Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225349 Inspection date 16 September 2005 Inspector Mark Evans

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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 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 has been a childminder since 1995. She lives with her 10-year-old son in a house in a residential area of the town of Loughborough. Minded children have use of the whole of the ground floor, including the open-plan sitting room, kitchen/diner and toilet/wash room. There is an enclosed rear garden for children's physical play and activities. The family has no pets. The childminder is registered for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and currently has 6 part-time children under 8 years of age on roll. The childminder holds a level three child care qualification. She makes use of local facilities including a toy

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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 library and a parent/toddler group and takes and collects children from nearby schools and playgroups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they use appropriate practices for personal care, for example, they wash their hands after toileting to reduce cross-contamination. Children's health and well-being is supported by the childminder's knowledge of first aid and the arrangements to exchange information with parents for any accidents. There are records for the administration of medicines, however, written parental consent is not obtained prior to medication being given. Outdoor play and visits to parks help children to develop control of their bodies. Children regularly use large play equipment that encourage use of their physical skills. Choice of outdoor play gives children a sense of freedom and they benefit from the regular exercise and fresh air. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and of the foods that contribute towards this. Meals are balanced and nutritious and children have healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

options for snacks, for example, fruit. They have good access to drinks throughout the day ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable. The childminder gains information on any special dietary needs and preferences to ensure that the children have appropriate foods, which are in accordance with the parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are very well supervised and cared for within a safe environment, with the childminder minimising most risks both inside and outside of the home. This gives children a suitable environment to explore and play safely. Children can make choices of where to play, whether indoors or outdoors. The childminder helps them to have awareness of safety, for example, through involvement in emergency evacuation practises. Children independently select activities from a good range of toys and resources that are suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of the equipment, keeping it safe for children's use. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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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 Children are secure and very well settled with the childminder. They become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children spend their time purposefully. They engage in a range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as role play, art and crafts and cooking. Children enjoy sensory experiences through use of natural materials, for example, play-dough, sand and water. Their social development is helped by contact with other children and play that encourages sharing and cooperation. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help with provision for the play and development of younger children. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who shows interest in what they say and do. The childminder asks questions to encourage

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's language and learning and their play is supported by her involvement in some of the activities. Children demonstrate a sense of security with the childminder, being confident to play alone, but also to seek close interaction. They talk to the childminder about home life and discuss matters that are significant to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's knowledge and attitudes of the wider community is further developed by access to play resources and books that include positive images of diversity. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well. They have good levels of continuity of care aided by very effective systems for exchanging daily information with the parents. Children follow their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents. They experience stable and consistent care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement for business and care aspects. Children behave very well, with praise and encouragement expressed by the childminder to promote their confidence and self-esteem. They have cooperative attitudes and understand the need to share and play harmoniously. Children learn about their community as they visit local places of interest, for example, the library,

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children experience individual attention and a sense of security, with the childminder maintaining very good adult to child ratios. The childminder effectively uses records, written policies and procedures to promote the welfare and care of children. Children's continuity of care is secured through regular sharing of information with parents. They benefit from the childminder's developing knowledge and practice through relevant training, for example, 'Birth to three matters' and behaviour management. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder was required to complete an appropriate first aid course; check contents of first aid box and make sure that the premises are secure. She has completed a first aid course and has a fully stocked first aid box to safeguard children's welfare in the event of an accident and has fitted a securing mechanism to the top of the main entrance door to improve safety for children.

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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): • obtain written parental consent prior to any medication being administered to a child • ensure that any cleaning materials/hazardous items are inaccessible to the 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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