Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225957 Inspection date 16 November 2005 Inspector Jyotshna Surti

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and 1 child aged 15 in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five on part time basis and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two cats.

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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 She holds relevant qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the childminder's home is well-maintained because clear policies and procedures are in place to promote this. They are cared for in a warm, clean environment where routine and effective hygiene practices prevent infection and maintain health. Children have individual, clean flannels and towels daily and use liquid soap which prevents cross contamination. They learn about good hygiene practice, as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, for example after visiting toilet. Clear procedures for looking after sick children ensure that their health and emotional well-being are fostered. Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a good range of activities which promote their health and development. Frequent trips into the community and use of the garden daily provide children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence in their growing physical skills, for

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Helping children to be healthy

example, a slide, kicking balls, playing hop-scotch and ride on toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating because the childminder provides a well balanced range of meals that includes vegetables and fruit for snacks. Children have the option of drinking water or sugar free juice which helps to maintain their health and independence. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health is actively promoted. Effective policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children's well-being and the childminder has completed a health and safety course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder is active about reducing risks both inside and outside the house. Effective measures, which include children regularly practicing emergency evacuation procedures and discussions about issues such as road safety and strangers when they go out, encourage children to be aware of their own safety. Children are secure because the childminder ensures she effectively monitors the home and makes it safe for them to explore the environment. They are suitably protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and a written emergency escape plan has been devised. Clear written polices and procedures about keeping children safe are shared with parents so that they know their children's safety is well maintained. Children are confidently able to select from a wide range of toys and play materials

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

that are suitable for their age and stage of development. They are able to easily access resources which encourages them to make their own decisions about their

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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 activities and promote their self-assurance. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures and has a written policy regarding this which emphasises that children's safety is paramount. The childminder has also undertaken training in this area and is well aware of how to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities both inside the home and outside which promotes their play and learning. They learn to make meaningful connections as interesting discussions are carried out during their time outside. For example, children see a church and the childminder talks to them about events that happen in a church, such as weddings and linking this to marriage. They have many opportunities for outdoor play which effectively promotes their physical development and provides a good balance to their day. Good levels of adult support allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners. They develop their imaginative skills in activities such as pretend cooking, using play food and utensils and dressing up. Children engage in a variety of play experiences and activities that are freely available to them, which effectively promotes children's self-assurance and enhances their learning. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

plans activities for the children to enable them to purposefully spend their time. Their care and development are effectively promoted because the childminder understands and has started to use ideas from early year's guidance such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children engage in variety of play experiences and activities that are freely available to them. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children ensure that they feel confident to initiate their own activities and explore their environment. They are skilful communicators and the childminder uses lots of praise to encourage and support language development with young children. The childminder lets children know she is interested in them by effectively responding to their questions, which encourages their confidence. Children have many opportunities to develop their social skills, for example, by regularly visiting the toddler group and the local library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures. However, older children do not fully learn about diversity because the childminder offers limited activities to effectively promote their understanding. There are daily trips out into the local community and libraries to enable children to feel a sense of belonging and learn to respect each other. Children are effectively acknowledged as individuals because the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources.

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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 Children are successfully encouraged to behave well because they consistently receive praise. This increases their confidence and self-esteem. Clear written procedures for managing behaviour are shared with parents so that children are treated consistently and learn to manage their own behaviour. 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. Explanations are given to older children, which enables them to understand difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder works closely with parents to promote their daily routines for sleep and rest. They proudly take home work they have created to share with parents which builds on their self worth. Daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

verbal feedback about the children's day is given to parents, which allows parents to acknowledge their progress. A good range of written information about policies and procedures is given to parents, which enables them to be informed about the service their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and play are improved by the effective organisation. They enjoy a range of activities in a well-organised home that is designed to provide opportunities for play and learning. There is a designated and separate play room, with the children's work displayed, which makes it welcoming for the children. Children receive good levels of adult support which encourages them to explore the environment and gain confidence. The childminder has undertaken a wide range of courses which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. These include the Introduction to Childminding Practice, Extending Childminding Practice, 'Promoting Acceptable Behaviour in Young Children' and Induction to equality of opportunity. This means that the children's individual care is enhanced. Effective and well organised records contribute to the efficient and safe management

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Organisation

of the provision. Clear use of policies and procedures promote children's welfare, learning and care well. Effective partnerships with parents identify children's on-going care and developmental needs. Detailed information about the children is kept in secure place but is openly shared with the child's parent. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, make sure that potentially hazardous materials in the garden are inaccessible to the children and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements 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 Since the last inspection the childminder has completed a child protection course, which has developed her knowledge and understanding to enable her to appropriately protect children's welfare. She has made her garden safe and secure to ensure children can safely play outdoors. The childminder has obtained written consent from the parents for seeking of any emergency medical treatment or advice, which contributes towards children's health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since last inspection.

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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): • further promote equality of opportunity.

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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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