Childminder in Luton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297747 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 6, 9,12, and 14 years old in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a basic range of energetic, physical activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are indoor and outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies. For example, they play inside the house with push along toys, move to nursery songs, ride on wheeled toys in the garden and regularly visit local parks which improves their physical skills. Children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. They learn about personal care, for example, a child combed his own hair with a brush. Children learn the importance of good hygiene, for example the same two-year old child washed his hands before eating his lunch, which reduced the risk of cross contamination. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder provides cooked meals and healthy snacks. The childminder takes account of the

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Helping children to be healthy

parents' wishes to ensure the children's individual dietary needs are being met. Children help themselves to drinking water throughout the day. Younger children are developing their independence by feeding themselves. Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder has most of the required documentation in place. For example, the childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate, so she can treat children's minor accidents. However, parents' written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is not in place, which can delay the child in receiving any emergency medical treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment, where risks are identified and minimised. For example, the kitchen’s low cupboards are kept safe and all electric sockets are covered with safety plugs, this means the children are able to explore and express themselves independently and safely. Younger children are learning how to keep themselves safe as the childminder explains to them the reasons why they should not do dangerous things. For example, children learn to put away toys and recognise this will help prevent accidents and they learn not to climb the furniture in case they hurt themselves. Children learn about the safe use of the road as the childminder talks to them about safety and points to hazards to raise children's awareness. However, children are not fully aware of fire safety, as they do not practise a fire drill. Children develop their independence as they choose from a range of suitable and well maintained toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's sound knowledge of child

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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 protection. She has a clear understanding of the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Younger children are developing their confidence and self-esteem as they have independent access to a range of play resources which are appropriate for their understanding and interests. For example, children play with a tea set, musical toys, push along toys and building blocks. The resources are suitable for younger children’s age and development. The childminder interacts appropriately with children to help develop their play. Children are generally developing their mathematical skills and language through their daily play. For example, they count building blocks when building a tower, tea cups, and read books with the childminder. The older children enjoy exploring an appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as listening and moving to music, painting, cooking and model making. Although younger children are interested in a suitable range of appropriate activities,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

these are not always sufficiently challenging to help children to take the next step. The childminder is aware of Birth to three matters framework but has not implemented it yet when planning activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern, as the childminder has a good understanding about equality issues. Their needs are met well as the childminder follows their normal daily home routine, as discussed with their parents. Children's feelings of security, consistency and belonging are fostered through childminder's professional relationships with the parents. The childminder has good systems in place to share information with parents on a daily basis. She also provides an information folder to parents which has comprehensive details about her polices and procedures. A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children’s well-being in the setting. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding about the wider world and the local community through activities and play resources which show positive images of gender, special needs and culture. Children behave very

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well at all times because they understand the childminder's clear behaviour guidance for good behaviour. Children’s understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders from the childminder to care for their environment and play resources .

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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 The children are relaxed and secure in a suitably organised environment. They are confident to initiate their own play and learning and receive appropriate help and support from the childminder. Their play areas are utilised well with ample floor space and accessible equipment. Policies and procedures are used appropriately to promote the welfare and care of children. The childminder take into account parents' wishes and the individual needs of the children so they feel safe and secure. Documents are shared with parents to keep them informed of the provision. The childminder exchange information with parents regularly about their child. This impacts directly on the continuity of the children's care and their well-being. The childminder operates a flexible service in order to fully support the parents and

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Organisation

children and meet their individual needs. For example a range of hours and times are available to suit each familie's life style. She provides cooked meals for children to take home. All paperwork is neatly kept in a confidential file. Overall, children's needs are met who attend the setting.

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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): • obtain parent's written permission for emergency medicine treatment • plan and provide activities to help children's development in line with the aspects and approach describe in the DfES publication 'Birth to Three Matters: a framework to support children in their earliest years • practise an emergency evacuation plan with children.

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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 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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