Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 226733 Inspection date 15 December 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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Leicester. The whole of the ground floor and the main bedroom and bathroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children whose home language is not English. She is a member of the National Childminding

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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 Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm environment where they actively participate in routines which contribute to their understanding of good health and personal hygiene. For example, they know they need to wash their hands, wipe their nose and cover their mouths when they cough to minimise the risk of germs spreading. They are encouraged to develop independent personal skills. The childminder offers help when needed. Children are well protected from the risk of infection because the childminder has robust procedures in place and clear expectations for parents to follow when their children are ill. Children understand the benefits of a healthy eating diet as the childminder provides a nutritional, international diet which includes fruit and vegetables. Children understand the needs of their body. They help themselves to drinks throughout the day and know that ice lollypops keep them cool in the

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Helping children to be healthy

summer. They make healthy choices about their snacks and meals which take account of their dietary requirements and preferences. Children's finer physical skills and hand-eye coordination are actively promoted by participating in a range of activities. For example, craft activities, colouring and completing jigsaws.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks are identified and removed to protect them from injury. However, a loose drain cover poses a potential trip hazard. This means they can move safely and independently inside the premises. Children independently access a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources which are in good condition and comply with safety regulations. The childminder regularly checks all resources for safety and cleanliness and removes tops from felt tip crayons to ensure children cannot swallow them. Therefore, they are protected from choking. Children are kept very safe in the home and outside the home because the childminder effectively implements clear procedures. They are constantly supervised. Consequently, they are effectively protected from unknown adults. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because they understand the sensible rules set by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has completed child protection training. Consequently, she has a clear understanding of abuse and neglect and is confident to put the local child protection procedures into practice when required.

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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 happy and settled with the childminder who dedicates quality time to playing with them. They spend their time purposefully engaged in a good range of exciting free and structured play experiences and activities. They are confident to extend the experiences provided for them and to initiate their own play. Children enjoy jigsaws and role play. They share books and participate in activities, independently accessing appealing and stimulating resources to support this. Children are actively supported to interact with other children during the day. Therefore, they have good emotional and social development. Children's needs are fully met because routines are flexible and take account of their individual needs. By keeping them informed of the day and what is going to happen,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are confident in the care of the childminder, adjusting very well to changes in their routine, for example the inspection and display good behaviour. Children's language development is effectively enhanced by support and encouragement from the childminder who uses the children's home language and English to develop this further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about others in the local community through discussions and everyday events. This promotes their understanding of diversity and the needs of others around them. Appropriate activities and resources to celebrate festivals and events throughout the year and to promote positive images effectively support this within the home. Children feel valued and supported because their home language is encouraged. They are keen to learn English by actively participating in a range of play experiences. For example, they play picture lotto with the childminder who talks about the pictures to extend their language skills. Children show good behaviour and respond very positively to praise and encouragement. They are treated with respect and kindness and are learning to treat others in the same way. The childminder uses consistent, developmentally appropriate behaviour management. Consequently, children understand the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour expectations and the rules. Children are confident to make decisions about their play and personal needs, such as accessing drinks, visiting the toilet and choosing activities and resources. Partnership with parents and carers is good. They receive information at induction and daily information about their children's day and achievements. Detailed children's records are regularly updated. Consequently, children's current, individual needs are identified and met as parents are actively involved in their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual care is enhanced because the childminder is experienced and has a clear understanding of child development. She undertakes appropriate training and takes time to ensure new regulations are implemented to support the service she

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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 provides. Children are confident with the childminder who spends dedicated time to playing with the children. Therefore, good relationships exist. Children feel at ease and have space and time for active play, activities and relaxation in the well organised environment. Consequently, they are confident to initiate their play and learning. Children's welfare is promoted effectively by clear procedures which underpin the care they receive. 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. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve resources to reflect equal opportunities and reflect positive images. The childminder has taken appropriate action to meet the recommendations. Therefore, children have access to resources which promote equality in a positive way.

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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): • ensure the drain cover in the garden is made safe.

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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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