Childminder in LeicestershireOfsted inspection, 10 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 226019 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Kate Bryan

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a house in Barlestone within walking distance of the local primary school, pre-school groups and village amenities. Within the home children have access to the lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility room and toilet. One bedroom is used for sleeping and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for six children and has five children on roll.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are satisfactorily protected from the risks of infection and cross contamination as they use a clean towel daily and use sensible hygiene practices, such as hand washing, as part of their daily routine. The childminder promotes children's awareness of preventing the spread of germs by discussion which encourages them to be responsible for the promotion of their own health. Children are suitably cared for, should they become ill, in a warm, clean house until they can be collected by parents. However, the childminder does not currently have a first aid qualification which may delay appropriate care for children. Children's routines are agreed with parents so that they have their needs for rest and sleep met in a consistent fashion which suitably promotes their emotional well-being. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of physical activities daily, for example, football in

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Helping children to be healthy

the garden, which promotes their health and development. Children have some awareness of healthy eating although the 'Birth to three matters' framework is not used effectively to promote discussion about this. They have their health needs suitably met as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that their dietary and physical needs are fostered. Children enjoy healthy snacks of fruit and parents supply all other food for children. Sound policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children's well-being and health are suitably promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe in a warm, clean environment because the childminder has identified most risks and taken suitable measures to minimise these. Therefore, they are suitably protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place. Children are well protected when they are outside because the childminder is vigilant about their safety. They are made aware, by discussion, of safe road crossing practices and the hazards of stranger danger and unknown dogs. This effectively encourages them to think responsibly about their own safety. The home is suitably organised so that the childminder can monitor children in all rooms. This means, for example, that children can enjoy table activities in the dining area and quiet time in the lounge in safety. Children can make their own selections from a good range of easily accessible resources which promotes confidence and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

decision making, these are rotated for younger children to ensure they enjoy a range of experiences. Children's welfare is appropriately promoted by the sound use of policies and procedures. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues

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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 is secure in reporting these to the appropriate authorities in order to promote children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are learning to be skilful communicators because the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them. This encourages younger children to practise their pre-speech skills whilst other children are able to begin forming sentences. The childminder has a good awareness of the individual communication patterns of the children and so can effectively respond to their needs. Therefore, children who communicate more by actions are encouraged to use words by naming and repetition. This effectively promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Children feel secure and valued because the childminder has very warm relationships with them. They happily engage in activities, such as building a tower, and show the childminder this so she can join in. Children expect to be listened to and acknowledged which effectively makes them feel valued. Children can make choices about their activities and there are many opportunities for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child initiated activities, such as playing with building blocks or figures, which they enjoy. This positively fosters their independence and self-assurance. Children have good opportunities to develop their creativity and imagination as the childminder offers a wide range of activities to promote this, such as craft work and baking. This allows them to explore different textures, such as cookie mix, and encourages them to make meaningful connections between objects as they undergo changes in mixing and cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are warmly welcomed to the home and this enables them to feel a good sense of belonging and self-worth. Children have their needs suitably met because the childminder works closely with parents and uses satisfactory records to ensure this. Parents are spoken with daily so that the childminder is aware of the changing needs of the children which makes them feel valued. Children proudly take home work they have completed so that parents can share in their work and acknowledge their achievements. Children learn about other cultures by discussion and by the celebration of some festivals, however, the 'Birth to three matters' framework is not used effectively to promote children's awareness of the wider community. This means children's experiences of other cultures and people may be limited. Children are positively encouraged to respect each other because the childminder ensures they are cared

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for in an atmosphere where they have the same opportunities and are equally valued. Therefore, all children have equal access to all resources which ensures they

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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 develop good levels of confidence and self-assurance in their play and learning. Children's behaviour is well managed by the use of age appropriate strategies. Younger children are dealt with in a patient and firm manner which makes them aware of expected behaviour. This was demonstrated by a child being asked not to throw books and being effectively distracted by having other books offered. Older children receive 'time out' to encourage them to reflect upon their behaviour. The use of sensible house rules, for example, no running and being kind to each other, provides children with acceptable boundaries that they use to regulate their own behaviour and develop self-assurance.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel safe and secure because they receive good levels of adult support. This also allows them to develop self-assurance as they explore the environment with confidence. Children are cared for in a home that is satisfactorily organised so that they are always under the supervision of the childminder both indoors and in the garden. This allows children to experience a varied range of activities in different rooms and encourages them to make informed choices about what they wish to do. Therefore children can opt to have quiet time in the lounge area or enjoy a craft activity at the kitchen table. Children's physical well-being is appropriately promoted by daily use of the garden. Children's welfare, learning and care are appropriately fostered by the use of sound policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The childminder has attended an Introduction to Childminding Practice course but the 'Birth to three

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Organisation

matters' framework is not used to promote all outcomes for children which means their awareness of some issues, such as healthy eating, may not be fully developed. 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 provider agreed to ensure resources actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and devise and practise an emergency escape plan with children. An emergency escape plan has been devised which has enhanced existing arrangements in place for children's safety. Resources have also been purchased which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice such that children have positive images of race and culture.

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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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • improve outcomes, for healthy choices, for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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