Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307352 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Janet Ashcroft

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her partner and 2 children, aged 3 years and 18 months, in Stenson Fields, Derby. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family has 2 cats, to which minded children have supervised access. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children at any one time; she presently has 1 child on roll who attends full time.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly visits local toddler groups and offers a collection and delivery service to local schools and nurseries.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about good hygiene routines through the childminder’s good practice, for example, hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. However, they are presently at risk of cross-infection due to the accessibility of the cats' feeding bowls. Children are encouraged and supported in developing skills of self-reliance with regard to personal hygiene through a range of equipment provided by the childminder, for example, toilet step and trainer seats. Their health is safeguarded through the childminder’s policies and records, which generally meet all required standards, however, accurate records are not always maintained following the administration of medicines. Children are given frequent opportunities to exercise outdoors, for example, full use is made of the garden and of the local park where the children are able to develop and practise a variety of physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s nutritional needs are accommodated well, with meals freshly prepared and fruit and vegetables offered on a daily basis. Drinks are freely available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move independently around the setting, which is clean and well-maintained. They benefit from access to and the use of a good range of toys and equipment, which is kept in a clean and safe condition and which promotes all areas of development. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, by practising road crossing drills during the daily trip to the nursery and on outings to the park. The childminder is aware of possible risks to the children’s safety and has taken some steps to ensure the setting is safe. However, their safety is compromised as the fire is accessible and some electrical sockets are uncovered. Children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge of signs and symptoms and of reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to engage in a broad and balanced range of activities which helps

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 them make progress in all areas of development and which caters proactively for their needs. They are learning to make choices and become independent as their toys are freely accessible. Children's language and social skills are promoted through regular interactions with the childminder; she listens carefully to their responses, enhancing their self-confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from regular learning and play opportunities outside the home, where they are given opportunities to explore and investigate and to relate to others, for example, visits to local toddler groups. The childminder has some knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but has not yet implemented this within her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a proactive approach to caring for children with special needs and all children benefit from being cared for as individuals. However, they are not yet able to access resources to develop their awareness of the wider world or to promote their understanding of others. Children benefit from a consistency of care, which is promoted through the strong partnership with parents; information is exchanged on a daily basis and in a variety of ways. The children behave well and show care and concern for one another. The childminder has a gentle and positive approach to behaviour management, to which younger children respond particularly well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to explore and investigate as a result of the well-organised use of space, which has been planned to enable them to participate in a variety of activities. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine. Children benefit from the childminder's sound organisational skills; most relevant paperwork is available, although records are not presently stored securely. Policies are thoroughly maintained, clearly structured and readily shared with parents. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection.

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 written records are kept of medicines administered to children and that the parent signs the record book to acknowledge the entry • ensure that animal bowls do not pose a health risk by making them inaccessible to children • ensure that the fire is made safe or inaccessible and that uncovered electric plug sockets are fitted with socket covers • further develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three, for example, through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • provide resources to raise children's awareness of anti-discriminatory practice • ensure that all documentation is available for inspection and that records are stored securely.

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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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