Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207358 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2006 Inspection date Judith Chinnery 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 has been a registered childminder since 1985 and is registered to care for five children under eight years. She is currently caring for three children under five years and occasionally two others at different times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives in a three bedroomed house with her teenage son, close to parks, shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the downstairs area is used for childminding with access to the bathroom upstairs. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The family has a dog.

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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 health and well-being is promoted well in the setting. Good management of food preparation and clean surroundings ensure that children stay healthy. Hand washing routines are well-established and children happily follow instructions to clean their hands and faces, which helps to minimise the spread of infection. Accidents and medication are clearly recorded as they happen and include parent's signatures so that parents are well informed. However, not all parents have given written consent for seeking emergency medical treatment and administering medication. This makes it difficult for the childminder to be sure that all children's health needs are being met consistently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished with a variety of foods which include fruit and vegetables. The childminder works closely with the parents to provide children with what they like and need. Children learn about healthy eating through different activities, such as cooking because the childminder uses these situations to talk about health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outdoor play and physical exercise is a daily feature for children in this setting. The garden is freely available for children to explore and run about in. Varied opportunities to use the ride on toys and other equipment ensures that children are able to use and develop their large body movements well. Children can rest comfortably and peacefully according to their needs either in a pushchair or on the settee where they can be easily observed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a setting that is well maintained and safe. Good safety precautions, such as stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers help to prevent accidents to children. Documents and records, such as childminding insurance are kept up to date ensuring that children are safe both inside and out. Outings to parks and wildlife centres are well planned with children's safety in mind.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide variety of resources which are safe and appropriate for their age and stage. The rooms which the children use to play in are free from hazards, such as trailing wires and are well equipped for children to play and move around freely and safely. They can sit safely at the table to eat and play because the childminder uses appropriate chairs with harnesses when needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in the setting because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is fully aware of who to contact to report any concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy being in this setting. They experience a wide range of activities which help them play and learn. They are easily absorbed by activities, exploring the garden and inventing different scenarios with the dolls. Younger children enjoy investigating how things work and are delighted when they manage to make the toy light up or play some music when they press the right buttons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children know their way around the childminder's home and are confident to ask for what they want or to help themselves to accessible activities. Children's language skills are encouraged well since the childminder shares conversations about daily happenings as well as stories with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is beginning to develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not yet use it effectively to plan more stimulating and worthwhile activities for children which enhances their care, learning and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well supported in joining in and making a personal contribution in this setting. The childminder is careful to work closely with parents to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She uses resources, such as books which reflect positive images of children and families to introduce children to differences and to enable them to develop a respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcomed into the setting. The childminder supports them well because she works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure their needs are met. Activities are accessible and adapted to suit the children's needs so that all children are included in the life of the setting. The children enjoy a warm and close relationship with the childminder which helps them to settle well and feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder supports them appropriately. She sets clear boundaries and expectations for children's behaviour and offers clear explanations about acceptable behaviour. Parents are kept well informed about their child's care and the provision of a complaints record should any complaints arise ensures that all aspects of children's care are transparent to all.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children. Her sound understanding of childcare and development ensure that children are well cared for and protected. She takes steps to keep her knowledge of childcare up to date by participating in courses.

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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 The number of children cared for is kept to a minimum to ensure that children's care, learning and play is actively supported. Good record keeping supports and promotes children's ability to stay healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in July 2003 the childminder was asked to improve some aspects of her record keeping and to obtain a copy of the National Standards and the Guidance for Childminders.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written permission from some parents for seeking emergency medical treatment, permission to administer medication and consent for outings which enables the childminder to meet children's individual health needs and parents wishes. She has also obtained copies of the National Standards for Childminders and now has a better understanding of the requirements for meeting children's needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

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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): • ensure that the recording of written consent for emergency medical treatment and medication is kept up to date for each child • improve the care, learning and play offered to children under three years by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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