Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 226813 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Justine Ellaway

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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 1999. The childminder lives with her two sons aged eight and nine years in Leicester. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom and two bedrooms are used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for out door 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 on a part time basis, three children over five before and after school on a part time basis and one child over five during school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 family has pet fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to learn at an early age about good hygiene, as the childminder is proactive in encouraging this through the daily routine, for example washing hands before eating. Children's good health is promoted and the risk of cross infection minimised as there are suitable procedures to exclude infectious children. Children receive appropriate care if they are ill to ensure they are comfortable and the childminder has an up to date first aid qualification. However, permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has not been requested, to ensure their individual health needs are met in the event of an emergency. Children enjoy opportunities for physical activity including playing in the garden. Children are well nourished, they enjoy a variety of healthy home cooked meals and snacks of fruit in adequate quantities. Children's health and dietary needs are met well because the childminder gathers information from parents regarding allergies

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Helping children to be healthy

and preferences. Younger children's individual feeding and changing routines are known and respected to promote contentment and ensure they feel secure.

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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 welcoming environment. Space is well organised so that children are able to play safely and freely indoors. A varied range of appropriate toys and resources are available to stimulate children's learning and development. Children's independence and decision-making is promoted by the accessibility of the toys and resources. They are able to play safely with the toys and resources as they are checked and cleaned regularly. Children are kept safe indoors as all reasonable steps have been taken to minimise risks and hazards. Children's safety is further promoted as the childminder has given careful consideration to her emergency evacuation procedures which she practises with the children. They can play safely in the rear garden which is fully enclosed and child friendly. Children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example they learn how to cross the road safely. Children's welfare is promoted because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures and ensures that parents are aware of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, comfortable and secure with the childminder. They are

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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 confident and develop good self-esteem as the childminder shows a genuine interest in them and gives them equal attention. Children show an interest in the varied and interesting toys and activities and will engage in play for long periods of time. Their independence is highly promoted, because they are able to choose what they want to play with and help themselves to the toys. Children are developing a very good understanding of right and wrong, they are encouraged to show concern for others when they are playing. An exceptional level of support is offered when necessary to ensure children are comfortable and secure, for example, the childminder will get down to their level and join in games, engage them in play and encourage them to play with other toys. Children's needs are met

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extremely well as the childminder uses information gathered from parents and her own assessment to establish what children already know and can do. She then provides an appropriate range of challenges and activities that build on this. Effective use of questioning stimulates children's thinking and expands their involvement in the games they play. As a result children acquire a range of new knowledge and skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder has regular communication with parents and seeks regular feedback as to the care provided for children. The effective partnership with parents also helps children to feel settled and secure. Children receive a good level of support to enable them to feel comfortable and safe, for example, the childminder sits on the floor with them when they are playing and joins in. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of issues regarding additional needs to ensure that children receive appropriate support and feel included. Children play well together and have a good relationship with the childminder and each other. Consistent and appropriate use of praise and encouragement fosters their self-esteem. Children are able to make choices and take decisions about what they do, for example, what they have for snack, which promotes their independence

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and decision-making. Children have opportunities to learn about the wider society, through discussion, appropriate resources and the celebration of festivals.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure and have a good relationship with the childminder. Their care is supported by the childminder's effective organisation of time and space. Children are comfortable and settled in the welcoming environment. They receive a good level of support which promotes their care, learning and play. The childminder obtains additional information to ensure consistency of care for children. Effective use of feedback from parents means that the childminder reflects on her practice which positively impacts on the care provided for children.

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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 Paperwork is effectively organised, and mostly promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment, and achievement, although permission has not been obtained for outings. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that you request written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure that you seek written permission from parents for outings

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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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