Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY273972 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2007 Inspection date Judith Chinnery 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 has been registered with Ofsted since 2003. She lives with her family in South Wigston, Leicestershire. The local amenities include playgroups, toddler groups, schools, parks and local shops. There are currently eight children on role.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a dog and a rabbit as household pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and she provides respite care for children with special needs and disabilities.

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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 enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle while at this setting. Children are active, they have access to regular outdoor play and use a variety of resources to climb and ride on such as scooters and a trampoline. Children are developing good large body moving skills because the childminder provides a variety of opportunities both inside and out for children to move around. Younger toddlers and babies also have plenty of space and opportunity to practise their crawling and walking skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished because the childminder provides a wide choice of fresh foods including satsumas, apples and bananas. The childminder plans a menu for each week, particularly during the school holidays when most meals are provided. She ensures that this includes a variety of fresh foods including fruit and vegetables which she agrees with the children and their parents. This means that children are provided with food which is suitable for their needs. Children also have access to fresh drinking water at all times, which ensures that they are unlikely to become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is careful to maintain a very clean environment for the children so that the likelihood of cross-infection is minimised. For example, the childminder encourages the children to wash their hands and clean their teeth particularly after meals. Good hygiene routines are well established to encourage the children to wash their hands and to help them learn about being healthy. The childminder meets children's health needs effectively because she maintains good records about children's dietary needs, likes and dislikes. She also records any accidents accurately. However, while medication given to children is also usually accurately recorded some entries are missing. This means that children's health and well-being could be compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and well protected in this setting. Children are well protected from harm around the house because the childminder is very vigilant regarding children's safety. Stair gates prevent children's access to the stairs while any exposed electrical sockets are covered. They learn about keeping themselves safe too when they practise the fire drill and talk about crossing the road safely. External exits are kept locked to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of well chosen and developmentally appropriate resources. They are stored safely around the house but are also available for the children to help themselves. They are able to sit, eat and play safely at the table because the childminder has appropriate safety equipment such as high chairs and safety harnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded in the setting because the childminder has a sound knowledge of local child protection procedures. She recognises the main signs of abuse such as changes to children's behaviour and unexplained injuries. She is also aware of what to do about any concerns she may have such as keeping records and reporting her concerns to Ofsted and the local Children's Services.

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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 really enjoy being in this setting and make good progress in their play and learning. Children are well settled and familiar with the setting. They form good relationships with the childminder and her family because she talks and listens well with them. The childminder provides a wide range of stimulating activities such as art and craft and games which mean that children remain busy and engaged in play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy glitter and painting activities. They carefully stick mosaic shapes to pictures and use glitter to create Christmas scenes. The children enjoy playing games together such as Connect Four, they willingly take turns and play well together because the childminder and other family members make time to play along side them and support them with this. The childminder also plans activities, particularly during term time, about other countries. This helps them develop their understanding and thinking skills as they complete puzzles, taste food and learn new words. Children's academic skills are also supported effectively because the childminder makes time to help with homework such as reading and spellings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children also enjoy a range of activities which the childminder plans for them according to their age and ability. They enjoy making the musical toys work by finding the right button and filling and emptying containers. They test their physical skills as they pull themselves up on the furniture and attempt to walk. Children respond to the childminder positively with noises and new words because the childminder talks with them constantly. Young children are making good progress in their development because the childminder provides activities which are based on what she knows about each child. She makes effective use of her knowledge of child development with some reference to the 'Birth to three matters' framework to ensure that activities are stimulating and meet children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to join in, take responsibility and play an active part in this setting. The childminder is committed to working closely with parents asking about particular wishes, likes and dislikes so that children's individual needs are met. The childminder keeps a daily diary for younger children which details their food intake and sleep patterns as well as what they have been doing. This means that parents are kept well informed about their child's care both in writing and verbally. Effective records such as contracts ensure that parents are well informed about the care of their child. Compliments and complaints from parents are managed well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a respect for themselves and others because they can explore and learn about differences, other cultures and beliefs. They do this through looking at a different country each month. This teaches them about customs, dress, language and other matters giving children an insight into other people's lifestyles. Children also access some resources which reflect diversity and positive images. This also helps them to develop a respect for themselves and others. The childminder is knowledgeable about caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She ensures that activities are adapted to suit individual needs and that all children are supported to take an active part in the life of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave really well because the childminder sets clear boundaries. She works effectively with parents to consult them and keep them informed about their child and behaviour

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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 management. Children respond positively to kindly reminders, clear explanations and re-direction to other activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder generally organises her setting to support the care of children. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

She keeps accurate and up-to-date records, such as attendance registers. This helps to ensure that she cares for children within the numbers indicated on her registration certificate. Children enjoy individual attention, which ensures that their care, learning and play are well supported. Suitable policies such as those detailing the childminder's behaviour management promote children's ability to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

While the childminder has undertaken necessary training to promote her understanding of child development she is unable to show that she is qualified in First Aid for young children. This means that children's health and medical needs could be compromised in the event of an accident.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in August 2004 the childminder was asked to make some improvements to her emergency evacuation plan and written agreements with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder ensures that the children practise the fire drill regularly. She also tests her smoke alarms regularly. This means that children can be kept safe an the event of a fire or other emergency. Written agreements between parents and the children now detail the expectations of both parties regarding activities and business arrangements so that all aspects of children's care is transparent.

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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 any 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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Complaints 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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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): • ensure that medication records are maintained and that all medication is recorded accurately • maintain a current certificate in first aid and ensure that this is available for inspection.

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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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