Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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505481 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2006 Inspection date Justine Ellaway Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. She lives with her husband and child aged twelve years in Derbyshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two cats.

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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's good health is well promoted. The childminder uses anti-bacterial wipes to clean down surfaces before and after eating. Older children are encouraged to wash their hands during the daily routine, after toileting and before eating. Suitable procedures are in place for when a child becomes ill, a written statement is shared with parents at the time of placement. The childminder has a clear policy for the exclusion of children who are ill. Children have their own cup, hand towel and their own bed linen. As a result the risk of cross infection is effectively minimised. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid qualification and has sought permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, to ensure children receive the most appropriate treatment in an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to participate regularly in physical activity as they go to three different stay and play sessions during the week and can play in the garden. Children are encouraged to move around freely during their play between the playroom, lounge and conservatory. As a result children's physical development is well promoted. Children are well nourished. They enjoy a healthy meal and are encouraged to try different vegetables. Drinks are available at all times and children are encouraged to drink them during the day. The childminder sits with the children at meal times to encourage their social interaction.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a bright and attractive playroom with an appealing display of toys and resources. They are able to move freely between the playroom, lounge and conservatory which increases their independence. They do this frequently, choosing to play with floor toys in the lounge. Toys and equipment are in very good condition and are separated into age appropriate boxes so that younger children cannot play with small parts. As a result they are able to play safely. A range of appropriate equipment ensures that children can participate fully in the daily routine, for example, sitting at the table in a high chair, along with a child sized table and chairs for slightly older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safety issues. She has prepared a written health and safety statement that she shares with parents at the time of placement. Checks are undertaken on all rooms before children arrive and all risks and hazards have been minimised to promote children's safety. For example, a stair gate restricts access to the kitchen and stairs. The front door is locked to prevent children leaving unsupervised. The childminder has prepared a written procedure on what to do if a child is missing, to ensure children's safety both in the home and when she is out and about. Children practise the evacuation procedures so that they know to keep calm in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is fully promoted because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. She shares a clear statement with parents at the time of placement,

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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 stating her responsibilities in terms of reporting concerns. She has a sound understanding of possible signs and symptoms and procedures for reporting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the presence of the childminder. They are comfortable in approaching her and sitting with her whilst they play. The childminder sits on the floor whilst minded children are playing which encourages them to engage in play for long periods of time and fosters their self-esteem. Children enthusiastically select from the very good range of toys and resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A varied and interesting range of activities are provided for minded children. Children engage in free play as well as baking, playing outside and going to local stay and play sessions. The childminder asks appropriate questions of children whilst they are playing to stimulate their thinking and learning. She is also effective in distracting children on to other activities if they become restless and talking to them about things that interest them. For example, a minded child goes to the window and sees a cat in the garden and the childminder talks to her about this. As a result children's development and learning is well promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder regularly talks to parents and gathers information on any changes to routines. A diary sheet is used to provide feedback to parents and the childminder also has regular verbal communication with them when they collect their children. Parents have access to a detailed and informative folder of information at the time of placement. As a result children enjoy consistency of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs receive appropriate care, as the childminder has a suitable understanding of the issues. Children are encouraged to behave well as the childminder talks to them positively and engages them in play. She also uses regular praise which fosters children's self-esteem and encourages them to want to behave well. As a result children are happy and enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder shares a clear behaviour management statement with parents to ensure consistency of care. Children learn about wider society through a suitable range of toys and resources. The childminder has considered a complaints procedure, although she has not yet established systems for recording concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who is vetted, promoting their safety. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. She demonstrates a commitment to improving her knowledge and skills through training, and has been on various courses since the last inspection including equal opportunities and policy making, child protection, traditional play and an introduction to additional needs. This positively impacts on the care provided for children.

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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 Good organisation of the environment means that children have lots of space to do different activities. They enjoy continuous support from the childminder whilst at the setting. A detailed and informative folder of information is used by the childminder and shared with parents which promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment, and achievement. All of the required documentation is maintained to ensure children receive appropriate care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that procedures are in place to record significant events and to obtain written parental permission for transporting children in a vehicle. Written permission has been requested from parents for transporting children to ensure their needs are met when they are out and about. The childminder has established a record for detailing any incidents, to ensure children's needs are met in the event of any incidents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • develop a complaints log

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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