Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225089 Inspection date 02 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 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 1994. She lives with 1 child aged 15 and an adult child in Ibstock in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler groups, takes children to the library, to the park and to local areas of interest. The childminder has a pet dog and cat. She is a member of the National Childminding Association

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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 and the local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Older children are independent in their personal hygiene. Younger children are becoming independent in this. The childminder supervises children at the toilet to maintain safety as the bathroom is accessed through the kitchen and to ensure that hands are washed. Therefore, children clearly explain they wash their hands to make them clean and wash away germs. All children understand the importance of maintaining good health and hygiene, for example, children know when they need to wipe their noses. Children are protected from the risk of infections as the childminder implements robust procedures. This means parents know care is not provided for children who are infectious. Children receive good care following accidents as the childminder is qualified in first aid. Consequently, the risk of further injury is minimised. Clear procedures and detailed records clearly inform parents of accidents

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Helping children to be healthy

and treatment given. Children are well nourished and learn about the benefits of healthy eating because the childminder provides a nutritional diet which takes good account of children's individual dietary needs and preferences. For example, children who eat a vegetarian diet receive appropriate dietary choices. Children informed me their favourite food is soup and sausages. Children are encouraged to make independent decisions about snacks. A child chose to eat raisins and clearly enjoyed these, showing this by saying 'Yum, yum'. Children jump skilfully showing good balance and control. A range of outdoor play equipment effectively supports children's coordination. Children can accurately negotiate climbing equipment and kick and catch balls. Physical development is further enhanced by a range of opportunities to visit local groups to play parachute games and visits to local places of interest and parks. Within the home children are

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Helping children to be healthy

skilled in playing instruments and manipulating small world resources showing good hand eye coordination. Babies are encouraged to develop the skill of sitting independently as the childminder supports this by sitting behind them. This ensures they cannot injure themselves if they topple over. Consequently, they become confident to develop this. Babies have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys which they independently access. This helps to enhance their confidence. Therefore, all children learn about how their body moves and become skilled in maintaining good balance, coordination and control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is generally maintained well as the childminder implements daily risk assessments to ensure the premises and resources are safe, therefore, most

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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 risks are identified and appropriate action taken to minimise accidents and injury. However alcohol is stored in a wine rack in a corner of a work surface in the kitchen and poses a risk to older children as they can potentially access it on route to the bathroom. Younger children do not usually access the kitchen unsupervised. Children can move assertively around the home as the childminder has implemented a range of safety equipment, for example, exterior doors are locked and keys are inaccessible to children. Consequently, they are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Carbon monoxide indicators and smoke alarms are installed to ensure these risks are identified early. Therefore, children's safety is enhanced. Children clearly understand about fire evacuation procedures, and the importance of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

not playing with matches, as they have visited the fire station and the childminder has actively sought resources to ensure children understand this through discussions and a range of interesting activities. Children have safe access to, and independently select from, a range of stimulating toys and equipment, which are in good condition, comply with toy safety regulations and are age appropriate. Babies are kept very safe when playing as the childminder is constantly aware of potential hazards. For example, she sits close by or behind babies who are learning to sit independently. Consequently, they remain safe from accidents. Children's safety continues to be well supported as the childminder effectively implements clear procedures. For example, children know how to cross the road safely and understand they must not talk to strangers or wander to far from the childminder when away from the home. Children are kept safe when travelling in a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

car. They know they must be restrained in safety seats or in restraints and are not allowed to eat in case they start to choke while the childminder is driving. Children's welfare is given high priority as the childminder has completed child protection training and clearly understands her responsibilities to maintain this. Consequently, she understands the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Therefore, she is confident to implement the local Area Child Protection Committee reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder effectively uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to successfully plan and implement exciting experiences and activities which help younger children to develop in all areas. Consequently, they are confident to communicate in their own way to gain attention from others around them. For example, they smile and wave their arms to show happiness and obvious joy when older children and the childminder play with them. Children effectively make connections with their previous experiences. For example, they remember water puts out fires from an earlier visit to the fire station. All children are pro-active in their play and learning and consequently show sustained interest in what they do, making very good progress in all areas of development. Children have well developed confidence and very good self-esteem because the childminder is actively involved in their play. She creates a warm, caring

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

atmosphere of trust and respect which children respond positively to. They engage in a very wide range of purposeful, developmentally appropriate activities and

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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 consequently show very good imagination. Children are extremely confident to extend the experiences provided and initiate their own learning and play, accessing a wide range of resources to support this. Consequently, there are skilled in making independent choices. Children have good language skills and willingly initiate conversations, openly talking about what they are doing. A child showed me a photograph album and talked about what he was doing in the pictures. The childminder effectively extends children's play by using everyday events to promote their learning. For example, play with a bus is linked to collecting older children from school through effective discussion. Children have excellent opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills, meet challenges and enhance their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development as the childminder creates exciting opportunities to do this. Therefore, this helps all children to reach their full potential and promotes their independence. Children receive very good opportunities to interact with other children outside the home. Consequently, this has a very positive effect on their emotional and social development. Children's needs are fully met because routines are flexible to account for their individual needs. Children are confident in the care of the childminder, adjusting very well to changes in their routine. Children's language is enhanced by effective support and encouragement from the childminder who uses sensitive questioning and discussion to develop this. Children thrive due to the caring and stimulating environment where they are treated with respect and kindness. They develop very positive relationships with the childminder and each other. Therefore, they play harmoniously alongside their peers

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and show good behaviour which is fostered by effective interaction, lots of praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder. The childminder knows the children very well. Consequently, their individual needs are significantly enhanced and they receive excellent opportunities to reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and play a full part in the child-orientated environment. The childminder has a high regard for children's welfare and is committed to spending quality time playing with them. Children are actively involved in the setting, know the routines and are confident to extend and initiate their own play and learning. They make decisions about their play and personal needs, for example choosing activities and making decisions about their snack. Children are positively encouraged to participate in a range of activities and experiences to support and promote their understanding of the wider world with regards to different lifestyles and cultures. A good range of resources and toys are available to support this and promote positive images. For example, children learn about traveller families, different religions and people with additional needs by sharing a range of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

books and discussing what they see. Consequently, they develop a respect for those who are different to themselves. Away from the home children receive good opportunities to interact with others. Consequently, they develop a clear understanding of diversity and the needs of others around them.

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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 Children show very good behaviour. The childminder is a positive role model and has a high regard for responsible behaviour. She sets realistic, consistent boundaries. Consequently, younger children play harmoniously alongside their peers and together with the childminders help for sustained periods of time. Children are treated with respect and kindness by the childminder and show this to others. For example, children are mindful of babies and play with them helping to develop their confidence and social skills. Consequently, all children have good self-esteem which is enhanced by the childminder's effective use of praise and encouragement. Therefore, they respond well to instructions and advice from the childminder. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents receive a comprehensive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

booklet at induction which contains all policies, procedures and general information about the service provided. Effective organisation ensures that all parties are kept well informed of the children's current needs and achievements by daily diaries, informal discussions and detailed records. Consequently, children's individual needs are identified and effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good care because the childminder is committed to completing training and developing her service in line with current legislation and advice. For example, she has completed training and successfully implements the 'Birth to three matters' framework to ensure children's individual developmental and care needs are met and enhanced. Good organisation of time, space and resources ensures children's individual needs are effectively met. Consequently, children can rest, participate in active play and developmental activities safely. Children feel happy and secure in the childminders care, therefore, they actively participate in activities and play experiences provided for them. Consequently, they are confident to extend these and initiate their own play and learning by accessing a good range of resources to support this. Children welfare is effectively maintained as the childminder has a good

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Organisation

understanding of child development and implements clear policies and procedures which successfully underpin the care the children receive. Well organised documentation means children's individual needs are identified and recorded on their registration forms and supports the care of the children. Close working partnerships with parents and carers ensures good communication, therefore, all parties are fully informed of the children's current needs and achievements. 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 safety with regards to storage of hazardous items and improve resources to promote equality of opportunity. The childminder has taken appropriate action to meet these recommendations. Therefore, children's safety is enhanced and they can access resources which promote equal opportunities.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 11 (Behaviour) and 12 (Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers). The complaint concerned behaviour management of children and communication and agreements with parents. An Ofsted Inspector visited the childminder to discuss the issues, observe practice and review relevant documentation. The information and evidence gathered by the Inspector demonstrated that the National Standards are being met and Ofsted took no further action. Therefore, the provider remains suitable for registration.

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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): • make potentially hazardous substances 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 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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