Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY218198 Inspection date 06 December 2005 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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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 outstanding. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and four years in Barlestone, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years and three part time children over five years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group. The family has a pet dog and a rabbit.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children receive excellent levels of care through effective routines diligently maintained by the childminder. Exceptional policies and procedures ensure a healthy environment is provided where thorough hygiene practices prevent the spread of infection. These are earnestly promoted to develop children's understanding. Children independently wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines. Written, decorated signs act as reminders to children to maintain their personal hygiene. Children remove their shoes as they enter the house and place them in the designated storage area as part of the good hygiene routine. Comprehensive documentation is completed with parents to accurately record children's individual health and dietary requirements. Clear procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as the childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

sound knowledge of first aid, available first aid equipment and clear recording systems. Children benefit from regular opportunities for physical activities and are developing physical skills using a range of indoor equipment. Regular outings to the local park promote age appropriate challenge and increase children's confidence as they gain control of their bodies as they play on park equipment. Organised walks within the rural locality encourages their physical well-being. Food is hygienically prepared and children enjoy the meals provided. Meticulous arrangements ensure the meals are suitable and children assist in compiling healthy menus and meal preparation. Children benefit from the childminders acute knowledge and awareness of food preparation and hygiene training. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks between meals including fresh fruit. Drinks including water and fresh fruit juice are readily accessible for children to have when they require. Very good arrangements

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure children and babies can rest and sleep peacefully.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from vigilant procedures including a systematic risk assessment and health and safety policy to provide a safe and secure environment. Effective security measures ensure they are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Appropriate safety equipment minimises any potential hazards within the home and effective organisation of equipment and play resources allow children to access these freely and safely to promote their independence and choice. Robust methods ensure that toys and resources are well maintained and suitable for the age of the children present. They learn about keeping themselves safe within the home through open discussions as they assist in the preparation of meals and snacks. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and vigilant arrangements for emergency evacuation, including regular fire drills equip children with the knowledge of what to do if the need

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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 arises. Excellent arrangements are established for outings including procedures to be followed in the event of a child becoming lost. Children learn to keep themselves safe on outings and have a very good knowledge of road safety which is promoted with regular discussions and supported with leaflets to increase their awareness. Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. She has established a clear written policy to ensure parents are fully informed of her responsibility to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. A substantial range of toys and play resources are readily accessible to children. Innovative planning provides them with exciting opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their natural curiosity. Excellent indoor and outdoor activities provide appropriate levels of challenge to build confidence and self-esteem. Children are highly motivated and make use of exciting and appealing activities to learn and extend their knowledge. Younger children gain skills with a range of activities to encourage their dexterity and curiosity and older children assist in planning activities such as making Christmas cards. Children show care and concern for each other. Sensitive interaction from the childminder increases children's awareness of the needs of others as they accept differing age and ability levels. Children have excellent communication skills and flourish in the caring, stimulating

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals. Children's overall development is significantly enhanced through the childminder's committed approach. She has a secure understanding of the Foundation Stage and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support and encourage children's overall development. They develop good social interaction and have warm relationships with known adults. They respond positively to the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Effective relationships with parents ensure the childminder knows the children very well. Children receive excellent care appropriate to their needs because meticulous arrangements ensure their individual needs are discussed and recorded. Systematic methods ensure both parties are fully informed, for example, through precise documentation and a comprehensive parents information pack. A clear and concise written policy works effectively in practice to promote equal opportunities for all children and reflects a strong commitment to the provision of quality care for all children. Children receive warm cuddles and affection and build trusting relationships with the childminder contributing to their sense of belonging. The childminder is fully aware of issues relating to the care of children with additional needs and has obtained a local directory of specialised services. Children make active decisions

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about their play, making choices which contribute to the development of their confidence and self-esteem. They gain awareness of the needs of others as they

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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 help each other and learn to share and take turns. They play confidently alone and socially and ask for appropriate help if required. Children are learning about the community in which they live as they engage in local walks and various outdoor activities. An excellent range of appropriate play resources provide opportunities for them to develop an awareness of other cultures, disability and the wider world in which they live. For example, toys reflect different aspects of culture and ability and children are developing sensitive attitudes towards disability and different backgrounds. A superb range of reference books enable children to extend their knowledge and understanding. Children's behaviour is exemplary. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. Older children are actively involved in establishing and maintaining the house rules.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. The childminder has high regard for the well being of children. Arrangements promote children's, health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised successfully and spontaneous and inspired activities provide children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children are stimulated and play effectively independently and with others. Children benefit from the childminder's unquestionable commitment to her role. Her professionalism and exemplary documentation describes the service she provides and is completed to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and successfully met. She maintains a high level of confidentiality with secure methods to record and store specific information.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to develop the range of resources to meet the developmental needs of children aged from five to eight years. the childminder has improved her resources with the provision of a range of creative materials, board games, construction toys, books and an appropriate range of computer software. Children benefit from the improved resources and creative work is attractively displayed within the home.

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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 complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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