Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225288 Unique Reference Number 17 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 was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband, an adult child and grandchild aged two years. She lives in a house on the outskirts of Loughborough within walking distance of the local school, pre-school groups and village amenities. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently has two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 maintained because they are cared for in a warm, clean environment where routine and effective hygiene practices prevent infection and maintain health. For example, children routinely wash their hands and use liquid soap and a clean towel daily to

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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 minimise any spread of infection. They are also involved in discussions about why hygiene is important so they learn to maintain their own health. Clear procedures for looking after sick children ensures that their health is promoted and an exclusion period for contagious diseases means all children's health is well maintained. The childminder has most records and consents in place to maintain children's well-being, however, parents do not sign to acknowledge medication given to children which means their health is not promoted as effectively as possible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they have access to a varied range of resources which include a play house, a parachute, bikes, a slide, a ball pool and a water pit. This promotes their health and development well. Frequent trips to the park provide children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence and offers challenges such as a climbing frame and swings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder is aware of the importance of promoting this through discussion and activities. For example, children enjoy cooking and food tasting. The childminder provides home cooked meals for children and fruit is offered as a snack to ensure children have a balanced range of healthy options. Details of children's dietary needs are taken at admission to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health is actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a warm and clean environment which is effectively monitored by the childminder to ensure it is safe. For example, children are always supervised in the kitchen and garden and equipment such as a stair gate is used to promote safety. Children have easy access to a good range of resources and can make their own selections to promote both play and learning. For younger children resources are rotated so that they have a good variety to stimulate their interest. Resources are purchased new so they are compliant with safety standards and regular cleaning ensures that they are suitable for children's use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has smoke detectors and a fire blanket in place and an emergency escape plan has been practised so children know what to do in the event of an emergency. Children are also encouraged to think about keeping themselves safe within the home by discussion of hazards such as hot objects. This promotes children's thinking about their own safety as does discussion of issues such as safe road crossing when they are out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a suitable understanding of signs of abuse and has the contact numbers of the relevant authorities to ensure children are protected. However, procedures for contacting the relevant authorities are not clear which means children's safety may be compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework well. This means children have a good balance to their day as the childminder ensures they have a varied range of adult-led activities and the opportunity for free play. Children enjoy activities such as painting pine cones, cooking and making baubles; they have also made masks. The childminder provides a range of trips for children, for example to the park, into town and to the library; she also meets regularly with another childminder. At this meeting the children have picnics, either indoors or outside,

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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 and this provides them with the opportunity to socialise and gain an awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of providing activities for younger and older children. Young children have good access to a range of resources which include soft and noisy toys, small world play equipment, books and puzzles. Older children can use the computer, complete their homework, read books or play board games. Children have their awareness of numbers and letters well promoted as the childminder builds these into everyday routines such as counting stairs. Children enjoy reading books and choose their favourites to which they supply the story line and appropriate noises for animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good levels of adult support allow children to develop their communication skills well. They are encouraged to repeat words as the childminder points at objects and she is aware of the importance of listening to children and letting them know they are valued. Children are happy and content and cooperate well, for example as they complete a puzzle. They are also settled as the childminder gives them lots of attention and hugs to make them feel welcome.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and the childminder reminds them to use good manners and to share with each other. Good behaviour is rewarded with lots of praise and stickers so children know they have been acknowledged. The childminder explains simple rules to children such as sitting down to eat so they learn to be responsible for their own behaviour. Children are involved in routines such as tidying away after activities so they develop a good sense of belonging and feel that they have made a positive contribution to the home

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to view differences positively because the childminder explains about differences and about respecting each other. For example, she uses resources such as books and dressing-up clothes to promote children's awareness of the community. The childminder also acknowledges a range of festivals so children understand about the beliefs and cultures of others. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an individual service because the childminder has a good awareness of making sure they can join in with all activities or adapting these so children can participate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder takes all relevant information about them at admission. Parents are kept well informed of their child's progress by daily talks with the childminder and children take home work they have completed so parents can share in their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good levels of adult support which promotes their confidence. This means they are able to explore their environment as they move between the lounge and dining area and choose toys and books. The home is organised so children can enjoy a range of activities such as quiet time and floor play in the lounge and messy and table activities in the dining area. The childminder also ensures children are always within sight or sound of her so their safety is well maintained.

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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 Most required records, policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively. These are also shared with parents when they visit so they understand how their child will be cared for. Children's safety is also well promoted as they are never left with people who have not been cleared.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a first aid course so that children's health needs in an emergency can be maintained. 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 develop current resources to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. Resources are now in place which all children access; this ensures they have a good understanding of the wider world.

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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): • ensure that parents sign to acknowledge medication given to children • ensure that the child protection procedure conforms with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures.

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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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