Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 207348 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder lives with her family and has been registered since 1995. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play and the childminder regularly undertakes outings to local amenities. There are currently 13 children on the childminder's register who attend throughout the week. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, receives support from the local authority and she employs an assistant.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through consistent daily routines. They stay healthy and have a very good understanding of personal hygiene as a result of the childminder's good practice and how she involves the children. For example, the children have helped to design a sign for the bathroom which prompts them to remember about hand washing after using the toilet. Children who become unwell are given effective care, protecting others from illness and infection. Verbal policies are in place to exclude sick children which are shared and understood by parents. Children are cared for in a clean and suitably maintained home. Effective, regular cleaning routines ensure that the areas used by children are hygienic and free from germs, reducing the possibility of the spread of infection. Children's health is further

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

maintained as the childminder has the appropriate documentation and training to support children's health and care needs, including a current first aid certificate. However, parental signatures acknowledging medication administration are not always obtained. Children enjoy a good variety of healthy nutritious snacks and meals. They are offered regular drinks of their choice throughout the day and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs and requirements are met. Through regular daily routines the children experience good outdoor activities such as walks within the local community. They also enjoy playing games which encourage and develop their awareness of the value of exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are able to initiate and extend their own play by having free choice and access to the good range of clean and well maintained toys and resources. Risks are effectively identified and minimised enabling children to move around the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder carefully monitors the play materials, equipment and resources to ensure they are safe, clean and age appropriate. There is adequate space and suitable furniture in place for children to rest in comfort. Children are cared for in a safe environment as the childminder ensures that the welfare of the children remains paramount. For example, a fire blanket and clear emergency evacuation procedures, which she practises with the children, are in place. Although a smoke alarm is fitted to the ground floor and is tested regularly there is not one on the first floor where children access to bathroom area. The

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

premises are kept secure and when taking the children out, the childminder ensures they are secure by using appropriate restraints in buggies and holding children's hands.

p.3

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 A good knowledge of child protection, in line with Local Children Safeguarding Board's procedures, enables the childminder to safeguard the welfare of the children she cares for.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmental activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children enjoy initiating their own play and are happy to play alone and with others. They clearly enjoy and benefit from warm, friendly interactions with the childminder and her assistant and are given space and freedom to develop their play imaginatively. The childminder organises art and craft activities for the children which they are able to complete to their own satisfaction. As a result, their interest is maintained, social skills developed and self confidence raised. The children enjoy developing their imagination and creativity through singing and listening to rhymes and stories.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of children's individual needs through effective systems she shares with parents regarding children's care routines. For example, dietary needs and potty training, ensuring children are given continuity of care. Children are well behaved and polite in response to expectations and positive role model of the childminder and her assistant. Children have good access to resources which reflect positive attitudes of a diverse society. They enjoy looking at books and learn about the local community as they visit places of interest such as the shops and local woodlands. The childminder has a supportive relationship with parents. Policies are agreed verbally and they share and exchange daily feedback to ensure they meet children's personal needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment that enables them to relax and enjoy themselves. Suitable documents and procedures are in place to support the appropriate care of the children. Their needs and routines are discussed on a daily basis with parents, which contribute to continuity in the children's care. Daily registers of their attendance show times of arrival and departure, ensuring ratios are maintained. The childminder and her assistant organise space and activities well in order that children have variety of choice and they have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure. Documents are stored securely in order to maintain

p.4

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's privacy. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that written parental permission was obtained for transporting children. The childminder does not drive. However, she maintains children's safety and respects parental wishes by asking parents for written permission to take the children out on public transport.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parents sign acknowledgement of all medication administered to their children • ensure a smoke alarm is fitted to first floor

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5