Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY288798 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Judith Chinnery Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged seven, eight, 11 and 15 years, on the outskirts of Leicester City close to the local park, shops and school. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for four children who attend at different times.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a dog, rats, guinea pigs and a rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle while at this setting. The childminder is careful to maintain a clean environment for the children so that the likelihood of cross-infection is minimised. For example the childminder is careful to be a good role model washing her hands

p.2

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 regularly and reminding the children to wash theirs also. Good hygiene routines are well established to encourage the children to wash their hands and to help them learn about being healthy. Effective records about children's dietary needs and any accidents or medication are also well maintained, which enables the childminder to meet their health needs accordingly.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished because the childminder provides a wide choice of fresh foods including apples and bananas. The children enjoy a variety of snacks and meals during the day such as cottage pie with vegetables and pizza with salad. Children have access to fresh drinking water at all times, which ensures that they are unlikely to become thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are very active, they like to get outside and use a variety of resources to climb or ride on. Children are developing good large body moving skills, such as, running and climbing because the childminder provides a variety of opportunities both inside and out for children to move around. Children benefit from being out in the fresh air most days; they regularly walk to the local school and other groups as well as helping to feed the pets which live outside.

p.3

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 have access to a wide range of well chosen and developmentally appropriate resources. They are stored safely, mainly on shelves in the play room so that the children can help themselves. They are able to sit, eat and play safely both at the dining table and the low table because the chairs are appropriate for their age and height.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding children's safety. The setting is well maintained with safety features such as electric socket covers which minimise dangers to the children. They learn about keeping themselves safe too when they discuss the fire drill and talk about dangers. External exits are kept secure to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access to the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded in the setting. The childminder has completed training and has appropriate literature from the local authority which enables her to manage any child protection concerns effectively. The childminder is able to recognise the main signs of abuse and has a good understanding about the need to record and report any concerns.

p.3

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 developing into skilful communicators because the childminder talks with them about what they are doing such as talking about the characters in the interactive computer game. They enjoy exploring glue and making collage pictures together, and talk about what they making with the glitter. The childminder records her observations of what the children can do such as when they have been cooking or using scissors. She is also starting to use this information to plan activities for the children drawing on her knowledge of their development, their interests and personalities. This means that children are able to make good progress in their development because activities are based on their interests and what they need to do next. Opportunities for children to experiment with cooking, small world figures and other

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities mean that children are becoming competent learners.

p.3

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 Children benefit from sharing a close relationship with the childminder which helps them to feel settled and secure. The childminder is good at providing a wide range of activities which stimulate and interest the children she cares for. This means that children are fully engaged and busy in exploring and investigating the world around them.

p.3

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 records observations of what the children have been doing each day and shares this with parents, so that they are fully informed about their child. Effective records such as contracts also ensure that parents are well informed about the care of their child. Compliments and complaints from parents are managed well.

p.4

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 management. Children respond positively to kindly reminders, clear explanations and redirection to other activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are starting to develop some respect for themselves and others because they can explore and learn about differences, other cultures and beliefs. They do this through sharing some books and small world figures which reflect diversity and positive images. They also celebrate various festivals such as Diwali and Eid with craft and other activities, which also enable the children to learn about and respect other cultures and beliefs. However, children also have access to some resources such as the golly dolls which contradict this and can promote a more negative attitude. The childminder has some knowledge 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.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has undertaken necessary training to promote her understanding of child development and is committed to continually improving her provision though accessing child care courses and groups. 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. Well-written 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 well.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in January 2005 the childminder was asked to make a number of improvements to her qualifications, record keeping, safety and knowledge regarding equality of opportunities and child protection.

p.4

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 Since the last inspection the childminder has completed various training courses including the compulsory introduction to childminding course. This means that her knowledge of caring for children is up-to-date. The childminder has devised and practises an emergency evacuation procedure with the children on a regular basis. She also ensures that the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave without supervision. This contributes to ensuring that children are kept safe. Parents now give appropriate written permission for the seeking of emergency medical treatment which enables the childminder to meets children's health needs in an emergency. The childminder has also up-dated her knowledge of child protection issues appropriately so that children are safeguarded in the setting. While the childminder has sought

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

to further her knowledge regarding equality of opportunity, this has not been as successful and children's understanding is sometimes less well promoted.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is promoted for all children with particular regard to ensuring that the resources available to them reflect diversity and positive images.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5