Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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206071 Unique Reference Number 20 December 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 1992. She lives with her husband in Derby. The whole ground floor, along with the first floor bathroom and spare bedroom, 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 two children under five on a part-time basis, and three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local stay and play session.

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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 enjoy a variety of opportunities to engage in physical activity. The childminder takes children to a soft play centre once a week and they go on regular walks and journeys using public transport to other local places, for example, the park and the library. Children have sufficient space to move around indoors. As a result children's physical development is well promoted. Children are reasonably well nourished. Healthy eating is usually promoted as the childminder provides fruit for the children to eat at snack times along with treats such as biscuits and chocolate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is suitably promoted because the childminder employs appropriate hygiene procedures through the daily routine. For example, she regularly cleans the toys with anti-bacterial solution. Children are usually encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after toileting. The childminder takes baby wipes with her when she is out and about so that children can clean their hands. The risk of cross-infection is suitably minimised as the childminder shares a written policy with parents. Children have their own hand towel.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate care if they are ill. The childminder maintains appropriate records in the event of an accident or when administering medicines. However, the childminder has not sought written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, to ensure children's individual health needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's independence is promoted and they enjoy the freedom of movement between the lounge and front room of the childminder's house. They choose what they want to play with from the varied range of toys and resources. There is a good amount of space for children to play both on the floor, at the table and on the comfy sofas where they sit and listen to stories or music. The toys and equipment are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure they are safe for children to use. Children are able to self-select the toys and resources and do this frequently. As a result their decision-making skills are promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing an understanding of safety as the childminder explains why she asks them to do something. For example, she asks the children to tidy away some of the toys so it is safe for them to be active in the lounge. Risks and hazards are minimised indoors and out. The front door is locked and there is a stairgate to prevent access upstairs. The childminder effectively ensures children's safety when they are out and about. She carefully considers where she is going and what she will need to ensure she can maintain appropriate supervision at all times. For example, she does not use busy parks during holiday periods and children wear wrist straps if they are out in busy areas.

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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 Children’s safety and welfare is not fully promoted because the childminder does not clearly understand issues relating to child protection. She is not fully clear on the different types of abuse and procedures for reporting and has a basic awareness of possible signs and symptoms.

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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 and confident in approaching her. They talk to the childminder whilst they are playing and include her in their games. Children enjoy frequent outings to various places within the community, such as the library and the local park. They choose books from the library which they enjoy looking at with the childminder. Children also engage in free play and other structured activities such as baking and painting. Children engage in purposeful play during their time at the childminder's and are very resourceful in making up their own games during free play. They use their imagination well. They play well together and have times when they play independently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder effectively interacts with the children during play, encouraging their thinking and learning by joining in their games and asking appropriate questions. She is effective in supporting children to learn at their own pace. The childminder places a great emphasis on promoting independence with minded children, encouraging them to learn skills such as dressing and making decisions. As a result children's development and learning is well promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are suitably met because the childminder knows what the children like to do and what their favourite toys are. She includes the children when planning what she is doing during the day so they make a contribution. Children with special needs receive appropriate care as the childminder has a suitable understanding of the issues. An effective relationship is established with parents and they receive daily verbal feedback. The childminder has a clear written procedure on complaints. As a result consistency of care is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together and are learning to share the toys and resources. They receive positive praise and encouragement when they are playing to reinforce their appropriate behaviour. Suitable methods are usually used to manage inappropriate behaviour. A very small selection of toys and resources are available for children to learn about the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder is aware that all adults having regular contact with children have to undergo suitability checks. She demonstrates an understanding of when she should notify the regulator of any changes to her circumstances.

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Organisation

Children receive appropriate support whilst they play. When children play independently, for example, if they listen to a story tape in the front room, the childminder maintains appropriate

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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 supervision to ensure they are safe and well. The rooms are suitably organised to provide sufficient space for children to play. All of the required information is gathered at the time of placement. Most of the required permissions are in place to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. 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 the children's daily attendance record is kept up to date. To ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Also, to ensure the range of toys meet the developmental needs of younger children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder keeps an up to date record of children's attendance to promote their safety and well-being. Although the childminder borrows books from the local library that reflect people of different race, she currently has a very small range of resources that promote equality of opportunity. A further recommendation has been raised. The childminder has a good range of toys to meet the developmental needs of current minded children. As a result children engage in purposeful play.

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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 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 requested from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • expand knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures • expand the range of resources and activities that promote an understanding of the wider world

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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 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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