Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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505502 Unique Reference Number 14 June 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 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 1996. She lives with her husband and three children aged 8, 12 and 15 years in Derby. The whole ground floor 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 three children under five on a part time basis. The childminder attends various local stay and play sessions. The family has three rabbits and two chinchillas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 satisfactory. Children's good health is promoted and the risk of cross infection minimised, as the childminder has a written policy on the exclusion of children who are ill which is shared with parents. Children are encouraged to learn about good health and hygiene as they are usually reminded to wash their hands after messy play and before eating. They receive appropriate care if they are ill to ensure they are comfortable. Appropriate records are available for accidents, however the childminder has not sought permission from parents for the use of plasters, to ensure children receive the most appropriate treatment in an accident. Permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has been requested for all children, to ensure their individual health needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical activity including playing in the garden, going on walks and to the local wood. Children are well nourished, they enjoy a range of meals and fruit is provided on a regular basis. The childminder gathers information from parents on children's health and dietary needs to ensure they enjoy suitable food and drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure in the welcoming premises where use of both the lounge and the kitchen/diner provides easily supervised space for them to play. Children's decision making skills are promoted as they are able to choose what they play with, from the variety of toys that are laid out prior to their arrival. The toys and equipment are in very good condition, which means that children can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks and hazards have been minimised to promote children's safety. The childminder has completed a written risk assessment on the premises to ensure children can play safely. She has also devised several additional written procedures for use in an emergency, for example, lost and uncollected child policies. Effective procedures ensure children's safety when they are out and about. The childminder makes sure that the children hold her hand when crossing the road and she uses reins for younger children. Children play safely in the garden as it is child friendly and fully enclosed. A regular practice of the emergency evacuation procedure means that children know how to leave the premises safely and calmly. Children’s safety and welfare is promoted because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and comfortable with the childminder. They enjoy a satisfactory range of play opportunities as they participate in free play, messy play and go on walks in the local community. They have regular opportunities to develop their social skills at various play and stay sessions locally. The use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework progress records are

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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 being developed to identify what children can do. Children's confidence is promoted by the childminder who supports them appropriately when they are upset or hesitant about new situations. Children sometimes enjoy interaction with the childminder whilst they are playing. Children's independence is promoted as they play independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has regular communication with parents. The effective partnership with parents helps children to feel settled and secure. The childminder shares a useful portfolio of information with parents at the time of placement to ensure consistency of care for minded children. Children with special needs receive appropriate care, as the childminder has a sound understanding of the issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together and have a good relationship with the childminder. A clear and detailed written behaviour management policy is shared with parents at the time of placement. Appropriate methods are used to manage children's behaviour. Children's self-esteem is sometimes promoted, as on occasion the childminder praises children when they are playing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Effective organisation of the environment and resources means that children have a choice about what they do, for example, they choose what they want to play. A clear and useful folder of information, including written policies and procedures promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment, and achievement. Most of the required permissions are in place and contract information has been established for each child to ensure they receive appropriate care. The childminder is a member of a local childminding network and attends various training courses and meetings to improve the care provided for children. For example, she has attended two 'Birth to three matters' courses and training in 'Visual arts and design' and 'Dance and creativity' since the last inspection. Overall, the needs of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop written information for parents regarding the childminding facilities and provision, to ensure a medication record is maintained, signed by parents, of medicines given to children and to ensure the children's daily attendance record is kept up to date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed written information about her provision which she shares with parents to promote consistency of care. She is aware of information to be recorded when administering medication and that parents signatures are required to promote the good health of minded children. Daily attendance records are accurate and up to date to ensure children's safety.

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Improvements 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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): • ensure that written permission is obtained from parents for the use of plasters • encourage children's play and learning through consistent and regular interaction

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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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