Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY136712 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Kate Bryan

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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 registered since 2001 and lives with her partner and two children aged five months and five years. They live in Quorn with shops and parks within walking distance. Children have access to the hall, kitchen, dining room, lounge, four bedrooms and family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for four children and currently has four children on roll. She also looks after five children aged over eight years.

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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 The childminder attends various local groups with children and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well maintained because the childminder has effective measures in place to promote this. They are cared for in a warm, clean environment where effective hygiene practices and discussion prevent cross infection and maintain health. Children are well aware of routines such as hand washing after using the toilet and before meals which help them to maintain their own health. Clear written procedures are in place for looking after sick children and these are discussed at admission with parents so that they know how their child's health will be fostered. If a child becomes ill whilst being cared for the childminder makes them comfortable and contacts their parents to collect them so that their health is well maintained. Clear exclusion periods for infectious diseases also ensures that children are well protected from cross contamination and they are kept well. Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and enjoy frequent trips to parks

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Helping children to be healthy

where they use large equipment which promotes confidence in their growing abilities. They develop a good range of physical skills because the childminder ensures they have access to a good range of resources and opportunities. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are met well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their routines for sleeping and eating are in place to support their emotional well-being. Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating as fruit and drinks are always available. Clear written procedures are in place about the childminder's intention to deliver a healthy, wholesome diet and fresh food is provided daily to promote children's physical well-being. Children are encouraged to think about healthy choices by discussion about, for example, foods that promote health, such as fruit and vegetables. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they

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Helping children to be healthy

are well protected from allergies and their health actively fostered. Effective policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children's well-being, however, there is no parental consent for emergency medical treatment which may affect measures to keep children healthy. The childminder has a current first aid qualification which enhances existing measures in place to promote children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in a well organised home where the childminder can effectively supervise them. They can move around with confidence whilst also being in sight or sound of the childminder. Older children routinely ask to leave the room to use the

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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 toilet so that the childminder knows where they are. The childminder is very vigilant about reducing risks both inside and outside the home so that children are protected. They are supervised in the garden and the kitchen and are encouraged to be aware of their own safety by discussion. They are also well protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and an emergency escape plan has been practised with them. Outside the home safety is effectively promoted, by discussion and practice, of issues such as the Green Cross Code and stranger danger. The childminder ensures that all equipment is clean and complies with safety standards to ensure that the children's safety is well promoted. Children make their own selection of resources from a wide range that is easily accessible and promotes

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

both play and learning. This encourages them to make their own decisions about their activities and promotes self-assurance. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures and is aware of different signs of abuse. Children's safety and welfare are effectively promoted as the childminder knows who to contact for advice and support.

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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 well to effectively encourage the children to make meaningful connections. Children receive clear explanations about what they are doing, for example, a child was instructed in how to set up a game, so that he was able to put into place all the elements to make the game successful. Children who attend after school have many opportunities to play with age-appropriate equipment, such as a computer and small pool table, to ensure their needs for play and learning are met. Children are skilful communicators and the childminder constantly engages with them, using good questioning skills to encourage them to think. This was demonstrated when a child was happily involved in helping fill a shoebox with items for deprived children and was asked questions about the contents. The child used listening skills confidently and was able to respond appropriately to questions for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which he received lots of praise. Children are confident that the childminder will respond to them and they happily draw her attention to their activities, asking her to join in games, such as Busy Bees, with them. Children have a good balance to their day as they have access to a wide range of activities both indoors and outside. Good levels of adult support also ensures that they are able to initiate their own activities and learn through play. Children can develop their creative and imaginative skills in activities such as craft work. A child proudly showed off his drawing and was pleased with the praise he received which made him feel valued and acknowledged.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have devised a clear written set of house rules, such as, no name calling or fighting, which helps them to develop their own good behaviour. Children behave well and use good manners appropriately for which they receive lots of praise. This fosters their self-assurance and confidence well. Children's behaviour is effectively managed by the use of strategies such as distraction and 'time out' which allows them to reflect upon their actions and the consequences of these. Children's needs are well met as the childminder works closely with parents to promote their individual daily routines, times for sleep and rest are followed so that children feel secure and a good sense of belonging. Children proudly take home work so that parents can share in their achievements which promotes confidence and self-assurance. Younger children have a daily diary which the childminder completes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to ensure that parents are aware of their child's progress. All children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works effectively to promote their understanding. Children enjoy many trips into the local community so that they gain a good awareness of the wider world, they also celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year. This ensures they have a growing awareness of other cultures and learn to respect each other. Boys and girls have equal access to a good range of resources and opportunities so that they develop confidence and self-assurance. All children are included in activities and are encouraged to feel involved in the home by helping with tasks, such as tidying away, that foster a good sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy a range of activities at the home and receive good levels of adult support which encourages them to initiate their own activities and explore their environment. They feel secure and relaxed in an environment that is well organised to promote a range of experiences for play and learning. The childminder has organised the home so that children are always within sight or sound of her in order that their safety is well promoted and maintained. Children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively by the use of clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents. This ensures they are well aware of their child's activities and the service which contributes to continuity in the care of the children. The childminder has completed an Introduction to Childminding Practice course, a Developing Childminding Practice course and an Extending Childminding Practice course which demonstrates her commitment to providing a

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Organisation

quality service to children. 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 inspection the provider agreed to develop resources to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensure that hazards to young children are minimised when presenting activities containing small pieces and ensure that space and resources are used to meet the needs of all children. Resources have been developed so that children have access to positive images of race, culture and disability, resources and space now meet the needs of all children and children are kept safe by effective supervision. The provider also agreed to ensure that Ofsted is notified of any significant events and changes and to obtain written parental consent for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. Ofsted are notified of significant changes which complies with regulations but the provider still requires parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • obtain written parental consent for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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