Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 205922 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Justine Ellaway

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and five children aged five to fifteen years in Derby. The whole ground floor, along with the first floor bathroom, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has 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 enjoy regular opportunities for physical activity including playing in the garden and going to the local park. The childminder makes good use of the garden when it is warmer and children spend long periods of time outside, promoting their physical development. Thorough and effective hygiene procedures are followed and underpinned by clear and detailed policies to promote children's good health. Children are developing a good understanding and awareness of health and hygiene practices, because they are discussed and encouraged through the daily routine. They are reminded of the importance of washing hands at various times during the day, for example, after eating. Children's good health is promoted and the risk of cross infection minimised because of clear procedures to exclude infectious children. However, on occasion pet food is accessible to children which compromises their

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Children receive appropriate care if they have an accident, as the childminder has an up to date first aid qualification. A clear and informative written medication policy is shared with parents to ensure consistency of care is maintained when children are unwell. Children are well nourished, they enjoy a variety of healthy meals and snacks including fruit and vegetables on a regular basis. They are encouraged by the childminder to try different foods, for example, kiwi fruit for snack. Children's health and dietary needs are met well, because the childminder gathers information from parents regarding allergies and preferences and ensures all children can enjoy the meals provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the welcoming environment and move around confidently. Children's pictures are displayed, there is a regular display of the topic in the hallway, as a result children develop a sense of belonging. Children's decision-making and independence is promoted by the large range of accessible toys and resources. Children access the wide range of toys confidently and with interest. Children are able to play safely and freely, because all toys are checked regularly and are of good quality and smaller parts are kept out of the way of younger children. Children's safety is fully promoted as there is a clear and detailed written safety policy which is consistently followed. There are effective procedures to protect children outdoors, for example, the childminder supervises them at all times whilst they are in the garden and uses a temporary fence to restrict access to certain areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All reasonable steps have been taken to minimise risks and hazards, promoting children's safety in the home. Children have good opportunities to learn how keep to themselves safe, as the childminder discusses 'stranger danger' with them and what they should do if they are lost whilst on an outing. Children know how to keep calm in the event of an emergency as they regularly practise emergency evacuation

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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 procedures. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children relish their time in the setting and become absorbed in play for long periods of time. They thrive in the stimulating environment, where they enjoy constant interaction from the childminder along with access to a varied and interesting range of toys and resources. Children explore the different play equipment with enthusiasm and interest and will create their own games. Their learning and thinking is significantly enhanced by appropriate and effective questioning during play, by the childminder, and in turn they are keen to ask their own questions. The childminder expertly employs modelling and explanation techniques to enable children to learn new skills. Children are very animated when they are playing and are excited to tell others what they are doing. They are consistently encouraged to develop their independence and receive appropriate praise when they do so, which fosters their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-esteem. Excellent use of observations, along with the childminder's sound understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, means that activities and play opportunities build on what children can already do and provide appropriate challenge. Children can regularly participate in structured activities, for example, art and craft, modelling and baking if they want to, increasing their decision making. Children develop a good understanding of right and wrong and listen carefully to instructions. They relate very well to the childminder and each other and are confident in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met because the childminder gathers information from parents to find out about their needs and preferences. A comprehensive folder containing clear and useful information is provided for parents at the time of placement to ensure consistency of care. The childminder provides a written daily diary for younger children and verbal feedback to all parents to ensure the needs of all minded children are constantly met. Additional support is given to younger children to ensure that they can participate in all activities. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through an appropriate range of resources and activities. Children are developing a good understanding of how to behave responsibly. This is expertly encouraged by the childminder who creates a calm environment where children play happily. Children enjoy appropriate praise and encouragement through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play, as a result they play well together and show concern for each other. Children are able to make choices and take decisions, and do this often with the support of the childminder, for example, they decide what they want to play with and for how long. Children with special needs receive a high level of support to ensure they are able to fully participate in the setting. A detailed written policy supports their care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy, settled and comfortable in the welcoming and inviting environment and have a very good relationship with the childminder. Children's care is enhanced by the good organisation of time, space and resources, as the childminder plans her day according to the children she is minding. The childminder has a high regard for their well being, which positively supports their care, learning and play. Children receive a high level of support and interaction to enhance their learning and development. The childminder gives the utmost priority to improving the care for children and regularly reviews her practice, identifying and setting targets. She has an NVQ III in Early Years Childcare and Education, is a member of a local childminding group and is currently a mentor for two new childminders in the 'Support Childminder Scheme'. She demonstrates a commitment to improving her knowledge and skills, and

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Organisation

therefore the care provided for children, through a range of appropriate courses. All of the required documentation and permissions are in place to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, as well as a range of detailed and informative policies and procedures. The childminder makes effective use of additional information to plan a range of activities, for example, she uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support the care provided to younger children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to produce an action plan stating how she would ensure safety in the bathroom and garden for minded children. This has been addressed and both the garden and the bathroom are free from hazards and safe for children to use. She was also asked to include more detail in her accident and medication records and record significant incidents which occur when the children were not in her care. This has been addressed to ensure that children's health needs are met when they are ill and that they are protected in the event of an incident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

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 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 pet food is always inaccessible to minded 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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