Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103645 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Mark Evans

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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 first registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 15 years, 10 years and 8 years. Within her home children spend most of their time on the ground floor. They have access to the lounge, dining room, kitchen, play room, hall, utility room and toilet and the first floor bathroom and some bedrooms. There is a large rear garden for children's physical play and activities. The family has a pet cat, a rabbit and guinea-pig. The childminder is registered to receive a maximum of 6 children at any one time and currently has 8 children under 8 years of age on roll. She has completed an

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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 Introduction to Childminding Practice course and a Developing Childminding Practice course and has also undertaken various other training opportunities. The childminder is accredited as part of the Leicestershire Childminding Network and 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 clean home where they are encouraged to use appropriate hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands after toileting to develop personal care skills and reduce cross-contamination. Children's health is supported by the childminder's knowledge of paediatric first aid and because she completes relevant training to administer medication that requires some technical knowledge. Children experience consistent arrangements for the administration of medicines and there is a good system for exchanging information on accidents with parents. As a consequence, children's well-being is safeguarded. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet and receive a good balance of foods that contribute towards this. For example, written plans for meals include a consistent range of protein foods, carbohydrates and vegetables. Children undertake activities that help them to gain awareness of healthy foods and how they are

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Helping children to be healthy

produced, for example, by growing vegetables and preparing them to eat in a soup. They have fruit provided for snacks, which encourages healthy eating habits. Children's individual dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that they remain healthy. They have access to drinks during the day, ensuring that they are well hydrated and comfortable. Outdoor play and visits to parks and places of interest help improve children's developing control of their bodies. Children use large play equipment that provides challenge and the childminder supports development of their physical skills. Opportunities for outdoor play and walks gives children a sense of freedom and they benefit from the regular fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are very well supervised and cared for within a safe environment, with the childminder minimising most risks inside the home. This gives children a suitable environment to explore and play safely. However, there are some sharp knives in the kitchen area low glass panes in the garage that are accessible to children and present a potential hazard. The childminder helps children to develop knowledge of keeping safe, for example, through planned activities to increase road safety awareness, having involvement in emergency evacuation practises and helping to keep safe order through tidying away toys and activities. Children independently select activities from a safe range of toys and resources that

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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 are suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder keeps a check on the condition of general equipment and play materials, keeping them clean and safe for children's use. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she has sound understanding of child protection issues and the procedures for contacting relevant agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and very settled with the childminder. They spend their time purposefully whilst in her care. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. They engage in a range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as various role play scenarios, art and crafts and cooking. Children enjoy sensory experiences and develop skills to use tools through use of natural materials, for example, with sand, water and play-dough. The childminder has information on the 'Birth to three matters' framework, although has not yet fully implemented use of this. Children enjoy choosing books for enjoyment and listening to stories, which encourages early reading skills. They have opportunities to study patterns of change in natural things, for example, planting and growing vegetables. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder, who shows

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest in what they say and do. The childminder asks questions to encourage children's vocabulary and their learning in play is supported by her involvement in their activities. Children demonstrate a sense of security with the childminder, being confident to play alone, but also to seek close interaction. Children are encouraged to share and play together cooperatively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's early knowledge of the wider community is developed through access to play resources and books that include positive images of diversity, including people from various cultures. They undertake activities that link to various cultural and religious celebrations, for example, for the Chinese New Year the children had some Chinese foods using chop-sticks, had stories and rhymes, used some Chinese role play items and made some Chinese Lanterns. As a consequence, they develop very good attitudes and awareness to respect others. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest and have routine outings. Children with additional needs are welcomed into the setting and they integrate well because the childminder has an excellent approach to individual aspects of care. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder regularly exchanges

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information with parents to ensure that she has relevant details. As a result, children have good levels in continuity of care. Children are well occupied and interested in their play and they have secure

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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 relationships with the childminder. They experience praise and encouragement for their achievements, which promotes confidence and self-esteem. Subsequently, children are cooperative and well behaved. Younger children have their needs met because the childminder establishes their individual routines with parents and takes account of this for their care. Children have consistent and stable care arrangements, with the childminder and parent securing agreement for all aspects of partnership. A well presented prospectus and written policies provide a sound base for parents to make informed decisions about their child care arrangements. Parents can link into events and changes at the setting because the childminder provides a regular newsletter to keep them informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at ease and comfortable within the well-organised environment. This helps them to be confident to make choices and initiate their own play. Children experience individual attention, with the childminder maintaining appropriate adult to child ratios. The childminder effectively uses records, written policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Documentation is very well organised, secure and well presented. Children have very good levels of continuity in care because the childminder regularly shares information with parents. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing knowledge and practice through relevant courses and quality accreditation. For example, she has completed qualification for Developing Childminding Practice, training for Behaviour Management and Core Training as part of accreditation for the Leicestershire

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Organisation

Childminding Network. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder was required to ensure that windows in the rear bedroom are made safe or inaccessible to children and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has replaced the windows on the first floor and is able to secure these to ensure that they do not pose a hazard to children and has obtained written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment so that there are clear and appropriate arrangements for children in the event of a significant incident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint, which related to National Standard 13: Child Protection and National Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents. Ofsted required the childminder to provide information about procedures and practice in relation to these standards. The information received demonstrated that the childminder is clearly aware of the requirements of these standards. No further action

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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 was needed and the provider continues to remain qualified 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): • ensure that sharp knives and any low glass panes are safe or inaccessible to children • develop use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for children under 3 years of age

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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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