Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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225471 Unique Reference Number 08 February 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 1998 and lives with her adult daughter in a house in Loughborough with shops and parks within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Within her home children spend most of their time on the ground floor, they have access to the hall, living room and kitchen. Children also have access to the family bathroom and enclosed rear garden. The family has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for four children and currently has four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder explains to them why good hygiene practices are important. They also use liquid soap and a clean towel daily to effectively reduce

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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 the risk of cross-infection. Children are in routines for hand washing, for example before food, and a picture in the bathroom reminds them to do this. All relevant medical details and consents are in place to ensure children's health is well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily exercise either at home, in the park or walking to school and have access to a good range of resources which promotes their physical development. For example, they can use climbing frames, swings, the see-saw, the sand pit and bikes. Children also enjoy a soft play session which ensures they have physical exercise all year round.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder has discussed this with them and they choose their snacks from a range of pictures which show apples, grapes and other fruits. Drinks of milk or sugar free squash are available. Children also learn about healthy options through practical activities such as baking and the childminder ensures that food is home cooked and nutritious. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents 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 home where lots of displays of their work make them feel valued. A good range of resources are in place and the childminder ensures these are developmentally appropriate and safe for children. This is achieved as resources comply with safety standards and regular cleaning schedules are in place. Resources are easily accessible and children can make their own informed choices about what they would like to do. The childminder rotates these so children always have a good selection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has undertaken a risk assessment for trips out but does not have permission to transport children in a vehicle, this means their safety may be compromised. Children are encouraged to think positively about their own safety within the home because the childminder explains to them about hazards and how to prevent these, for example by holding onto the banister when using the stairs. Children are also encouraged to effectively think about keeping themselves safe when out as they take part in discussions and practices about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a suitable awareness of signs of abuse and is clear about who to contact if she has concerns about a child. She also has contact numbers for the Local Safeguarding Children Board so she can obtain advice promptly if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to offer children a good range of activities to interest them and encourage their learning. These include dressing up, puzzles, play dough, construction and baking. Older children can make choices which include using the computer, 'Polly Pockets', reading and arts and crafts. Children's early language skills are well promoted as the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them and responding to them individually. She has a good understanding of listening to what children are saying and she uses a good range of questions to help children to think about what the are doing. For example, what are the colours and shapes? Children receive lots of praise when they know the answers which lets them know they have been acknowledged. Children learn effectively about numbers because these are built into every day activities, such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as shopping and counting the stairs. Books are also used well to promote children's interest in

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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 words and letters as the childminder reads to them. Children also like to look through books for pleasure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a good range of trips out for the children which include shopping, visits to the library, museum, parks and a farm. Children also enjoy a weekly trip to a café where they choose what they would like to eat and drink. This ensures children get a good awareness of the wider world and provides them with opportunities to socialise and to learn how to behave.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well because the childminder has high expectations of them. They know what behaviour is acceptable as the childminder promotes sharing and good manners. Children are also learning to regulate their own behaviour as they are aware of simple rules, such as not jumping on the furniture, and have time out using a timer. Good behaviour is rewarded with lots of praise and children make a positive contribution to the home as they help to tidy away toys after play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's progress is discussed daily with parents and they also proudly take home work they have completed so parents can share in their achievements. The childminder has a good awareness of working cooperatively with parents to ensure she is always aware of children's changing needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures the children are well informed about the multicultural society and the needs of others because she provides a good range of resources and practices which promotes their learning. This means that all children can play with all toys and they enjoy looking through books which show other cultures, this promotes a good sense of belonging and self. A wide range of festivals are acknowledged so that the children develop an awareness and respect for the needs of others. For example, the children made cards for Chinese New Year and tasted prawn crackers. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an appropriate service because the childminder has a good awareness of working closely with parents to ensure all their needs are met and they are included in all activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected because the childminder ensures that they are never left with people who have not been cleared. She also ensures that she is always within sight or sound of them as they explore her home which has been organised to promote a good range of activities and to maximise their safety. For example, children can enjoy floor activities and quiet time in the lounge and table activities in the kitchen.

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Organisation

Children benefit from having good levels of adult support which promotes their decision making. For example, children happily asked to play with cars and worked alongside each other as they played with construction blocks.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good awareness of making sure parents are clear about how their child will be looked after. This is achieved through discussion and by working through her contracts with them when they visit. Children's needs are met well because all required records are in place to ensure this.

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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 The childminder has a current first aid certificate and has attended training in caring for children aged under five years and an outreach course. This demonstrates her commitment to providing a quality service to children. 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 keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children. This is now in place so children's health is maintained.

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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 permission for children to be transported in a vehicle.

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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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