Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316309 Inspection date 22 March 2006 Inspector Linda Gail Moore

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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 in a house in a suburb of Derby. The whole of the ground floor, the first floor bathroom and spare bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park, music sessions and the library. She presently cares for nine children who attend on a part time basis. She has a National Nursery Examining Board (NNEB) child care qualification.

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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 stay healthy and benefit from playing in a clean environment. The childminder has a high awareness of cross contamination and follows good hygiene procedures, for example, daily house cleaning, sterilising toys and equipment, using individual sheets, this minimises the risk of cross infection. Nappy changing arrangements reflect good practice as the childminder uses appropriate changing mats, wiping them down after use and disposing of used nappies appropriately. Children are beginning to understand the importance of good health and hygiene practice as the childminder takes positive steps to develop this, for example, using verbal reminders to wash their hands and cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing, explaining how this prevents 'spreading germs'. Children’s personal care needs are met well as they receive encouragement and support with their toileting, dressing and hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished, their health and dietary needs are met effectively because the childminder works well with parents. Meals are arranged following consultation with parents to ensure they eat healthily, a list of suitable foods is maintained and recorded in the child's individual file. Children are offered a good variety of freshly cooked meals that include fresh vegetables and fruit. They are beginning to develop their awareness of healthy lifestyles, for example, as they participate in physical activities and make independent choices from healthy snacks and drinks. The childminder teaches them well, explaining how drinking milk gives you healthy teeth and bones. Children enjoy physical activity and have good opportunities to participate in active play through both indoor and outdoor pursuits. The rear garden is used well and provides extended play opportunities such as bikes, cars, and ball play. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

attend swimming sessions with the childminder, take part in toddler gymnastics, visit local parks and soft play centres where they are able to climb, balance and run freely. These activities improve children's physical skills and co-ordination, and helps to develop a positive attitude to exercise. Children experience good routines that meet their individual needs for rest and sleep. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure the children's comfort and safety. Children's welfare is promoted and they are well cared for when ill, protecting others from illness and infection. Care arrangements are agreed with parents and appropriate procedures for contacting parents and collecting children are in place.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment that is suitable for its purpose. They are safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of safety issues and the high level of attention she gives to safety inside and outside the

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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 home. Safe and suitable equipment is available such as safety gates, a fire guard, plug socket covers and a fire blanket. Children practise the emergency escape plan and smoke alarms are in place with regular checks carried out to ensure they are in good working order. Children are well supervised throughout the day and use good quality toys and equipment that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Rooms are uncluttered and airy, allowing children to move around the home safely and with ease. Children are kept safe on outings with satisfactory arrangements in place for transporting children in the childminder's vehicle, for example, using suitable seats and belts. Their awareness of safety issues is developed well through every day activities within the home and during outings, for example, teaching children road

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety, explaining the dangers around water and climbing equipment, making children aware of the danger from putting small objects in their mouths such as beaded necklaces. These precautions contribute to children's safety. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection and is aware of the appropriate procedures to take if necessary, as a consequence children's welfare is safeguarded. Children are supervised effectively and never left alone with persons who are not vetted. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop a high level of confidence and self-esteem. The premises are welcoming and child-orientated, with toys organised at low-level so that children can use their initiative and make decisions about what they wish to select and play with. Children clearly enjoy and benefit from warm, friendly interaction with the childminder. She acts as a positive role model, encouraging children to show a caring attitude and respect for others. Children enjoy and show interest in what they do. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this benefits the children. A good variety of activities and opportunities are provided, these promote creative and imaginative skills and enable children to progress in all areas of learning. Children enjoy exploring and designing with a variety of mediums such as paint, glue, play-doh and water. The childminder particularly enjoys cooking with the children and they all have their own

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recipe book made up with photographs of cakes and biscuits that they have baked and decorated. Opportunities are taken during these activities to introduce early maths development, for example, weighing and number recognition when using the scales. Children talk with confidence and pride about their achievements. Children receive a high level of attention, the childminder sits alongside them to support and listen. This promotes language skills and encourages children's interest, involvement and learning. There is a good balance of planned and free play. Children enjoy a variety of activities such as role play, music and books. They act out the story of Cinderella and the slipper with confidence and are able to express their feelings and ideas. These contribute to their development and promote creativity and imagination. The childminder enjoys taking the children out each day to ensure their

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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 routine is varied and stimulating. They participate in group activities with other children attending organised music sessions and mother and toddler groups. They enjoy this time spent with their peer group. This develops their social skills and enables them to play harmoniously. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has attended training. She has begun to implement the framework into her practice producing folders containing assessment sheets and art work for individual children. However, the framework is not incorporated into the activity planning for the under threes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for well by the childminder, who works closely with parents to ensure children are fully included in the life of the setting. Time is dedicated to talk with parents about their child's individual needs and requirements. Daily discussion ensures parents are fully informed about their child's routine, progress and general well-being. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children having identified special educational needs, she has a good knowledge and understanding of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she is able to approach parents if concerned about any child's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress. Parents receive well presented, clear and detailed information about the childminding practice and service in the form of a 'Portfolio'. Children thrive knowing that they are ‘special’ and well cared for. They enjoy close

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Helping children make a positive contribution

physical contact such as cuddles and the childminder is warm and friendly in her interaction. As a result children settle very well and display confidence and ease with the childminder and her routine, this develops their self-assurance and ability to form caring relationships. The childminder treats children and parents with respect and consideration. Children understand responsible behaviour. The childminder places the emphasis on good behaviour which is recognised through praise and reward. She dedicates a large proportion of the day to play and stimulation. Therefore behaviour is good and instances of difficult behaviour are rare. Children are becoming aware of wider society and the needs of others. Activities are planned to inform and promote open minds, for example, celebrating 'Chinese New Year' with children making cards, cooking noodles and eating with chop sticks. Good quality images and resources are visible within the play areas such as play figures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that represent race, disability and different generations. Books depict mixed relationships and non-gender stereotyping. These are all used regularly to stimulate discussion. These resources and activities help promote open minds and develop an understanding and respect for others.

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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 feel at home and at ease in the child friendly and welcoming environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's independence is promoted as the premises are well organised. Space and resources are laid out to maximise play opportunities for children, toys are well presented and accessible, this encourages independence and self selection. Children's care is effectively supported through good adult:child ratios, this has a positive impact on children's learning and development. Their welfare is ensured through effective vetting procedures and positive steps taken to ensure that persons who have contact with the children are suitable persons. All of the required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection. These are well

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Organisation

organised, well presented and regularly updated. Additional documentation is made available to parents in the form of a portfolio, this has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • continue to develop the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enable you to incorporate its ideas into your activity planning for under threes.

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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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