Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311509 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a village on the outskirts of Chesterfield. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog and a cockatiel as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, who attend on a part-time or full-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable environment. Pre-school and school age children develop a good awareness of how to manage their personal hygiene through the daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet. The risk of cross-infection is minimised because each child recognises and uses their own colour coded towel when drying their hands. Tissues are readily available and the childminder is careful to ensure babies' noses remain clean. The use of a written policy regarding sick children ensures the childminder and parents work together in the best interests of all. These measures ensure children's health is promoted and that they are protected from the spread of infection. Minor accidents are dealt with appropriately as the childminder has received training to administer basic first aid. She maintains clear records of any minor bumps and ensures parents are promptly

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Helping children to be healthy

informed. However, written parental consent to obtain emergency treatment for children has not been sought and this means children's best interests may not be met in an emergency. Appropriate consents are sought to administer any medication and records held, although these are not always countersigned when the child is collected, meaning information is not fully shared. Daily routines, such as walking to school, encourage children to adopt a positive attitude towards exercise. Younger children enjoy trips to the local park where they use a variety of equipment that helps to develop their physical skills. Babies' mobility is fostered through the provision of suitable toys and activities that encourage them to stand and move. Children are encouraged to try a variety of different foods for meals and snacks. They often help to prepare snacks with the childminder and enjoy regular opportunities to bake. Drinks are readily available and children can help themselves to these when

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Helping children to be healthy

they are thirsty, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Suitable steps are taken to ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Appropriate safety equipment, such as cupboard locks and safety sockets, is in place to protect children from identified hazards. Children have good space in which to play and relax, enabling them to move around freely or to sit and play a game comfortably. A wide range of toys is readily available in the lounge and conservatory, allowing them to make independent choices in their play. Clear arrangements are in place to deal with emergencies. For example, there are clear procedures to evacuate the home in an emergency and these are known to the children. The home is secure, ensuring children cannot leave unsupervised and the childminder maintains good levels of supervision at all times. These measures promote children's safety.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities towards protecting children and knows the appropriate steps to take if she were concerned about a child in the future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy a warm, friendly relationship with her that boosts their confidence and self-esteem. This helps them to feel secure and at ease. They benefit from the support she gives them. Daily routines are planned to meet children's individual needs and to provide a variety of activities in the home and wider community. For example, children benefit from visits to the local toddler group where they learn to socialise more widely. Regular visits to the library provide opportunities for the children to select their own books and to listen to stories. Other planned outings include trips to the park, walks in the woods and visits to a local café for a meal. This ensures the children have a broad range of experiences to enrich their lives. At home the childminder uses her good range of toys and play materials to offer the children fun whilst supporting their learning. She has begun to consider what children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

gain from activities and is beginning to incorporate the 'Birth to three matters' framework into what she provides for the younger children. For example, children enjoy exploring the treasure bag with all ages benefiting from the encouragement to use their senses. Older children enthusiastically embrace topics that interest them, such as space travel, and enjoy creative activities that allow them to paint pictures and to make spacemen outfits from recycled materials. Children's imagination is fostered through a good range of role play equipment and dressing up items. Good attention is given to developing the children's communication skills and older children express themselves confidently and clearly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel acknowledged as their views are listened to and their likes and dislikes given consideration. Older children readily talk about their experiences and share their news. They learn about the wider world through books and activities. Consequently children learn to respect their own and other cultures. Children behave well and respond to the clear boundaries set by the childminder. Older children are learning to be considerate to others and are keen to share their toys and take turns in activities. Children with special needs are welcomed and the childminder seeks to further her knowledge on specific conditions through attending training. This helps her to support children and their families effectively. Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive. Clear information is sought at the start of any arrangement to ensure sufficient detail is known about each child's needs to ensure appropriate care may be

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Helping children make a positive contribution

given. Babies and younger children have a daily diary which the childminder uses to

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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 inform parents of their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and development is effectively promoted because the childminder shows a high level of commitment to her personal development through attending regular training courses. She uses the knowledge gained to provide appropriate learning experiences for children and to ensure her business is run safely. A selection of policies and procedures that support the appropriate care of the children are in place and shared with parents. Records are generally well organised and readily available to demonstrate how she organises her business. The childminder spends her time working and playing with the children. She organises her time, space and resources effectively. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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 written parental consent is requested to obtain emergency medical treatment and that all records of medication administered to children are countersigned to show parents have been informed.

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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 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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