Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 207420 Inspection date 04 July 2005 Inspector Yvonne Layton

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 5 and 12 in Calow, Derbyshire. The whole of the childminder’s house, except for the third bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and for 1 child for overnight care. She is currently minding 3 children under five, 1 child overnight and 4 children over five. Placements are varied. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent/ toddler

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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 group and undertakes outings. The childminder is a community childminder and works together with her husband who is a registered childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows consistent effective procedures and practices which meet children's, nutritional, physical and health needs. Positive adult support and guidance help children gain understanding of the importance of good hygiene; for example, toddlers are encouraged to wash their own hands and children are involved in appropriate cleaning tasks where the childminder explains the reasons for keeping the equipment and home clean. Children enjoy developing their physical skills by a wide range of stimulating and varied indoor and outdoor experiences. They visit local activity centres, access large play equipment at the childminder 's home, undertake regular walks to the park and woods and participate in active games such as football. Children are developing a practical knowledge of food, and are offered a variety of meals. They are involved in shopping for food and learn about it's source and what is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources. The childminder ensures that all toys and equipment remain safe by consistent checks. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant in reducing potential hazards both in the home and on outings, she maintains risk assessments and continually evaluates her procedures to meet the needs of the children cared for. Children learn to keep themselves safe, the childminder gives high priority to involving children in self protection, including, road and self safety. Children's welfare is enhanced by the childminder's clear knowledge of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection, underpinned by a clear child protection statement that is shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other, socialise with other children and learn about the world around them through regular outings and attendance at local children's groups. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy the opportunity to participate in a wide range of planned and free-choice activities which contribute to their creativity and learning. Children become independent as they choose between a wide variety of toys, books, creative activities and technology resources. However, children's imaginative play will be enhanced by the development of dressing-up resources. Topics are created from children's ideas and interests. For example, an animal theme progressed from a child discovering an animal site on the internet, resulting in creative activities, stories, outings and children undertaking further research,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have very good opportunity to develop a positive view of the wider world by the meaningful range of activities and resources that increase children awareness of diversity. The children and the childminder have developed a scrap-book with pictures and information relating to different cultures, races, gender and disability. This is used as a working tool which is discussed and added to. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder practises positive inclusion, for example baking activities are adapted to meet young children's needs by using a small table and adapting the recipe to ensure the children enjoy and learn from the experience. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave well and respond positively to fair and consistent boundaries. Children's well-being is supported by an effective partnership with parents. They are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

kept fully informed about their child's care and daily routine both verbally and by detailed written information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 Children's care is greatly enhanced by a well organised provision and the high regard the childminder has for the children. She is committed to continuous improvement of her provision and children benefit from her desire to develop her skills through training. Children's safety and welfare is enhanced by the professionally presented policies, procedures and the comprehensive documentation, individual to the provision, ensuring parents are confident and clear about the care of their child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety in a vehicle. She has an established procedure, follows a rigid routine and never leaves children unattended in a vehicle.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been three complaints since 1 April 2004. The concerns were: an allegation that the childminder left a child unsupervised in a car; an allegation about inappropriate language being used towards a child; and an allegation that children were not adequately supervised when playing outside. All were investigated by Ofsted: none of these resulted in further action and the childminder remained 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): • develop imaginative play resources, with regard to the provision of dressing-up activities.

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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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