Corah Wendy Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225212 Inspection date 20 February 2006 Inspector Patricia King

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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 registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 10 and 13 in the town of Loughborough which is situated in the north of Leicestershire. All of the childminder's home is used except for the small front bedroom and family bathroom 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 currently has six children under eight on roll. She travels to local schools to take and collect children. She has a relevant childcare qualification. The family pet is a cat.

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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 good. Children are learning about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables daily to be healthy and grow strong. Their daily dietary needs, personal choice and preferences are established with parents and the childminder works closely with the parents to ensure that a nutritious, balanced diet is maintained. Children are developing understanding of their personal care. They respond positively to the childminder's explanations of how washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet or handling animals prevents the spread of germs and infection. They frequently put their hands in front of their mouths when coughing and sneezing and respond well when reminded by the childminder that this stops germs spreading to others. Children are well protected from health risks because the childminder has good systems in place to handle food, promote good hygiene and guard children from the dangers of exposure to the sun's rays. For example, children have their own

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Helping children to be healthy

washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious. Their health and welfare are promoted by the clear systems and records kept to take appropriate action in the event of an accident, seek emergency attention and to administer any necessary medication. However, the childminder has not arranged to maintain a current first aid certificate. Children have daily outside play in the fully enclosed garden, weather permitting, where they use small physical play equipment such bikes and cars, play with balls and games. They are taken to the local park to ensure that they have opportunities to run around and participate in active play. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and as agreed with their parents. Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to become

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy individuals, for example by talking about healthy eating and personal hygiene.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure, stimulating, comfortable home where risks are identified and made safe. This means that children move around safely, freely and confidently making good use of the areas used for childminding. They independently select activities from a broad range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, that are stored within easy reach. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, they respond well to simple rules about not running and climbing in the home and explain what they have done to behave safely. Safe behaviour, such as a child gently removing a younger child's hand from his chair seat to avoid sitting back onto it, is recognised and praised. This means that children develop their confidence and self esteem. They are learning to keep safe outside the

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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 home by practising stop, look and listen to cross roads with safety. Children's safety and welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children are kept safe when travelling as the childminder has established good systems to use appropriate safety equipment and has documentation to establish the suitability of her transport. The childminder ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults. Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe in daily activities and routines, such as when out walking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The substantial range of quality toys and resources is used imaginatively and effectively to provide inspiring opportunities for children to develop and learn in the childminder's care. Children are highly motivated and make use of exciting and appealing activities to learn and extend their knowledge. For example, they enthusiastically tried to fit different sized cog wheels together to turn in synchronised movement. Older children experimented, explaining what they were doing and why, and working out why the cogs did or did not fit together. They waited patiently for younger children to have a go whilst responding eagerly to the childminder's skilful questions and encouragement to try different combinations of the cog wheels. Children's interest and curiosity are captured creatively to promote their learning and develop their self esteem. For example, they name, count and identify colours of cars

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

on the way to school. Children play together harmoniously, take turns and share well. They confidently talk about themselves and their families and enjoy sharing news of their holidays and outings. Children are very settled and comfortable in the childminder's care. She takes care to find out what they can do and plans effectively to ensure that they learn and develop well in her care. Children under three benefit significantly from the childminder's informed and creative use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer interesting and stimulating learning opportunities appropriate for their care and development. All children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals and respond positively to the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are learning about the community in which they live and the wider world through an extremely well planned and organised range of activities and resources.

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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 For example, they experience and celebrate diversity and learn about life in other countries. The childminder is fully aware of current legislation including information relating to the Disability Discrimination Act and has a written policy reflecting her strong commitment to ensure she provides quality care for all children. She shows good understanding of how to manage the situation positively when recognising health or special needs of a minded child. Children's care and welfare is thoroughly discussed and agreed with the parents which ensures that the childminder knows the individual needs of the children extremely well. For example, children and parents complete a "what I can do" information sheet and the childminder keeps parents fully informed of their children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

development and learning with written records. Children's behaviour is good. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. For example, children are involved in setting the expectations for behaviour to maintain good harmony in the environment. Children listen intently to the childminder and respond positively to her consistent use of praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. This means they have confidence to make choices, express their needs and make good progress in their overall development. Arrangements successfully promote children's, health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised imaginatively and inspired activities provide children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children's welfare and safety is positively promoted by the comprehensive set of polices, guidelines and information accessible to parents. The childminder ensures that documents and records necessary for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. All adults in the household have been cleared and the children are well protected from visitors by the childminder's secure systems and procedures. Parents are kept

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Organisation

informed and included in the care of their children by daily discussion and written records of their development which means they can contribute to their child's continued development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that procedures are in place to notify Ofsted of any allegations of abuse which are received while the child is in the care of the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of reporting procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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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

Ofsted received a report which raised concerns about Standard 3: Suitability of activities and Standard 6: Supervision of children. At the time of this inspection visit the investigation was completed, refer to the provider’s record of complaints. Ofsted is taking no further action and the childminder continues to be 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): • maintain a current first aid certificate which includes first aid for infants and young 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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