Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347864 Unique Reference Number 07 August 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 two children aged six years and two years in Leicester. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and currently has seven children on roll. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends carer and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because they have routines for practices such as hand washing, they also understand the need for this as the childminder talks to them about germs. Children use a clean towel daily and liquid soap or wipes which prevents cross-contamination well. Clear written procedures for looking after sick children ensures that the health of all

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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 children is maintained and this is shared with parents when they visit. However, parental consent has not been obtained for emergency medical treatment which may lead to delays in children's needs being met. Young children have their needs for rest and sleep supported because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that appropriate routines are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a good range of activities which promote their health and development. For example, a good range of resources include a play house, trampoline, ride-on toys and a seesaw. Frequent trips to the park provide children with opportunities to use equipment which promotes their growing physical skills, such as swings and a climbing frame.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides a well- balanced range of meals and snacks for them. These include fruit and biscuits with drinks of water, milk or low sugar juices. Activities such as baking and shopping are also used effectively to promote the children's awareness of healthy options because the childminder talks to them about why this is important. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents 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. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is vigilant about reducing risks both inside and outside the house and a written risk assessment is in place to support this. Effective measures are in place to keep children safe from fires, these include a fire blanket and smoke detectors. However, an emergency escape plan has not been practised which means children's safety may not be promoted as effectively as possible. Children are encouraged to effectively think about keeping themselves safe when they are out by discussions about road safety and they wear badges or wristbands with a contact number in case they become separated. Children are always within sight or sound of the childminder when they are in the kitchen or garden so their safety is promoted and safe rules, such as not climbing on furniture, also ensures they are protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are looked after in a warm and clean environment where they are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promote both play and learning. Resources are purchased new so they are compliant with safety standards and a regular cleaning schedule ensures their safety and cleanliness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound awareness of keeping children safe from harm and has undertaken child protection training. A statement, which is shared with parents, states that safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. The childminder is clear about reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities to promote children's safety.

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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 to effectively plan activities which help the children to progress their learning. She also sets goals and achievements for them, which are agreed with parents, so she can make sure children move forward in their learning. The childminder likes to have a structure to the day and plans a good range of activities such as arts and crafts, dressing up, baking, jigsaws and music. Older children can make choices about their activities from a good range which includes making stickers, using the computer,

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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 completing homework or relaxing. The childminder also understands the importance of being flexible so she can respond to children's interests, for example, during the holidays there are many trips out so children experience a range of activities, such as Thomas World. Other trips involve the library, shops and walks so they have opportunities to learn about the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of activities which promote their awareness of numbers and letters. For example, they become familiar with words because books are available. Routine activities are also used effectively to promote children's awareness of numbers, for example, as they count bowls or house numbers, and some television programmes are used to support children's learning in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are skilful communicators and the childminder uses lots of praise to encourage and support language development with young children, they also attend carer and toddler groups where they can socialise with others. The childminder talks to children constantly and asks them questions, for example, 'what noise does a musical instrument make?' so they learn to think about what they are doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works with them to promote their understanding. This is achieved as they learn about other festivals and the multicultural world. Children's individual needs are acknowledged well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure this. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive an individual service because the childminder has a good awareness of promoting inclusion and making sure all children can join in with all activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is effectively managed because the childminder deals with children according to their individual needs. Therefore, younger children are distracted whilst older children receive explanations about why certain behaviour is unacceptable so they learn to be responsible for their own actions. The childminder uses simple house rules, for example caring for and looking out for each other, so children understand what is expected of them. Parents are aware how behaviour is managed because the childminder discusses this with them and they also receive a written statement in the welcome pack. The childminder ensures that she uses lots of praise so children know their good behaviour has been acknowledged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a daily diary which contains detailed information about their day and they also take home work they have completed. This gives parents a good awareness of their child's progress and what they have enjoyed. The childminder takes all relevant details about children at admission so she can provide an appropriate and individual service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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 is used for quiet time and floor play whilst the dining area is used for table activities. This allows children the opportunity to explore the environment as they move between the areas. Young children receive good levels of adult support due to their attendance patterns and the childminder ensures their safety is well promoted because they are never left with anyone who has not been vetted.

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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 Children's welfare, learning and care are well-promoted by the use of a range of policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit. The childminder also works through contracts with them so they are clear how their child will be cared for. Most required records are in place to ensure children's needs are well met.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken training which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. These include the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, a first aid course, child protection, food safety and Open the Box. 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): • ensure that written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that an emergency escape plan is practised.

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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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