Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225749 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Susan Andrews

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1996. She lives with her husband and 3 children, an adult son, a daughter aged 15 years and a son aged 11 years on the outskirts of a town close to a large city. The whole ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house is used for childcare purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Schools, parks, shops and places of interest are within easy walking or driving distance. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from fresh air and physical exercise when playing out of doors in the garden or on outings and trips to local parks and places of interest. They run, jump, balance and play freely in safe areas and they also walk to the local schools, shops and parent and toddler groups, and visit friends and family. Children develop their fine muscle skills and hand to eye coordination when using crayons and pencils to draw and when using small world toys, puzzles, construction toys and arts and crafts materials. Children are cared for in a comfortable and clean home where most hygiene arrangements are made to help maintain their health. Suitable measures are in place to ensure children's hygiene is promoted as part of daily routines, for example, washing their hands after using the toilet, wiping noses and after playing outside. However the risk of cross infection is not minimised, as minded children currently

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Helping children to be healthy

share the same towels as each other and family members. Younger children's usual sleep patterns are taken into account when the childminder arranges her daily routines so enabling them to rest and sleep when they are tired, according to their needs. Appropriate arrangements are made for nappy changing and the disposal of soiled nappies. Careful attention is paid by the childminder, to ensure the food storage and preparation areas are kept clean. Good food hygiene practices are implemented and antibacterial sprays are used. Children have varied, well balanced meals and snacks that contain plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, so helping children develop healthy eating habits. Children have free access to drinking water, juice, squash and milk and they are encouraged to recognise when they are thirsty and to take more drinks during hot weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move independently around the home and in the rear garden, always within the sight or hearing of the childminder. The designated areas used by the children, provide adequate space for them to play, rest and eat. Children readily access a satisfactory selection of clean, safe resources and play materials which are suitable for their ages and interests. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates an awareness of safety issues and has taken measures to minimise risks both inside and outside the home. This allows children to explore their environment in relative

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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 safety. For example hazardous substances such as bleach and sharp implements such as kitchen knives are inaccessible or kept out of reach and there are no poisonous plants in the house or garden. However there is a risk to children who can access the banisters on the landing area and fire safety issues have not been fully developed as the emergency escape plan has not been revised and practised. The childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection issues and recognises the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. She is aware of her responsibility to act on any concerns, however, she lacks clarity regarding the required reporting procedures and therefore children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop their relationship with both adults and children in the calm and affectionate family environment, with the older children having sensitive regard for the little ones. Children settle well and warm relationships are in place between the childminder and the children, which makes children feel confident, secure and at ease. Children's daily activities are informally organised with regard to children's usual care routines, such as preferred sleep times. Children have easy access to a range of activities and play opportunities that are varied and flexible, however the childminder is not yet familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Although she responds to children's play needs, she has not taken any specific steps to assess their current level of development. This means that children's next stages are not planned for, or their learning needs fully evaluated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to visitors as well as each other and familiar adults, for example, children are confident to show adults their achievements when playing using floor toys and puzzles. Children receive praise, encouragement and affection from the childminder as they play together, exchanging lively conversation. Children also develop their skills and explore toys and activities independently so helping to develop their imagination and build their confidence and self-esteem. They spend time playing indoors and outdoors, they share and take turns with their toys, they have fun and are learning to work co-operatively with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder understands children's individual needs in respect to culture, gender and differing abilities, need to be taken into account to ensure their care is effective and appropriate. Children have access to resources that reflect positive images. For example, multicultural play figures, jigsaws, books and cooking pots for imaginative play. Children's differences and similarities are valued so that ctheir self-esteem and sense of identity is encouraged, for example, non-stereotypical gender play experiences are provided in activities and dialogue is encouraged to extend

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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 children's knowledge of where they fit into their families and community. Children's individual and special needs are discussed with parents prior to placement. The childminder recognises the importance of respecting parents' wishes and exchanges information informally with parents on a daily basis which promotes continuity of care for the children. The childminder has limited experience of providing care for children with special needs, however she understands the need to foster good liaisons with parents and other professionals and to ensure privacy and dignity with respect to personal and intimate care. The childminder's calm and affectionate approached helps children feel relaxed and settled. Children behave well and their behaviour is managed consistently and takes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

into account children's ages and stages of development. Children are positively encouraged to take turns, share their toys and make independent choices regarding their play activities, and play harmoniously with others. Children are offered lots of praise and encouragement and there are sensible house rules so that they know what is expected of them. Children say please and thank you and understand how their behaviour might affect others, for example, older children moving quietly and gently when near a sleeping toddler. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is gathered from parents regarding children's individual care, and opportunities are taken to exchange information on a regular basis. Children therefore benefit from this consistency of care, for example, maintaining similar routines, ensuring children's dietary preferences and allergies are addressed. They feel secure and parents develop

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confidence and trust in the childminder and in the service that is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder keeps a range of documentation that is maintained and stored securely for the appropriate length of time and is aware of the need to inform Ofsted of any significant changes or events. However, the childminder currently does not display her registration certificate during the hours that she provides care for minded children. Children are content, secure and cared for in a comfortable and welcoming environment which helps them to develop settled relationships and interest in their activities. The childminder organises the space and her time to ensure the children engage in a range of activities both indoors and outdoors. These are varied and flexible and take into account children's ages and stages of development so that children are able to move around freely and receive the care and supervision that they need. Children's care and individual routines are supported by the childminder's range of

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Organisation

practice issues and documentation. These are shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of the policies and procedures that she has in place, so that children receive continuity of care and their welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has attended the required post registration and first aid courses.

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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 receive satisfactory care, the childminder provides a reliable service to the parents and the children, which is based on her sensitive and caring approach. The childminder has a clear understanding of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards and takes seriously her childminding responsibilities so that the care and welfare of children is promoted. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to inform parents of the complaints procedure which includes the name, telephone number and the address of the regulator. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to inform parents that should they have any unresolved complaints, these can be directed to Ofsted as the regulator, and the address and telephone number is provided.

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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 that the banister on the landing is made safe or inaccessible to minded children • improve fire safety by revising and practising the emergency evacuation plan • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures • continue to develop the planning of activities and play opportunities to meet the needs of the children, for example, through the use of 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 • ensure the Registration Certificate is displayed, at all times, when care is provided for minded children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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