Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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205879 Unique Reference Number 25 September 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 1989. She lives with her two children aged five and seven years in Derby. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, along with the first floor second bedroom, 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a part time basis and two children over five before and after school. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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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 because the childminder employs effective procedures through the daily routine. The sand pit is covered in the garden and the sand is changed regularly and the toys are washed frequently. The childminder uses anti-bacterial spray to wipe down the changing mat each time it is used and nappies are placed straight in a sack and into the bin outside. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices and wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. Their independence is very well promoted because the childminder encourages this throughout the day. For example, younger children go to the toilet, wash their hands, turn the light off and close the door without being reminded. Children get a tissue to blow their nose and put it in the bin when they have finished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is promoted. There are appropriate procedures for when children become ill and the childminder has requested permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice to ensure children's 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. They enjoy playing outside on the large play equipment including a trampoline and riding around the garden on sit and ride toys. They enjoy outings to the local park and walks to the shops. As a result the development of children's physical skills is effectively promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are reasonably well nourished. They enjoy food and drink in adequate quantities. Drinks are constantly available so that children can help themselves during the day. Healthy eating is not always promoted. The childminder does have fruit available for snack but also provides biscuits. Lunch is a hot meal, and is largely reliant on processed foods such as smiley faces, fish fingers, turkey sticks. The childminder finds out whether children have any allergies or preferences in relation to food at the time of placement. She ensures all children feel included at meal times and provides similar alternatives so children do not feel left out. For example, she provides vegetable fingers as an alternative for a child who cannot eat fish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very comfortable in the childminder's home, they immediately begin playing as soon as they arrive. There are attractive displays of children's work hanging from the ceiling and on the wall. The childminder also displays photographs of the children which they enjoy looking at. As a result children develop a sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are a superb range of interesting and stimulating toys and resources for children of all ages. They are attractively displayed to make them appealing to children. Children are able to access them independently and do so with enthusiasm. They are very good at choosing what they want to do next promoting their independence and decision making. Children regularly tidy away the toys, sometimes without being prompted. As a result they develop a sense of ownership. Toys with smaller parts are stored on higher shelves to promote children's safety.

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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 Risks and hazards have been minimised to promote children's safety both indoors and outdoors. The door to the hallway has a high handle and is kept closed so children cannot leave by the front door. There is a stair gate to restrict access to the kitchen, which allows the childminder to supervise the children when she is preparing food. There are clear guidelines for the use of the trampoline and large paddling pool in the garden and the childminder has sought written permission from parents to ensure children's safety when they are playing. Minded children are developing a good understanding of their own safety, for example, they know they are not to go outside in the garden without the childminder even when the back door is open.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is effectively promoted because the childminder has a suitable understanding of child protection issues 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 good. Children are happy at the childminder's home. They enjoy a varied and interesting range of play opportunities including free play with the toys and resources as well as activities such as learning colours, baking and painting. They join in enthusiastically with familiar songs and do the actions. Children's development is well promoted because the childminder focuses on what the children can do and takes them on to the next stage. She is very effective in asking appropriate questions as well as using explanation as a method to help children learn and encourages them to try things for themselves. A minded child quickly becomes frustrated with a jigsaw, but with careful encouragement from the childminder he maintains his attention until he has finished.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to spend time during the day playing with each other without adult interaction to develop their imaginative skills. They do this well as they play for long periods of time with role play toys pretending they are making certain meals. Children's self-esteem is well fostered because the childminder talks to them in a friendly and interested manner whilst they are playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder has regular communication with parents and discusses any issues. She works hard to ensure that children are given appropriate support to settle in effectively. Children become aware of wider society through an appropriate range of resources and the childminder talks to children about differences when they occur. Children with special needs receive appropriate care as the childminder has an awareness of the issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They play harmoniously along side each other and share the toys and resources. Children show consideration for each other. A child drops a toy on the floor and another child quickly picks it up and passes it to her. Children receive lots of appropriate praise and encouragement and the childminder is friendly in her interaction with them. As a result

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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 they enjoy their time with the childminder and their self-esteem is fostered. Children receive consistent and appropriate care because the childminder has regular discussions with parents and provides written information on certain procedures at the time of placement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure and have a good relationship with the childminder. Good organisation of the space and resources means that children can engage in different types of play and have lots of choice about what they play with. Children benefit from one to one attention and good interaction when they are playing.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is maintained to ensure children receive appropriate care. Children's welfare and safety is effectively promoted as the childminder is aware of the requirements to ensure that adults that have contact with children have been suitably checked. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to assess the risks to children in relation to the use of the pool and trampoline, document and take any required action to minimise these. Request written permission from parents to use these pieces of equipment and to take children to the public swimming baths. To document the emergency escape plan and share with parents and other adults working on the premises. To ensure records of complaints and compliments are maintained. Also, to ensure current first aid certificates are maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has produced a written statement on risks relating to the trampoline and pool and shares these with parents at the time of placement. She demonstrates an awareness of the guidelines for the use of the local swimming baths to ensure children receive appropriate care. She has also obtained written permission from parents for using the equipment and going to the swimming baths. As a result children's safety is effectively promoted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has prepared a written evacuation statement which she shares with parents. As a result children's safety is promoted in the event of an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A complaints record has been set up to ensure consistency of care is maintained for minded children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended an appropriate first aid course to ensure children receive the most appropriate treatment in the event of an accident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to Standards 2: Organisation, 3: Care, Learning and Play, 6: Safety, 7: Health, 11: Behaviour, 13: Child Protection and 14: Documentation.

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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 The complaint related to inappropriate methods being used to manage children's behaviour, allowing children to play unsupervised and older children changing nappies of younger children. We made an unannounced visit to investigate these concerns. There was no evidence to suggest any breach of standards 2, 3, 6, 7, 13 or 14. The provider produced a behaviour management policy which she shared with parents under standard 11. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider has made a record of the complaint in their complaint log.

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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): • encourage healthy eating at snack and meal times

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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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