Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225131 Inspection date 07 February 2006 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 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 1988. She lives with her husband, 1 adult child and 1 child aged 15 years in Hemmington, Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years and one child over five years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet dog.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where consistent routines ensure they receive good levels of care. Diligent hygiene practice including the use of antibacterial fluids prevent the spread of infection and children are developing a good understanding of personal hygiene through daily routines. They know to wash their hands following toilet use and before meals and a range of equipment such as steps in the bathroom encourages their independence to enhance their confidence and self-esteem. Children recognise their own personal needs as they remove clothing such as jumpers when they are hot and put these back on to play outside. Vigilant methods for changing and disposing of soiled nappies prevents their exposure to cross infection. Information relating to children's health is clearly recorded. Clear procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder has first aid training, available first aid equipment and clear recording systems. Children access a fully enclosed garden for outside play. They enjoy using a range of outside toys including a trampoline, double rocker and a jumping ball where they enhance their physical development as they run and jump. A range of foods are provided to encourage children to eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Food is hygienically prepared and children enjoy the meals provided discussing the content and being involved in choosing meals. Fresh fruit is readily accessible which children enjoy between meals. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require. Clear systems are established to ensure that dietary requirements are discussed and recorded with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from vigilant procedures to ensure the environment is safe and secure. Effective arrangements ensure the outside play area is safe and meticulous security ensures children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Appropriate safety equipment minimises potential hazards both indoors and outdoors and children are allowed and supported to take appropriate risks to gain awareness of personal safety. For example, when climbing onto household furniture and wearing a safety helmet when using wheeled toys. Good organisation of household furniture allows space and facilitates active play and relaxation. Toys and play equipment are stored appropriately and are easily accessible to enable the children to select safely, increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available although procedures to evacuate in an emergency are not discussed or

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practised with children. Suitable arrangements on outings provide children with opportunities to walk to and from local resources and are used effectively to heighten their awareness of road safety. Children's welfare is maintained by a thorough understanding of the local child protection procedures. The childminder knows who

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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 and how to contact relevant services and parents are fully informed of her responsibilities through detailed written information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A very good range of toys and play resources are readily accessible to children. This provides them with opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their natural curiosity to assist in their overall development. They enjoy free play with resources such as a train track and building bricks and develop their hand eye coordination as they fit these together. A range of resources encourage children's creativity as they draw and colour using various materials. Babies benefit from a range of toys to promote visual and physical development and respond with obvious affection to sensitive interaction and encouragement. Outdoor activities provide levels of challenge appropriate to children's age and stage of development as they ride a variety of wheeled toys, run and jump using equipment such as a trampoline and rocker. Children express their thoughts and feelings and talk confidently about their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They eagerly request additional resources such as colouring books and crayons and take these confidently to the table. They are able to name colours and talk about their pictures as they draw and colour using wax crayons. Children respond warmly to the childminder's sensitive approach actively seeking affection through cuddles. They listen and follow directions, ask questions confidently and listen intently to the answers given. Children are developing good social interaction as they learn to share and take turns and respond positively to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. Although the childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework she has yet to implement this to further enhance the care and development for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective relationships with parents ensure the childminder knows the children well. They receive care appropriate to their individual needs. Systems are established to ensure all of their needs are discussed including familiar routines to provide consistent care. Although there have been no complaints the childminder has yet to establish a system to record, investigate and inform parents of outcomes if the need arises. Children receive warm cuddles and affection, and build trusting relationships with the childminder contributing to their sense of belonging. Sensitive arrangements ensure they are fully included in all aspects within the home. Children make active decisions about their play. They develop an awareness of the needs of others as they respond appropriately to clear methods to manage and promote positive behaviour. Children play confidently alone and socially and ask for help if required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the community in which they live as they engage in local walks and various activities. A range of appropriate play resources provide opportunities for them to develop an awareness of other cultures, disability and the

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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 wider world in which they live. Children's behaviour is very good. They listen intently to each other and the childminder and are able to negotiate with each other to resolve some issues. They respond positively to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement to promote positive behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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. Children benefit from her commitment to provide for their individual needs in order to maintain a high standard of care. Arrangements promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised successfully, and spontaneous and well planned activities provide children with interesting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children are stimulated and play effectively, independently and with others. Clear documentation is established to ensure children's specific needs are fully recorded. High regard is given to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to improve her resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. She has begun to address this issue by providing positive images such as dolls to represent other cultures and other play equipment and books to represent diversity.

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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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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 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise and practice an emergency escape plan • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children as explained in the 'Birth to three matters' framework • establish a procedure for recording complaints from parents including informing them of the outcome within the required time limit.

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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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