Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 206046 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 9 and 7 years, in Spondon, Derby. There are shops, schools and a park within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities in this area. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under the age of 8 years at any one time. Currently there are 8 children on roll who attend for various sessions including before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of the accredited childminding network although there are currently no funded children on roll. The family has a dog,

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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 a rabbit and a hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy as they are cared for in a very clean environment. They gain an understanding about good hygiene practice through daily routines such as hand washing before eating, after visiting the toilet and after playing outside. Positive steps taken by the childminder help to minimise the risk of cross infection. For example, signs in the toilet offer a gentle reminder for older children to wash their hands and children use their own towel for hand drying. The childminder has undertaken paediatric first aid training and has a secure understanding of dealing with accidents, which ensure that children's needs are met if they should have an injury. Children are well protected from the spread of illness and infection. A written sick child policy is in place, which is detailed, clear and shared with parents. Children have regular opportunities to be active. They walk to and from school. They often visit the local

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Helping children to be healthy

play parks to improve their coordination, climbing and balancing skills. When the weather permits they spend a lot of time outside in the garden where they enjoy using equipment such as bats, balls and ride on toys. As a result they develop their physical skills and fitness whilst having fun. The childminder's very good understanding of healthy eating ensures that children are very well nourished and their dietary needs met. They are offered meals of mostly organic produce that are home-made and contain plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy foods through, for example growing their own vegetables in the garden.

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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 very welcoming environment. A good range of toys and activities are set out for arrival and they immediately begin to play and have fun. They access the whole of the downstairs area of the home, supporting their confidence as they move freely about and manage their own personal needs. Babies happily wander around the spacious area safely self-selecting toys from a variety of low-level storage boxes. When tired they rest peacefully in their buggy undisturbed by other children. Children are safe and well protected due to the effective procedures that the childminder has implemented. A number of sensible precautions are in place to minimise identified hazards and help to keep children safe. For example, use of a fixed fire guard prevents children accessing the fire in the lounge, and household chemicals are stored out of their reach. If potential hazards are identified immediate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

action is taken to ensure their on-going safety. Children are kept safe when travelling in the car. They are secured in appropriate car seats; the childminder's vehicle documents are in place and up to date and parental permission to transport children has been obtained. Their safety is maintained in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms are in place and the childminder has developed a fire evacuation procedure. Children

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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 beginning to learn about how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular fire practises; they are also reminded by the childminder about the importance of safe play. Their welfare is well protected with regard to child abuse. The childminder has undertaken training in child protection. She demonstrates a good understanding of the indictors of abuse and the procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children follow a routine that ensures that their individual needs are met with regard to, for example following their sleeping and eating routines. They enjoy a warm and mutually affectionate relationship with the childminder; children often approach for cuddles and for the childminder to join in with their play. Consequently they are able to feel secure and settled. Children are confident and move freely around the areas used for childminding, independently choosing toys. The childminder's effective use of observation enables planning to take account of children's individual abilities, promoting good progress for younger children; this is not as strongly planned for with after school children. The childminder is well skilled and as a result children are offered an abundance of enjoyable opportunities that also promote new skills and learning. Toys and activities offer a broad variety of experiences that cover and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support all areas of their development. Children's language skills are enhanced through games and open questioning by the childminder. Young children enjoy chatting on the toy phone encouraged by the childminder to extend their vocabulary. They freely access a good variety of media for mark making, such as pens, glue and paint, benefiting from practising early writing skills; younger children enjoy chalking on large pieces of paper. Books are easily accessible and are well used by children who take pleasure in reading and being read to. Maths and problem solving skills are well promoted with even the youngest children, who capably stack plastic beakers, counting with the childminder as they do. They learn about big and small, and are also challenged to put the beakers correctly inside each other. Children thoroughly enjoy the unusual opportunities offered, such as bread making and the large scale art

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

work that is proudly displayed, with all children having co-operated to complete it. They are offered age-appropriate dressing up, home corner equipment and role play to foster their imagination. Visits out into the local community, meeting children and adults offer further experiences and supports the development of their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled in the relaxed and friendly environment. They develop good relationships with the childminder and each other. All children are respected and their individual needs given high regard. Young children enjoy comfort and cuddles to support their emotional well-being. Children's art work is displayed, helping them to feel part of the group and boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Many toys, books and activities depict positive images of culture, gender, disability and ethnicity. Therefore children are beginning to learn about other people in the world. They are appropriately cared for should they have a special needs as the childminder is

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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 positive about including all children and working closely with parent's to ensure their needs are met. All children's good behaviour is actively fostered by the childminder's positive reinforcement and praise. Children are involved in setting ground rules and understand behavioural boundaries. Discussion and a confidence to approach the childminder with a concern encourages children to behave well as they know that their opinions are valued. They benefit from a very good working relationship that the childminder has with their parents. Clear detailed written records are maintained regarding children's needs and abilities. Parents are offered information about the childminder's service and written contracts are in place. They are offered daily verbal and, for younger children, written information about their child's day. Policies and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

procedures enable parents and the childminder to agree expectations. As a result children profit from the reciprocal relationship, which ensures consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit form being cared for by someone who is conscientious and enthusiastic about her work and attends relevant training. The childminder is committed to self improvement and as well as achieving a nursery nursing qualification, has attended many short courses that help her to effectively support children's well-being. Children are cared for in an environment that is organised well for its purpose whilst at the same time maintaining a homely atmosphere. Children's attendance is accurately recorded and all regulatory documentation is in place, very organised and easily accessible. This and the comprehensive policies and procedures that are in place work in practice to effectively promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder maintains confidentiality at all times and has developed a policy to this

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Organisation

effect. Therefore children's privacy is safeguarded well. As a result the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last children act inspection a recommendation was given to improve the written information given to parents that promotes the childminder's service. This has been suitably addressed and parents can now access a portfolio that details the childminders service, including policies and procedures.

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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, which the parents can seen 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • continue to develop the effectiveness of the activities and play opportunities for children of all ages, considering how the assessment and planning promotes their further progress.

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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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