Hulls Carole Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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260310 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 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 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 has been registered since 2002, she lives with her three children aged 18, 15 and 13 weeks. They live in a house in the Braunstone area of Leicester City. Children have access to the ground floor, family bathroom and there is a large grassed rear garden. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to look after five children and currently has nine children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends some carer and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because they are in good routines for practices such as hand washing. They understand the need for this as the childminder discusses issues such as germs. The childminder also uses wipes and is a good role model so children learn from her. Children

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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 use a clean towel daily and liquid soap which prevents cross contamination. Clear procedures for looking after sick children ensures that the health of all children is maintained. However, parental consent has not been obtained for emergency medical treatment which may lead to delays in children's needs being met. Young children have their needs for rest and sleep supported because the childminder follows parents' wishes and ensures that appropriate routines are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a good range of activities which promote their health and development. For example a good range of resources includes a play house, trampoline, sand pit, ride-on toys, swing and a small climbing frame for younger children. Frequent trips to the park provide children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence in their growing physical skills such as a large climbing frame.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides a well-balanced range of meals and fruit and biscuits for snacks. Drinks are available all day and older children can help themselves to these, for younger children the childminder ensures their cups are always topped up. Activities such as baking and shopping are also used effectively to promote the children's awareness of healthy options. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is vigilant about reducing risks both inside and outside the house. Effective measures include appropriate detection and prevention measures for an outbreak of fire and a written emergency escape plan which has been practised with children. Children are also encouraged to effectively think about keeping themselves safe when they are out by discussions about issues such as safe road crossing and 'stranger danger'. Children are secure because the childminder ensures she effectively monitors the home and makes it safe for them to explore the environment. For example, children are always within sight or sound of the childminder when they are in the kitchen or garden. The use of simple rules such as children not entering the kitchen when food is being cooked also ensures their safety is well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are looked after in a warm and clean environment where they are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promotes both play and learning. Resources are purchased new so they are compliant with safety standards and a regular cleaning schedule makes sure they are always safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of keeping children safe from harm and has undertaken child protection training. She is clear about reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities and has contact numbers available to promote children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities both inside the home and outside which promotes their play and learning. They become familiar with words because books are available which they pick up and look through for pleasure. The childminder asks them questions about what is in the books so they learn to connect words and images and they enjoy making animal sounds as they see pictures. Routine activities are used effectively to promote children's awareness of

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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 numbers, for example as they help the childminder to count scoops of milk into a bottle. Older children are able to make selections about their activities from a good range which includes board games, play stations, arts and crafts, making hand puppets and using the computer. This ensures they enjoy their time at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to effectively plan activities which help the children to progress their learning. She makes observations about children's learning and supports these with photos so she knows what children have enjoyed and benefited from. The childminder likes to have a structure to the day and plans a good range of activities such as cooking, arts and crafts and role play with dressing-up clothes. She also ensures she is flexible to accommodate children's choices and interests. Children are involved in planning activities, for example if they are to cook they select a recipe and then shop for ingredients, so they have good input into their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are skilful communicators and the childminder uses lots of praise to encourage and support language development with young children. The childminder lets children know she is interested in them by listening to them, constantly talking to them and encouraging them to repeat words. The childminder provides a good variety of trips out which includes the library, shops, farm park, 'Y' theatre, the city gallery and the museum. Children also attend carer and toddler groups so they have good opportunities to socialise and learn about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works effectively to promote their understanding. There are lots of trips out into the local community and a range of festivals are acknowledged so children develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to respect each other. Children are effectively acknowledged as individuals because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an individual service because the childminder has a good awareness of promoting inclusion and support. This ensures that all children help each other and understand and respect differences. Children have their dignity and privacy well promoted as the childminder lets them do as much as possible for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is effectively managed by the use of age-appropriate strategies. This means young children are distracted whilst older children are engaged in discussions about their behaviour and 'time out' which allows them to reflect upon their actions. The childminder uses simple house rules, for example not calling each other names, so they learn to be responsible for their own behaviour. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents when they visit so they are clear how their child will be cared for. Children make a positive contribution to the home by helping to tidy away toys and setting the table. The childminder ensures that she uses lots of praise when children behave well so they know this has been acknowledged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a daily diary which contains detailed information about their time at the childminder's. This gives parents a good awareness of their child's day and what they have enjoyed. The childminder takes all relevant details about children at admission so she can provide an appropriate and individual service. She also has a complaints procedure in place so parents know that she complies with requirements.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy a range of activities in a well-organised home that is designed to provide opportunities for play and learning. For example, the lounge is used for quiet time and watching television whilst the dining room is used for table activities and television with a play station. This allows children to develop good levels of confidence and independence in initiating their own activities. For example a child happily went from one room to another as he played with toys. Young children receive good levels of adult support and the childminder ensures they are never left with anyone who has not been vetted.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, learning and care are well promoted and the childminder works through contracts with parents when they visit. This ensures that parents are aware of how the service will be provided in children's best interests. However, the childminder has not notified Ofsted of a significant event which means children's safety may be compromised.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken a wide range of extra training which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. These include the Introduction to Childminding Practice course; a first aid course; the 'Birth to three matters' framework training; choice, opportunity and inclusion training; child protection and food hygiene. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure the daily attendance record is accurate and kept up-to-date and obtain written permission from parents for taking children on outings. All paperwork is now in place 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 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): • obtain written parental permission for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • ensure that Ofsted are notified of any significant events at the home.

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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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