Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY316612 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2008 Inspection date Susan Andrews 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 2005. She lives with her husband in a Leicestershire village. The whole of the childminder's house, except for the main bedroom, is used for childcare purposes. The garden is not available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years and one child aged nine, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. However, there were no children present at the time of the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Schools, parks, shops and places of interest are within easy walking or travelling distance. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of maintaining children's good health. The home environment is very clean and tidy and the childminder maintains

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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 appropriate standards of hygiene, for example, through wiping and cleaning surfaces with antibacterial spray. She helps children to gain an understanding about the importance of good hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing before eating, after visiting the toilet and after they have stroked the dog, been out for a walk or to the park. The risk of cross-infection is further minimised, as the childminder provides the children with disposable towels. She explains her policy and obligations with regard to the care of sick children to parents at the time children are initially placed with her. She has undertaken recent first aid training, which enables her to positively respond should a child have an accident or become unwell whilst in her care. Accident records are maintained and documentation indicates that parents are

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Helping children to be healthy

informed of any accident to their child, however, these lack some detail regarding the nature of the injury, what first aid was applied and any follow-up checks that are made to monitor the children's change in condition. Parental written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to administer medication has been obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates, through discussion, that she has a sound understanding of how to support children's health through physical exercise and how to help them to understand the importance of being active. She describes regular opportunities that they have for physical exercise and fresh air. For example, children are able to walk to and from school and often go to the park, enabling them to run and jump and play freely, however, at present, the rear garden is not safe, therefore, it is unavailable for outdoor play. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates that she has a sound awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and encourages children to make healthy choices, providing snacks such as purée baby food, healthy cereals, dairy products and fruit. The childminder ensures that children remain well hydrated, as they always have access to fresh drinking water, milk and fruit juice and she encourages children to

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Helping children to be healthy

take additional fluids after physical exercise and during hot weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home environment is warm and welcoming. There is adequate heating and ventilation throughout the premises. Appropriate furnishings, toys and equipment are available. The childminder explains that children are cared for primarily on the ground floor of the home with access to the first floor bathroom. There is sufficient space available for children to move freely, eat, relax and play in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and play materials are suitable and are easily accessed and provide children with opportunities to make decisions and choices about what they want to play with. The childminder has taken positive action to ensure that most risks inside her home have been minimised so that children can be cared for and play safely. For example, children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, as external doors are kept locked with a key located close by for emergency evacuation purposes. Sharp knives, kitchen implements and household cleaning items are kept out of children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A suitable understanding is demonstrated of how to effectively promote safety in the home. Smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the home and the fire blanket is available in the kitchen. A fire evacuation procedure has been devised, however, it has not been practised. Therefore, children are not familiar with the procedures to be followed should a real emergency occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder protects the children in her care as she has a suitable working knowledge of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She is familiar with the signs and symptoms

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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 of abuse and has a copy of the 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' leaflet and a written child protection policy which she makes readily available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children's individual interests and needs are met. She has suitable knowledge of how individual children develop and learn. Therefore, she ensures the children are purposefully engaged in activities that are appropriate to the ages and stages of their development, so that children are well occupied and their development is enhanced.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She encourages children to select toys and games for themselves to enhance their choice and independence. She provides appropriate equipment, enabling children to be creative. For example, puzzles, crayons, cooking activities, play dough, jigsaws, and baby toys. However, a suitable range of dressing up clothes and role-play equipment is not available, therefore, children do not have these opportunities to develop their imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder indicates that children are developing a sense of responsibility by helping to tidy away their toys and they feel they belong to the local community, as they go out for walks and visits to the local shops or library. Children's language and communication skills are fostered through the use of books and lively conversation. The childminder is enthusiastic and consistent in her approach. She demonstrates that she listens to children and is interested in what they say and do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates that she has a suitable understanding of equal opportunities and the inclusion of all children. She has a written equal opportunities policy and feels confident to challenge discriminative language or behaviour. She understands that children learn about the world around them, through discussion or books, however, there is a lack of toys and activities that promote positive images of culture, gender and disability, consequently children's understanding of diversity is not fully promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates that a positive and effective behaviour management strategy is implemented. She talks about how, by being a good role model, she helps children to behave positively, for example, she always says 'please' and 'thank you' to the children and expects them to do the same in return. The childminder describes how there is an expectation that children follow simple house rules, such as being kind to each other, taking turns and sharing their toys and being well mannered. Where it is age appropriate, she encourages children to resolve issues for themselves and uses praise to boost their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses National Childminding Association documentation to support her childcare practice and to maintain positive working relationships with parents. The childminder describes how, through the effective use of parent contracts and daily conversations with parents, this helps to ensure continuity of care for the children. She shows, through discussion, a sound understanding of her duty regarding the managing and recording of any complaints and concerns should this be needed.

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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 satisfactory. Certificates of courses attended show that the childminder embraces training opportunities and is proactive in ensuring that, for example, her first aid training is up to date. The organisation of space suggests that children have the facility to freely move around the areas of the home designated for childcare purposes, meeting their own personal hygiene needs and choosing their toys and activities for themselves which supports their independence.

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Organisation

The storage and organisation of documentation demonstrates that the childminder is conscious of privacy and confidentiality. All of the required documentation is kept for the appropriate length of time and is made readily available for inspection. Relevant information, parent contracts and written permissions regarding children's individual care are in place, using National Childminding Association documentation. Suitable arrangements for the exchanging of information between parents and the childminder is well established. Overall, evidence suggests that children's needs are met.

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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 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): • ensure accident records contain sufficient detail regarding the injury, the first aid applied and any follow up checks that are made • promote fire safety by ensuring the emergency evacuation plan is practised • ensure play opportunities and resources are developed to promote children's imagination, for example, through role-play and dressing up activities

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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 • promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and provide toys and activities that promote positive images with regard to culture, gender and disability.

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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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