Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286904 Unique Reference Number 16 November 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 was registered in 2004. She lives in a house in Leicester City with her five children aged 11 months, six years, eight years, 10 years and 16 years. Children have access to all of the home. The childminder is registered for three children and currently has one child on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected from the risks of infection and cross contamination as they use a clean towel daily and liquid soap. The children are encouraged to be responsible for their own health through discussion and they also use sensible hygiene practices such as hand washing as part of their daily routine. Children are well cared for should they become ill and parents are contacted to collect them. Children with contagious illnesses are not cared for so the health of

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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 all children is well maintained. However, parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment is not in place which means children's safety may be compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's routines are agreed with parents so that they have their needs for rest and sleep met in a consistent fashion. Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities in the park which has equipment such as swings and a climbing frame. This means their physical development is satisfactorily promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a suitable awareness of healthy eating through discussion and their health needs are met as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that their dietary and physical needs are fostered. Children enjoy snacks of fruit and drinks of milk to develop their awareness of healthy options. Meals are home cooked and nutritious and offer a good variety such as lentils, curry, fish and pizza.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in a warm, clean environment because the childminder has identified most risks and taken suitable measures to minimise these. However, window openings are not secure and the garden has hazards such as a rain barrel without a secure lid and a fence and gate which children could use to leave the garden unsupervised. This means children's safety is compromised. Children are well protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and an emergency escape plan has been practised with them. Children are well protected when they are outside because the childminder is vigilant about their safety. They are made aware, by discussion, of safe road crossing practices and the childminder ensures she takes a mobile phone and contact numbers in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can make their own selections from a good range of easily accessible resources which promotes confidence and decision making, these are rotated for younger children to ensure they enjoy a range of experiences. The childminder ensures resources are safe because they are all bought new and are subject to regular cleaning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and is secure in reporting these to the appropriate authorities in order to promote children's well-being effectively. The childminder has attended training in this area and ensures parents view a written statement when they visit so they know the children's welfare is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel secure and valued because warm relationships are in place between them and the childminder. They enjoy a varied range of activities which are age appropriate, this means older children can choose what they would like to do after school from a range which includes play, homework, crafts or relaxing. This allows them to get the most from their time at the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support young children's play and learning. For example, children are learning to be skilful communicators because the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them. She has a good awareness that pre-speech noises are meaningful to children and listens to these so children feel valued. Children's number skills are well promoted as the activity of counting is built into activities such as construction and counting blocks. The childminder reads to children and asks them lots of questions about

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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 stories such as what colour is the animal so they are engaged. They also learn how the written word works as they look at the books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to develop their creativity and imagination as the childminder offers a range of activities to promote this such as a puppet theatre and tent. They also explore different textures and observe changes in things as they play with flour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures she is consistent when dealing with children so they are clear about how they are expected to behave. For example, the use of sensible house rules such as always eating at the table means children are treated in a consistent manner which promotes their self-assurance. Older children receive 'time out' to encourage them to reflect upon their behaviour whilst younger children are distracted. A written behaviour management statement informs parents that the childminder will use positive endorsement to promote good behaviour and children receive lots of praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are warmly welcomed to the home and have their needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure this. Parents are spoken with daily so that the childminder is aware of the changing needs of the children and parents are aware of their child's progress. Children also proudly take home work so parents can share in their achievements. The childminder works through contracts with parents and ensures she knows who will be collecting children so their safety is well maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good awareness of promoting equal opportunities and has a written statement relating to this. Children learn about other cultures and festivals through discussion and a good range of resources are in place to provide positive images which all children can access. For example, children have made cards to acknowledge Diwali. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an appropriate service which encourages them to be involved in all activities so that they feel a good sense of belonging. The childminder has a good awareness of adapting activities so that all children benefit from their time at the home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures children are suitably protected at all times as they are never left with anyone who has not been police checked. The satisfactory organisation of the home also ensures that children are within sight or sound of the childminder at all times. Children are confident to explore the environment and rooms are used to provide a good range of activities. For example, children can enjoy floor play and quiet time in the lounge, table activities in the dining room and messy play and watching television in the conservatory. Children have good levels of adult support due to their attendance patterns which ensures their individual needs are well met. This allows children to initiate their own activities such as constructing using lego.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, learning and care are appropriately fostered by the use of sound policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which enhances safety measures in place for children and has attended a range of training which demonstrates her commitment to providing a good service to children. These include the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, basic food hygiene and child protection. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 provider agreed to make sure that electric sockets and low-level glass are made safe or inaccessible to children. Sockets and glass are covered which means children's safety is enhanced.

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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): • obtain written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • make sure that children cannot leave the garden unsupervised and that hazards such as the rain barrel are made safe • make sure that all windows are secure so children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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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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