Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY222191 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Lynn Dent

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2000. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 13 and 16 years in Birstall in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and main bedroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 16 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder has a pet dog,

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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 two cats and an owl. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand and actively participate in routines to maintain good personal hygiene and to protect them from infections. For example, children use soap when washing their hands. Younger children are supervised when doing this. Therefore, all children learn to become independent in their personal hygiene. Children know when they need to drink, eat or rest. Therefore, they understand the needs of their bodies. They are protected from infections as the childminder implements effective procedures to maintain the children's good health. For example, children use their own towels and are not cared for when they are infectious. Following accidents children receive good care as the childminder is qualified in first aid. Consequently, the risk of further injuries are minimised. Children receive a nutritious diet as the childminder works closely with parents to provide this. Children understand the benefits of a healthy diet, showing this by

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Helping children to be healthy

actively choosing fruit at snack times. They participate in food activities using fresh fruit and vegetables. Consequently, they develop healthy eating. Children know they can ask for more fruit and independently access drinks at will. Therefore, they manage their own fluid intake. Consequently, they do not become thirsty. Children's dietary needs and preferences are effectively met as the childminder works with parents to provide meals for their children and offers alternative snacks. For example, wheat products are not offered or used in cooking activities. Hand-eye coordination is developed well as children practice this when playing with toys and jigsaws. They confidently move around the premises showing good coordination and balance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. The childminder implements a range of safety devices. For example, smoke detectors and a stair gate are installed. However, children can potentially trip on trailing wires in the lounge and a rake in the garden. Children can easily and safely access an extensive range of toys and resources which are in good condition and comply with safety regulations. Toys are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure they are safe and free from germs. The use of a baby monitor ensures children are safe when sleeping. Small babies sleep in a travel cot in the hall to ensure the childminder can observe them at all times. Consequently, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome is minimised. Children's safety is effectively maintained during outings as the childminder uses reins and pushchairs for younger children. All children are constantly supervised and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are taught how to cross the road safely. Children understand the sensible rules set by the childminder in the home and respond well to these. For example, they do not

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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 run indoors to prevent them slipping on the laminate flooring. Consequently, they learn to keep themselves safe. Children's welfare is effectively maintained as the childminder has completed training in child protection and has a very clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Consequently, she is confident to put the local Area Child Protection Committee reporting procedures into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented with the childminder who shows a genuine interest in the children and treats them with loving care and respect. Consequently they are confident and feel secure. The childminder dedicates quality time to playing and interacting with the children. Providing them with a stimulating range of experiences both within the home and away from the home. For example, the childminder shared a book with the children and asked them to 'Blow away the leaves' as she discussed the pictures with them. Consequently, they enthusiastically participate in the activities and play experiences available to them. Children's learning and play are supported by an extensive range of appealing, developmentally appropriate resources. For example, children play with games, share books and use their imagination when playing with cars and other small world toys. Good account is taken of children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interests as they are encouraged to make decisions about the toys they wish to play with. Consequently, they show a sustained interest in the activities and experiences they receive. Children's language is effectively supported as the childminder talks to them about what they are doing. Children show good behaviour, and are motivated to share and play well together due to the positive praise they receive. Consequently, they have good self-esteem. Children's individual needs are fully met as the childminder has started to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she knows the children well and the day is flexible to take good account of their daily routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and involved in the child orientated environment as the childminder ensures all children have equal access to the opportunities provided. They learn about diversity through, stories, everyday events and activities to celebrate festivals throughout the year. Consequently, all children learn to develop a respect for differences in others around them. Children develop a good sense of belonging as they have individual storage for their belongings and know the routines well. Children are well behaved. They play harmoniously together, share and take turns because the childminder interacts effectively with them to support this. Developmentally appropriate behaviour management means children understand right and wrong. For example, children are told why pushing is not acceptable and re-directed to other activities. Children have good self-esteem because they receive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder. Therefore, they learn to effectively manage their own behaviour. They are treated with kindness and respect and learn to treat others in the same way.

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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 Children are confident and make decisions about their play and personal needs. For example, choosing activities and toys to initiate and extend their own play. Consequently, they are fully involved in the setting. Partnership with parents and carers is good. They receive information about the childminder at induction and enter into a contract with her. Therefore, they understand the service provided. Good two-way communication ensures daily information about the children's day and achievements is shared. Consequently, children's current developmental and care needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and development are effectively enhanced because the childminder has successfully completed relevant training and shows a commitment to undertake further training to support the service she provides. For example, the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children feel at home and secure in the well organised environment which provides space for active play, activities and relaxation. Consequently, children are confident to initiate their own play and can access an extensive range of stimulating resources to support this. Planned activities and play experiences are effective as the childminder interacts very well with the children to help them develop good social skills. Clear procedures are implemented and effectively underpin the care children receive. Effective partnerships with parents ensures children's current care needs are identified and accounted for. Documentation is well organised. Detailed information

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Organisation

about the children is recorded and ongoing discussions with parents means they are involved in their children's care. Overall the provision meets the range of the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make pet food inaccessible to children and to develop resources to reflect positive images of disability. Appropriate action has been taken to meet these recommendations. Consequently, children cannot access pet food and positive images of disability are promoted.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that trailing electrical leads and a hazard in the garden are made safe or inaccessible to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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