Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318345 Inspection date 05 July 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 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 and two children aged two years and nine months, in a house in Derby. The ground floor of the property, except for the lounge and two children’s bedrooms, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged two years. The childminder walks with children to the local toddler group and to visit the local park.

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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 good awareness of cross contamination and follows effective hygiene procedures, for example, daily house cleaning with anti-bacterial fluids, regular washing and sterilising of toys and equipment, using individual towels and bedding. This minimises the risk of cross infection. Children are beginning to understand the importance of healthy lifestyles through the childminder's daily routine. They receive encouragement and support with their personal care; they know for example that washing hands before eating and after using the toilet will stop germs from spreading, and that it is important to protect themselves from the sun by wearing sun hats, applying sun cream and drinking often. Children are well nourished and are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder introduces healthy options and encourages children to try

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Helping children to be healthy

different foods. She works closely with parents and takes account of their wishes in providing meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Daily diaries are used to record their daily food and fluid intake along with other details of their routine. This means parents are kept well informed about how their child has been. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise. They regularly play in the garden and visit the local park where they are able to climb, balance and run freely. Their participation in these activities helps to improve their physical skills and co-ordination, and to develop a positive attitude to exercise. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and generally safe environment. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of safety issues and good measures are taken within the home to ensure the children’s safety, such as safety gates, cupboard locks and plug socket covers. The outdoor area is fully enclosed which means that children cannot leave the outdoor area unsupervised. However, the trellis fencing surrounding the greenhouse poses a safety risk. 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. They are well supervised throughout the day and use a range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. The play room is organised specifically for children’s play with small furniture and toys organised at low-level to

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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 encourage independent access. Children’s art work brightens the room and gives value to their achievements. The room creates a warm and welcoming environment that helps children to settle and feel at home. Children are kept safe on outings. Their movements are monitored closely when walking as pedestrians, for example, teaching them how to cross the road safely and encouraging them to hold hands. Children are protected as child protection procedures are understood and the childminder is aware of her responsibilities. As a consequence children's welfare is safeguarded. Children are supervised effectively and never left alone with persons who are not vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and make themselves at home. They enjoy and show interest in what they do. There are a good variety of activities and experiences provided to promote creativity. They enjoy exploring and designing with a variety of mediums such as paint, glue, dough and water; and can develop their imagination and language skills as they join in with stories and songs. They make decisions about what toys they wish to select and play with. This encourages them to use their initiative and develops their confidence and self-esteem. The play and life experiences offered develop children’s understanding of the local community, such as collecting leaves from the local woods and creating pictures with them. Children clearly enjoy and benefit from warm, friendly interaction with the childminder. They choose to follow the childminder around and are happy and confident in her company. The childminder acts as a positive role model, encouraging

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to show a caring attitude and respect for others. They develop a high level of independence and self-esteem as she offers support and guidance in helping them learn to negotiate together and share their resources. Children participate in group activities with other children such as local toddler groups. They enjoy this time spent with their peer group and this further develops their social skills. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but has not yet attended the introductory training or incorporated the framework into her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop positive relationships with adults and children. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she knows the children well and that they are provided with equal opportunities. Children are developing their understanding of the wider world as they play with resources that promote a positive view of diversity, such as dolls and books. These are limited but what is there is used regularly to promote discussion and increase awareness. This helps to promote open

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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 minds and develop an understanding and respect for others. There are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, the childminder has a satisfactory practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for such children. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working in partnership with parents. Procedures are in place for obtaining and sharing information regarding children’s ongoing individual needs. Parents are kept aware of their child's routine and well-being through daily discussion and a written diary. They receive clear and detailed written information about the childminding practice and service including information displayed in the playroom. Children’s emotional well-being and stability is fostered well. Children settle well and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

display confidence and ease with the childminder and her routine. The childminder treats children and parents with respect and consideration. Children understand responsible behaviour as the childminder sets clear obtainable boundaries and deals with behaviour consistently.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the child friendly and welcoming environment. Space and resources are organised well to maximise play opportunities for children. Toys are well presented and accessible, this encourages independence and self selection. Good adult supervision and well maintained resources enable children to safely explore their surroundings. Their care is effectively supported as they receive a high level of individual attention. This has a positive impact on their learning and development. Effective vetting procedures are in place and positive steps are taken to ensure that any person who has contact with children is suitable. This ensures the ongoing welfare of children. All required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection. These are well organised, well presented and regularly updated. This has a positive impact on the quality of care provided.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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

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Complaints 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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance and build on existing childcare practices • ensure the trellis fencing surrounding the greenhouse is safe.

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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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