Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347487 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2008 Inspection date Claire Jenner 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 2007. She lives with her daughter aged six years in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire. All areas of the home are used for childminding, with a playroom and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, warm and comfortable family home. They keep healthy as the childminder takes steps to minimise the spread of infection. For example, children have access to individual hand towels and the changing mat is cleaned with disinfectant after each use. The childminder takes appropriate measures when children are unwell to ensure the health

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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 of all the children is maintained because they are excluded from the provision with most infectious illnesses. The childminder generally maintains appropriate procedures and documents to promote children's welfare and parents countersign any entries in the accident book. However, accident records do not contain sufficient detail to ensure children's health is fully promoted. Suitable arrangements are in place to deal with any minor accidents because first aid supplies are accessible. However, the childminder does not currently seek written parental permission to obtain emergency medical treatment in the event of any more serious incident. This potentially compromises her ability to act in children's best interests in such circumstances.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthy meals and snacks, such as a choice of fresh fruits, cheese, breadsticks and dips. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children receive a balanced diet and that their individual needs are met. They work together to encourage children to try new tastes and textures. For example, with agreement from parents the childminder introduces fruit smoothies to the children and trips to the local shops to select new foods that they would like to try. Children's social skills are promoted as they sit together at the table at mealtimes. Children have access to drinks throughout the day ensuring they do not become thirsty and remain hydrated, especially when playing outside on hot, sunny days.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy daily walks to and from school and frequently visit the local park where they are able to use the static equipment to develop their physical skills, such as climbing. In addition to this children have good access to a selection of toys and resources in the garden such as, sit and ride toys, footballs and a slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they feel secure and confident. They move freely between accessible areas of the home, for example, when they chose between drawing in the play room, relaxing in the lounge or playing outside in the garden. The childminder ensures that all activities, both indoors and outdoors, are well supervised so that the children are safe and always within her sight and hearing. A varied range of toys, resources and equipment are accessibly stored in boxes and shelves in the play room. This enables children to make some independent choices of what they wish to engage in, which encourages their confidence and decision making. Children are able to play safely with the toys because they are of sound quality and are checked regularly by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands the importance of safety issues and implements effective procedures and vigilant practices so that risks of accidental injury to children are minimised. For example, Dangerous substances such as medicines, cleaning materials and sharp knives are kept out of reach in secure cupboards and children's access to the stairs is protected. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe as when out walking and crossing the road the childminder talks to them about road safety and follows developmentally appropriate routines. Children are protected from the risk of fire as safety procedures have been considered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder shows a clear awareness of child protection issues and procedures and is secure in reporting these to the appropriate authorities. She is aware of the need to inform parents of her duty to protect children and maintain appropriate records.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house and they enjoy their time with her. They are happy and eager to participate in the range of activities and learning opportunities available to them. Younger children take pleasure in looking at books, using cause and effect toys and playing outside. The childminder talks to children and involves herself in their play. She asks questions to clarify and extend their thinking and encourages them to share their experiences. For example, children talk about their recent holidays as they sit and draw together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a balance of adult-led and child-initiated opportunities, including activities within and outside of the home. For example, picnics at the park, visiting local community groups or art and craft at home. Activities in the home are changed regularly to provide continuing interest and stimulation and children choose from a range of play materials so helping to develop initiative and independence. They are developing confidence and self-esteem through forming positive relationships with each other and the childminder. Older children are able to make independent choices about play, they select from a variety of good quality, age-appropriate resources and choose activities that best suit their moods and energy levels after school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and welcomed into the childminder's home. Their achievements are encouraged and praised so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced. Children begin to learn about their local community as they visit the local park and attend toddler groups. They have access to some resources, such as books, reflecting cultural diversity. However, at present activities and experiences are not consistently well planned to help children extend their understanding of their own and the wider community or to recognise and respect individual differences. This inhibits their understanding of others. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities would receive an appropriate service which encourages them to be involved in all activities so that they feel a good sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Their understanding of right and wrong is developing as they respond to praise, distraction and gentle reminders to care for themselves and each other. The use of sensible house rules, for example, one at a time on the trampoline, means children develop a suitable awareness of the boundaries within which they are expected to work. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder discusses and maintains clear written information for each child. She recognises and values the importance of providing parents with a good range of information and provides them with access to a range of policies, practices and procedures, regarding all aspects of their partnership. Information is exchanged with parents through daily conversations and they are warmly welcomed into her home. This develops confidence and trust in the childminder and the care that is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy, calm and settled within the childminder's home and routines which includes the effective organisation of space, time and activities. As a result, children are stimulated and busy, engaging in a variety of planned and spontaneous activities both within and outside of the home. Daily registers are up-to-date and clearly show children's names and hours of

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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 attendance. Consequently, they demonstrate that required adult:child ratios are met and children receive sufficient supervision and attention.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, learning and care are appropriately fostered because the childminder keeps most required records and documentation. Parents have a good awareness of how their child is looked after because the childminder provides clear policies and procedures which are shared with them when they visit. The childminder has completed the necessary training to become registered as a childminder, which ensures she has appropriate skills to effectively meet the needs of the children in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • review procedures for recording any accidents to children and ensure all necessary information is consistently maintained • improve arrangements to promote children's health with particular regard to seeking parental written consent to obtain emergency medical treatment and advice • provide activities and develop the use of play materials that reflect diversity • ensure all necessary records and documentation are available for inspection at all times.

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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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