Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314125 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Alexandra Brouder

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and son aged 17 months, in Narborough, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms and family bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years old on a part-time basis. The childminder uses local parks and shops.

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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 warm, clean home where they are becoming aware of the need for personal hygiene by washing their hands before snacks and after playing in the garden, ensuring the risk of cross contamination is minimised. Older, more able children recognise when they are thirsty and are able to freely access their own drinks. Babies are offered drinks on a regular basis ensuring that they are kept hydrated. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and their dietary needs. Rest periods are provided taking account of children's individual care patterns. Comprehensive written health and hygiene documentation is in place which promotes children’s health. The childminder has procedures in place to minimise the spread of germs to children. For example, she uses gloves when changing children's nappies

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Helping children to be healthy

and encourages children to take shoes off on arrival. This ensures that babies and young children have a clean floor space to crawl and play on. The childminder's thorough understanding of the required medication/accident recording, and knowledge of basic first aid, ensures that children's medical needs can be met. Children enjoy physical exercise in the garden, play room and local parks. They play on a variety of ride-on toys and ball pools, encouraging their coordination. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that children remain healthy; she has an exclusion policy for children who are infectious or contagious.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure home where positive steps are taken to keep them safe. In the main, the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in home, for example she checks all areas that children use each day and promptly discards and repairs any broken toys or equipment. However, there is no smoke detector in place on the first floor, or covers on some sockets in the dining area, which compromises children's safety. She has written safety policies which includes detailed risk assessments for equipment, transport, supervision of children and the fire safety procedure. The childminder gives high priority to help children understand about safety, for example, when on outings she discusses road safety with them. Children are beginning to self-select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are well organised and appropriate for their age and stages of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development. The childminder ensures that toys are suited to the needs of the children in her care and within their reach. The childminder has required documents and procedures in place to ensure

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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 children's welfare is promoted and safeguarded. For example, she has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminders care. They are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other, adults and visitors. All children play well with the available resources and gain independence through choosing from a variety of toys and activities to encourage their all round development. The childminder enables babies to develop well through well placed resources to encourage their hand-eye coordination and mobility skills. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan for the children in her care. Children and babies are offered opportunities to extend and develop their skills appropriately, for example through the use of mirror play and treasury baskets. The children receive good support from the childminder during play, and also are given time to explore independently on the floor and at the table. Children listen and respond well to tapes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of songs, rhymes and stories. They enjoy listening to a range of music, including classical and popular.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and the childminder respects children and values them as individuals. She has a detailed policy for behaviour management which is shared with parents. Children are given clear boundaries for behaviour and strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour are in place. Children are praised for their achievements and efforts which builds up their confidence and self- esteem. Effective relationships with parents and carers ensures that the childminder knows the children well. Excellent policies and procedures are in place to establish the needs of children. Appropriate records are maintained enabling the children to receive consistent and appropriate care. They 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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

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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 The good organisation of the provision promotes positive outcomes for children. Effective use of time, space and resources ensures that children have freedom of choice when selecting activities, encouraging their confidence and independence. Space and resources are organised successfully, and spontaneous and well planned activities provide children with interesting experiences to broaden their overall development. Comprehensive policies and procedures are implemented effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder provides parents with an information booklet which includes all aspects of the service she provides and supports her role as a childminder well. High regard is given to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that a smoke detector is fitted at every level of the house, in working order, and that open electrical sockets are inaccessible to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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