Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225551 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband, 2 adult children and a child aged 14 years in Waltham on the Wolds in Leicestershire. The living room on the ground floor and the bathroom and toilet on the first floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 13 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park. The childminder has two pet dogs.

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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 encouraged to become independent in their personal hygiene during daily routines. They clearly explain that hands must be washed throughout the day to prevent germs from spreading. Consequently, this helps them to understand and maintain good health and hygiene. Children are protected from the risk of infections as the childminder has clear procedures for parents to follow when their children are ill. However, there is no written consent in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Therefore, children are potentially at risk if parents cannot be contacted in an emergency. Parents are informed of accidents involving their children because clear accidents records are shared which detail all first aid treatment given. Children understand the benefits of healthy eating because the childminder discusses this with them and provides opportunities for children to participate in a

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Helping children to be healthy

range of cooking activities. For example they discuss the benefits of eating brown bread. Children effectively manage their own eating as they independently access snacks and packed lunches provided by parents. The childminder ensures drinks are always available to children. Therefore, they access these at will and do not become thirsty. Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are met as these are recorded on their records. The childminder supports this by ensuring children who require a special diet for religious or health reasons receive the appropriate snacks and drinks. Physical development is effectively enhanced through regular opportunities to participate in active outdoor play and visits to the park and other local attractions. Children informed me they like to take the childminders pet dogs for walks in the woods and across the fields. When visiting the park children use a variety of play

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Helping children to be healthy

equipment. Therefore, they develop good balance and coordination. Within the home children actively participate in a variety of activities and experiences. For example, playing 'Twister' and being creative with beads on peg boards. Subsequently, children develop good hand–eye coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety and welfare is generally maintained because the childminder undertakes regular checks of the premises and resources. However, children can potentially reach razors in the bathroom and tools in the porch. Therefore, children can only move safely around the living room and hall. When playing in the garden, children's safety is potentially compromised as old up-turned furniture and trailing lead pose cut and trip hazards. Children clearly understand how to keep themselves safe. For example they understand the fire evacuation procedure and know they must not climb trees to ensure they cannot fall, therefore preventing serious accidents. Toys and resources are in good condition and comply with safety regulations. Children can safely and independently select stimulating these from

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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 shelves. Therefore, they learn to make decisions and informed choices. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder effectively implements clear procedures. For example children have designated stopping places on the way to school. Therefore, they understand they must stay within sight of the childminder at all times. When using parks the childminder ensures play equipment is safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Consequently, this helps to protect them from potential injury. The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. However she does not show an acceptable understanding of the local child protection reporting procedures. Consequently, children's welfare may not be sufficiently maintained in these

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

circumstances. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that all adults living in the premises have Criminal Records Bureau clearance and children are not left unsupervised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm environment. They are happy and settled with the childminder who dedicates quality time to playing with them developing their learning and play. Children have fun and are engaged in a wide range of activities and experiences. For example, they play games, build with construction sets, and actively participate in craft activities and cooking. Therefore, they spend their time purposefully. Children enjoy imaginative play independently accessing appealing and stimulating resources to support this. Consequently, their independence and ability to make choices are effectively promoted. Children use their initiative well to achieve what they are trying to do. For example, a child was trying to make the letter 'M' using beads and a peg board. She asked the childminder for help and acted on her advice and simple instructions to achieve her goal. Therefore, this shows children persevere

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for some time and use their understanding to acquire new skills. Consequently, their knowledge and skills are promoted by experiences they can repeat and use to enhance their further development. Children's care, play and learning are effectively extended outside the home. By participating in a range of outdoor activities, visits and walks children have good opportunities to learn about the wider world. Children's needs are fully met the childminder knows the children well. Children are confident to initiate interaction with their peers, the childminder and other adults. They confidently explained to me what they were doing and why they enjoyed their time with the childminder. For example, they stated the childminder looks after them well and they have lots of activities to do. Consequently, children are confident in the care of the childminder, take turns and play harmoniously together, showing good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive equal opportunities to participate in all activities as the childminder

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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 understands their individual needs and stages of development. The childminder provides a caring, positive atmosphere in which all children feel secure and special as they receive individual attention. Children learn to respect different cultures and lifestyles because the childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities and experiences at home, including cooking from other countries and regular outings in the local community. Therefore, children develop an understanding of diversity and the needs of others around them. This is supported by a range of resources which effectively promote positive images of the wider world in which children live. Children are confident and make decisions about their play and personal needs, for example what to play with and when to eat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show very good behaviour. They play harmoniously together and respond well to instructions and suggestions from the childminder. They have well-developed self-esteem because they receive consistent praise and encouragement and are treated with respect and kindness. Consequently, they treat others in the same way. Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder develops good relationships with parents and effective two-way communication ensures all parties are mutually well informed at all times. Therefore, the childminder knows the children well. Consequently, their individual needs are identified and effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for because the childminder organises time, space and resources well. Consequently, children have comfortable areas to rest or sit quietly and have space for active play. Children have a well developed sense of security and belonging. Therefore, they are happy to be here. Children actively participate in planned activities, however they are confident to initiate their own play and learning and can easily access resources and toys to support this. Documentation is well organised and supports the care of the children, however there is no written consent for transporting children in a vehicle. Procedures are implemented well and underpin the care the children receive. Children's individual care needs are identified and recorded on their registration forms. Therefore, their care needs are met. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and to improve documentation. The childminder has taken appropriate action to meet these recommendations. Therefore, children can access a range of resources that promote positive images and anti-discriminatory practice. Improved documentation supports the care of the children. However, a recommendation regarding emergency advice or treatment still stands.

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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 There are no complaints to report 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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure hazardous substances are made safe or inaccessible to children • develop an understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee reporting procedures • request written consent to transport children in a vehicle.

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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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