Childminder, Out-of school day care in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225851 Inspection date 06 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 1988. She lives with her 2 children aged 16 and 14 years old in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five years, on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and has completed a Quality Assurance scheme. She has successfully completed the

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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 Developing Childminding Practice certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where they receive good levels of care through consistent routines. Thorough hygiene practices are in place to prevent the spread of infection and children are developing a good understanding of personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wipe their hands after eating and older children know to wash their hands after toileting and before meals. Comprehensive information is recorded with parents to ensure children's health and dietary needs are met. Clear procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately, as the childminder has knowledge of first aid, available first aid equipment, and clear recording systems. Children's physical skills develop well as the childminder promotes an environment in which younger, less mobile children can explore freely, thus offering age appropriate challenge and enabling children to improve their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents and carers of minded children provide the food that children eat. The childminder ensures that this is stored appropriately and prepared as needed for the individual child. Discussion takes place with parents to ensure that a varied range of foods are provided to encourage children to develop healthy eating habits. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks between meals including fresh fruit. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require ensuring that they remain hydrated. Good arrangements ensure children can rest and sleep peacefully according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children benefit from sound procedures to provide a safe and secure environment. Effective security arrangements ensure children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Babies are kept safe with the use of harnesses in furniture and pushchairs to ensure they are securely strapped in. However, currently the childminder cares for more children than she is registered for, which can impact on the overall safety and welfare of children. Good organisation of household furniture allows appropriate space and facilitates active play and relaxation. Children access a variety of age appropriate toys and play equipment well, and in safety. They are able to choose from a selection which promotes their independence. Good arrangements ensure resources unsuitable for younger children are inaccessible as these are stored on higher shelves. Children are beginning to actively assist in tidying away toys before accessing others to avoid too

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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 Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and a clear procedure is in place for emergency evacuation. Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminders care and enjoy all aspects of their play. They are able to make choices from the good range of toys and play resources that are readily accessible to them. This enables them to extend their learning in all areas of development and have their individual needs met. They show interest in the resources and activities available and develop confidence and self-esteem as they play. For example, children were able to use and manoeuvre the toys to their liking. This contributed to increasing their mobility skills as toys were placed on the floor and on low surfaces. Good interaction and verbal encouragement from the childminder increases the children's ability to extend play situations into learning opportunities. For example as the toys were being put away the childminder counted them in, enabling children to hear and develop their early maths skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good social interaction and have warm relationships with known adults. They respond positively to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are included fully in the life of the setting and as a result their self-esteem is fostered. The childminder knows the children well and they receive care appropriate to their individual needs. Effective relationships with parents are established and systems are in place to ensure that all of their needs are discussed including familiar routines to provide consistent care. Children receive warm cuddles and affection, and build trusting relationships with the childminder contributing to their sense of belonging. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through an appropriate range of resources and activities. Children learn how to behave and work harmoniously with others, as there are effective procedures in place. She has a detailed policy in place for behaviour management which is shared with parents. Children are given clear direction and boundaries, and are praised for their achievements. This builds on their confidence

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and self-esteem. They begin to develop an awareness of the needs of others as they respond appropriately to clear methods to manage and promote positive behaviour.

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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 organisation is inadequate. Children benefit from her commitment to provide for their individual needs in order to maintain a high standard of care, however, her ratios are not always maintained appropriately which means that children's welfare is not always sufficiently promoted. Arrangements promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, not all persons over 16 have received appropriate clearance to be in proximity of children which impacts on children's safety. Space and resources are organised successfully, and spontaneous and well planned activities provide children with interesting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children are stimulated and play effectively independently and with others. Clear and thorough documentation is established to ensure children's

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Organisation

specific needs are fully recorded. High regard is given to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times. Overall, the needs of all children who attend are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended the childminder to further develop a written agreement with parents that set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has completed both these recommendations; she has established clear and thorough contracts and information with parents regarding the needs of children in her care, ensuring that their needs can be met at all times and are known to the childminder as soon as the child begins in her care. This contributes to children's sense of belonging. Written permission is obtained from all parents regarding emergency medical advice or treatment. This ensures that children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that required child ratios are maintained at all times • ensure that all person's over 16, within the household, are suitable to be in proximity of children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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