Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364620 Unique Reference Number 20 May 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 2007. She lives with her husband and child aged two years in the village of Sileby in Leicestershire. Children have access to all of the ground floor, except for the dining room, they also have access to the first floor which comprises a playroom, bathroom and lounge, there is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family pets are two dogs, a cat and guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for five children and currently has two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a carer and toddler group on a regular basis and 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 hygiene practices prevent infection. For example, children routinely wash their hands and use liquid soap and a clean towel daily to minimise cross-contamination. The

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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 childminder also talks to them about the reasons for good hygiene so they learn to maintain their own health. Clear written procedures for looking after sick children are shared with parents and an exclusion period of 24 hours for contagious illnesses means a healthy environment is promoted. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that babies routines for sleep and rest are maintained so they settle well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be outdoors and have regular access to the park where large equipment such as swings and climbing frames present them with a good range of challenges. The childminder also has a good variety of equipment which includes a climbing cube, tents and tunnels, a sand pit and bikes and scooters. Children also enjoy singing and dancing so they have exercise throughout the year.

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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 practical activities, such as shopping and cooking. The childminder also has an allotment and children have grown seeds and will eat food they have grown so they understand how food is made healthy. The childminder offers drinks of water and sugar free juice to promote children's health and snacks include fruit and raw vegetables. All meals served are home cooked and nutritious and children's dietary needs are taken at admission to ensure their health is actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has organised her home well to ensure that children are always within sight or sound of her, this means they are always supervised in the kitchen and garden. A good range of measures are also in place to keep children safe, for example, socket covers and a stair gate to the top and bottom of the stairs. Children have easy access to a very good range of resources which are attractively displayed and promote both play and learning. For younger children these are rotated so a good variety is always available. The childminder ensures all resources are safe for children's use by regular cleaning and checking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a written emergency escape plan which has been practised with children, smoke detectors which are wired into the mains and a fire blanket also ensure children are well protected from the risks of fire. Children are encouraged to think about their safety when they are out because the childminder discusses road safety and stranger danger with them, they also wear wrist straps with contact details and carry an identity card so their safety is well promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised a written statement about child protection which states that the safety of children is paramount. This is shared with parents at admission so that they know how their child will be protected. The childminder has a good awareness of signs of abuse and knows who to contact to ensure children are always kept safe.

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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 effectively to provide a range of activities for children. A recommendation has been raised for the childminder to continue to build on her existing good practice within the framework. Children also have a good balance between activities and quiet times with lots of free-play to promote their learning. They also enjoy a varied range of activities which includes art and craft

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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 work, baking, gardening and small world play. Children have many opportunities to enjoy play with natural objects, such as shredded paper or jelly, which increases their experiences of texture and the natural world. The childminder also builds flexibility into the day so children can bring toys from their home or choose new ones from the toy library. Children enjoy a range of trips which promotes their awareness of the wider world appropriately. For example, they attend a carer and toddler group, visit the library and museum and enjoy trips to the shops. The childminder also ensures that children can experience other activities, such as a trip to the zoo.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children can make choices about their activities from a range which includes a watching television, using a computer or completing homework. Younger children have their awareness of numbers and letters well promoted as the childminder builds these into everyday routines. For example, each week has a theme, such as a number or colour, and these are promoted throughout all activities. The childminder has a very good range of books and uses these well to promote children's learning. For example, a book about an inspection had been read to children so they understood the purpose of the visit and were at ease.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident communicators because the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them and involving them in activities. She is also aware of the importance of listening to children so they know what they say is valued. Good levels of interaction ensure that children are happy and skilful questioning prompts them to think about what they are doing, for example, as they look through books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder takes all relevant information about them at admission. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress as the childminder is always available to talk with and a daily diary is sent home which details such things as food eaten and activities. A written policy about working in partnership with parents underlines the childminder's commitment to this and requests that parents keep her informed of children's changing needs. Parents have also had the opportunity to comment on the service as they have completed a questionnaire.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are made aware of the childminder's expectations of their behaviour, such as being kind to others, because these are displayed on the door to the playroom. This helps children learn to effectively regulate their own behaviour. Good behaviour is encouraged through praise and use of a reward chart so children know their efforts have been acknowledged. A written policy regarding behaviour management is shared with parents at admission. Children are involved in routines, such as setting and clearing the table, so they feel they have made a positive contribution to the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are welcome at the home and the childminder has a clear understanding about their individual needs because she works closely with parents. Children are encouraged to view differences positively because the childminder uses resources, such as books and dolls, to ensure they gain an awareness of the wider world. A range of festivals are also acknowledged and children eat food from around the world so they understand and learn to respect differences. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an individual service because the childminder has a good awareness of promoting inclusion by adapting activities and providing appropriate resources.

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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 good. Children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively by the use of clear written policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit. Parents also receive a portfolio containing the National Standards with a statement about how the childminder intends to meet these. A written commitment also states that the childminder guarantees to provide a warm, safe and stimulating environment and provide resources and opportunities to enable all children to reach their full potential. All required records are in place to ensure that children's needs are met effectively and their safety is well promoted as they are never left with people who have not been cleared.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of adult support which promotes their confidence. This means they can make selections from a good range of resources and enjoy time with the childminder engaging in activities, such as using a small world kitchen. Children enjoy a range of activities in a well-organised home that is designed to provide opportunities for play and learning. For example, the lounge area is used for quiet time, messy activities take place in the kitchen and children enjoy using a designated playroom.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken a variety of training which includes the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, a first aid course and fire extinguisher training. She also has qualifications in family and community care and health and social 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 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): • continue to build on existing good practice in the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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 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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