Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306068 Inspection date 07 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her 3 children aged 8, 17 and 18 years in Leicester. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a full-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the library and toy library, to the park and on outings. The childminder has two pet dogs, one cat, one rabbit and two guinea-pigs.

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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 good. Children learn about good hygiene by participating in routines which help them to develop independence in their personal care. They know they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. During outings they use hand cleaning gel to protect themselves and others from germs. They understand the needs of their body and access drinks throughout the day. Children understand the benefits of healthy eating because they participate in cooking activities. For example, preparing salad for meals. Dietary needs are effectively met. For example, alternative food is offered to children who do not eat pork or like certain vegetables. Children understand good table manners because mealtimes are used as social occasions to learn about this. The childminder is very mindful of protecting children from infectious illnesses. Consequently, clear procedures are implemented well to ensure this does not

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Helping children to be healthy

happen. Following accidents children receive good care because the childminder is qualified in first aid and equipment is immediately available. Physical development is enhanced by daily walks and regular opportunities to participate in active outdoor play at the park. Games, for example leaf catching ensure children run around and have fun. Younger children receive good opportunities to develop their balance and coordination by attending 'Tumble Tot' sessions. Consequently, all children enjoy and benefit from exercise. Within the home a variety of activities, for example cooking, craft activities and construction sets help children to develop finer physical skills and hand-eye coordination. Children sleep and rest according to their individual needs and routines. Therefore, their emotional well-being is good.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Regular risk assessment of the premises means children are cared for in a safe environment. Consequently, they can move safely and independently around most of the premises. Stairs are made inaccessible to babies by a gate. However, the openings between the banister rails present a potential trap risk to young children. Children clearly understand rules which keep them safe. They are aware not to enter the kitchen during cooking. A gate is installed at all times to protect young children. The emergency evacuation procedure is practised and discussions used effectively to develop children's understanding of this. Children independently access a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources which comply with safety regulations and are regularly checked by the childminder. The childminder is very aware of protecting children from adults who may pose a threat to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Therefore, supervision is maintained at all times.. Children's safety is a priority outside the home and maintained well because the childminder effectively implements clear procedures. Children are constantly supervised and know how to keep themselves safe when away from the home. For example, they learn about road safety and stranger danger. Consequently, they are

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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 able to explore the environment safely, which encourages independence and confidence. Children's welfare is effectively protected as the childminder has a very secure understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and a clear understanding of local child protection reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enjoying themselves and making good progress in learning and play because they actively engage in a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences. For example, they enjoy imaginative and construction play, share books and participate in craft and cooking activities, independently accessing appealing and stimulating resources support this. Therefore, they are confident to make choices. The childminder dedicates quality time to playing with children. Consequently, they are happy, secure and settled in the setting. By extending care and play outside the home, for example by attending toddler groups, children receive good opportunities to interact with other children and have well developed emotional and social skills. Children are confident in the care of the childminder and display good behaviour. They persevere in solving problems and have time to consolidate what they already

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

know. Consequently, this provides a sound base for them to learn and develop new skills. This is effectively supported by the childminder who provides a good range of activities and resources to challenge children's learning. For example, different types of construction equipment and jigsaws help children to develop spatial awareness, challenge their thinking and imagination. Children's language is enhanced by support and encouragement from the childminder who introduces new words and uses sensitive discussion to develop this further. Children's individual needs are fully met because the childminder spends time building positive relationships with children and parents. Consequently, she knows the children well and routines are flexible to take account of their care needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and fully included in the setting as the childminder provides equal opportunities for them to participate in all activities and experiences. Children have their own coat pegs and towels. Therefore, they develop a good sense of belonging. Older children help to undertake daily routines. For example, putting clean towels on children's pegs. Consequently, they develop responsibility and independence. Children have good opportunities to interact with others and learn about differences in the local community. They discuss people who are different to themselves, for example disabled people. The childminder provides a wide range of activities to celebrate events throughout the year. Therefore, this promotes children's understanding of diversity and the needs of others around them. A good range of resources and positive images effectively support this within the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show good behaviour because they are actively involved in making and

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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 adapting rules. They receive cuddles and are treated with respect and kindness. Therefore, they treat others in the same way. Consequently, children are confident and make independent decisions about their play and personal needs. Partnership with parents and carers is good because the childminder clearly understands the importance of developing this to ensure continuity of care. Parents receive comprehensive information at induction and contracts are in place to ensure all parties understand the service provided. Children's individual needs are identified and effectively met because the childminder has developed effective two-way communication to ensure all parties are mutually well informed at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's individual care is enhanced because the childminder has a clear understanding of child development by completing a range of appropriate training. She is currently undertaking further training to develop the service she provides. Children feel at ease and have space and time for active play, activities and relaxation in the well organised environment. They actively participate in a good range of planned activities and are confident to extend these and initiate their own play. Independently accessing toys and resources support this. Effective partnerships with parents ensures children's current care and developmental needs are met. Parents are kept well-informed of their children's day and achievements and have daily opportunities to discuss these. Detailed information about the children can be accessed easily because documentation is well organised and clearly presented. However, there is no consent to transport children in a vehicle.

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Organisation

Children's welfare and play are promoted effectively by individual care and clear procedures which underpin the care they receive. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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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

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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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 consent to transport children is in place • ensure that the stair banister rails are safe for 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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