Childminder, Out-of school day care in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318263 Inspection date 26 July 2006 Inspector Anne Walker

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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 husband, teenage son and daughter aged four in Dronfield Woodhouse, a village situated between Chesterfield and Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor and the rear bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There are toilet facilities on the ground floor. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three pre-school children on a part time basis and two children over eight during the school holidays. The childminder supports children with additional needs. She attends local parent and toddler groups and is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association. The family have a cat and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a clean, comfortable environment. Their health is promoted as a result of the suitable hygiene procedures put in place to prevent the spread of germs. Tissues are readily available and young children are guided in their use. They are supported to understand the importance of washing hands through the consistent daily routines and expectations. Adequate measures are in place to ensure that procedures for the care of children who become ill minimise the potential spread of infection. A range of meals and snacks are provided for children during the day to ensure they have sufficient energy to take part in all activities. They are provided with fruit for snacks. Less healthy options such as sweets and crisps are provided in moderation in order to promote their health and well-being. During the hot weather children are encouraged to have regular drinks to ensure they remain hydrated. Clear information

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Helping children to be healthy

is recorded so that their individual dietary needs are known and given due regard when meals are planned. The garden is used daily so that children can play actively. They use the swing and enjoy practising their ball skills. Local facilities such as the park, are also used to provide play opportunities that promote children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident in their environment because the organisation of space and the safety measures in the home have minimised the risk of accidents, enabling children to move around the ground floor freely. The garden is safely enclosed so that children are not able to leave unsupervised. However, the measures to protect children from accessing the patio wall and steps do not fully ensure their safety. Children are supported appropriately through routines and expectations so that they begin to contribute to their own safety. They have practised the fire escape procedure and comply with request to stop running in the house because they understand that they may be hurt as a consequence. They are able to travel safely in the car as all car documentation is in order and there are seats and belts appropriate for their size and weight. Consent to take them in the car has not been agreed in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

writing with parents to demonstrate their agreement to the measures in place when they travel in the car. There is a satisfactory range of play materials and equipment that meets the needs of the children and supports their development appropriately. In the playroom toys are organised so that children can make choices and see what is available for them.

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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 All items are clean and in good condition so that they do not pose a risk to children. The children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She informs parents verbally so that they are able to work with her to safeguard children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Regard is given to providing children with a balanced day so that they have time in the home and opportunities to mix and socialise in their local community. They regularly attend toddler groups and other activities and talk about children they know outside of the childminder's home. Such events foster their social skills and provide them with opportunities to mix with a wider group of their peers. Children have good opportunities at the childminder's home to develop their own play and enjoy building the train tracks or being outdoors on the swing. They benefit from the childminder's ability to recognise when children are tiring and offer activities that slow the pace such as reading or a brief time with a video. Craft activities are planned that encourage children's creative imagination. Children that have been have settled in have developed confidence in their carer. They are keen for her to play alongside

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them and readily seek her help and support when needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are given good regard. All children are able to be fully included in activities and are given good support so that they thrive and feel valued. Information about specific needs is gathered through the development of positive relationships with parents, contact with other professionals, and research on the internet. Babies who may not be able to communicate through spoken language benefit from the childminder's pro-active approach to developing signing skills so that she can offer suitable care as they grow and develop. The playroom displays some of the children's art work which values what they do and produce. Children are supported to learn right from wrong through the explanations provided for them and the consistent implementation of boundaries. They are beginning to assert themselves and their rights and to develop skills in negotiating issues but are able to seek help from their carer when this is not possible or they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

need reassurance. There are toys which promote a positive view of the wider world and help increase children's understanding of the lives of others. There is a range of clear, well written policies and procedures for parents although most information is shared verbally. Regular dialogues with parents ensures they are kept well informed about their child's day.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare and development are fostered appropriately because of the good consideration given to organising the home so that they are able to play, rest and have their meals comfortably. They benefit from the broad range of training undertaken by the childminder since registration, however, a first aid course has not been completed to ensure a sufficient, current knowledge and the skills to deal with any accidents that may occur while the children are in her care. Consents for emergency medical treatment have been obtained but are not carried when outside of the home. This means that information would not be available to ensure the best care for children at a difficult time and may put their health and well-being at risk. Although required details are recorded where children are cared for at short notice, this may not be sufficient to fully safeguard their welfare. Records are

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Organisation

stored confidentially to protect the interests of children and their families. They are well organised and readily available, so that those in place are used to underpin the day to day management of the setting and provide appropriate care for children according to their needs. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children she cares for.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • take further steps to promote children's safety by preventing access to the patio wall and steps and obtaining written consent from parents to transport children in the car • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children and improve procedures in order that emergency medical consent forms are taken on outings and parents complete increased details when children are left in emergencies or at short notice.

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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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