do whatever they have done because it is not nice. The childminder places a high emphasis on being consistent when managing behaviour, particularly across different settings, for example, when children go to school, pre-school and at home. The childminder firmly believes in promoting good behaviour thorough positive praise and rewards such as stickers. Therefore, children clearly understand that their good behaviour is acknowledged and they feel highly valued and develop excellent self-esteem. Children are actively involved in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

routines such as tidying away after activities so they develop a good sense of belonging and feel that they have made a positive contribution to the home. Documentation shows that they respect the childminder and take the lead from her because they have made and presented her a certificate praising what she does for them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are very warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to view differences positively because the childminder very clearly explains about differences and promotes respect for others. For example, she uses resources such as books and dressing-up clothes to promote children's awareness of the wider world and posters show children that their different languages are respected. The childminder provides interesting events to help children understand about different beliefs and festivals throughout the year such as Halloween parties, consequently, children have a very secure understanding of a range of cultures. Children develop an excellent understanding of those who may not be as fortunate as themselves. This means that they take part in organising and running fund raising events for charity. For example, they planned a coffee type morning, making posters and organising a range of cold drinks and making and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

decorating cakes which they served. All children are actively involved in activities regardless of their age, developmental stage, learning difficulties and/or disabilities because the childminder has a thorough understanding of how to adapt activities to met their individual needs. For example, she very clearly explains that table top activities are accessible to all children by using child and adult sized tables and also high chairs for babies and toddlers. Although the childminder understands there may be a need for specialist equipment to help some children,

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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 she is very aware that everyday activities and events can be used to help children learn and progress to their full potential as all children receive something different from their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Excellent partnerships with parents are firmly established at the first visit and induction meeting because the childminder spends time talking to parents about their children and collating detailed information about their care needs. The childminder has devised a thorough induction checklist to ensure that all parties are fully informed about what is required and all documentation and required written consents are in place before minding starts. The childminder is very aware of concerns that parents may have about leaving their children and encourages parents to visit at any time before the child starts to finalise details and discuss any concerns, for example, if bottles for babies are to be warmed. Consequently, all parents feel happy and secure in the knowledge that their children will receive very good care. Parents are kept very well informed of their child's progress and events that happen when they are at pre-school or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

school because the childminder acts as a valuable link between these settings and home. Daily talks and diaries ensure that excellent communication channels exist to underpin the care of the children. The childminder and parents often share text messages to help put their mind at rest when their child is a little unsettled or not feeling well when they leave. This shows the childminder is pro-active in supplying parents with information that reassures them while away from their child. Children also take home art work and crafts items enabling parents to share fully in their achievements. Letters from parents show that they are extremely pleased with the care the childminder provides and include positive comments such as 'Thank you for the wonderful care you provide' and 'I wish to say a sincere thank you for your help and assistance'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good care and support which promotes their confidence and independence. This means they are able to explore their environment as they move between the rooms and independently access the toys provided. The layout of the home means that the childminder can ensure that children are always within sight or sound of her so their safety is well maintained.

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Organisation

Overall children's needs are met. The childminder shows dedication to continuing her professional development allowing her to enhance the outcomes for the children in her care. For this purpose the childminder has attended a variety of training, for example, Health and Safety, Child Protection, Inclusion, music, using persona dolls and has a Level 3 qualification after achieving a certificate in Childminding Practice.

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Organisation

A good range of clear policies and procedures are in place and these are shared with parents when they visit so they understand the service provided. Detailed information is kept in the children's files to ensure that their welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively. Children's well-being is protected as they are never left with people who have not been cleared.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to implement good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection with regards to the arrangements for suitable hand drying facilities. The childminder has taken the appropriate action to meet the recommendations. Children now use paper towels to dry their hands. Therefore, children participate in hygiene procedures which protects their health.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that the 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 hygiene procedures are used at all times. This is with reference to washing younger children's hands before eating snacks.

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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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