Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207743 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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?

This childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and school age daughter in Swanwick, Derbyshire. Children use the lounge, kitchen and upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children at any one time. Currently there are four children on roll. She jointly runs the local carer and toddler group and attends the childminder group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the Derbyshire Early Years 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 good. Children's good health is effectively promoted because positive steps are taken to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Careful attention is given to ensuring children have shade outdoors and that they wear appropriate protection in the sun. Children routinely follow good hygiene practices and understand that washing their hands before handling food keeps them healthy. Comprehensive arrangements are in place to care for children if they are unwell or injured. The childminder ensures her knowledge of first aid is kept up to date through attending relevant training and that she shares with parents her policy regarding the care of children who are infectious. This means children receive appropriate care when they are ill and that the risk to others is minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide variety of foods and begin to understand which ones are healthy. Through involving children in the preparation of meals the childminder encourages them to try new tastes and broaden their experience of raw ingredients. For example, children enthusiastically make their own pizzas for lunch, willingly adding a variety of vegetables. Children grow cress and are tempted to taste this as part of their meals or snacks. Children benefit from healthy snacks during the day, such as apples and other fresh fruit. They readily ask for, or are offered, drinks to ensure they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children benefit from regular opportunities for robust physical exercise. They make good use of the local and wider community to use parks, soft play areas and community groups where they can improve their skills safely. In addition the regular use of the garden, where children can slide, swing, dig and play games, ensures they have plenty of opportunities to be out in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder always thoroughly assesses and reduces any risks and is vigilant in her levels of supervision. For example, all areas of the home are secure and appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending. This allows children to move freely and be protected from harm. Children's safety is assured when they are on outings because the childminder considers carefully the arrangements for seating children appropriately in her car and takes comprehensive information out with her so that any emergency can be dealt with appropriately. Children learn about dangers and how to keep themselves safe. They readily help to tidy toys and know the procedure for evacuating in an emergency, as this is regularly practised with them. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the possible

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and the correct procedure to follow should she have any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children readily access toys and activities that interest them. Older children fetch activities of their choice and once finished return these to the box and tidy them away, showing a high

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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 degree of independence and responsibility. All toys and equipment are well-maintained and any risks are appropriately minimised. For example, outdoor equipment such as the swing and slide are on a bark covered surface to minimise the risk of injury if children fall.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide variety of play experiences that help them develop and achieve. Routines are child centred and take account of individual needs with regards to rest, play and meals. Excellent use is made of the wider community to provide a balanced range of stimulating activities with lots of outings being provided for older children in the holidays. These include visits to Matlock, to the library and to play areas. Activities are well planned and the childminder makes effective use of her knowledge of child development and the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer age appropriate challenges that interest and inspire the children. For example, children are eager to make their own pizzas for lunch, having previously chosen a cookery book from the library and bought the appropriate ingredients from the shop. They work hard extending their physical skills as they spread the tomato paste and learn about the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ingredients as they discuss these with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Play materials are organised so that children can make choices in their play and explore at their own pace. Some children create their own designs using hama beads, showing good levels of concentration, and are proud of their achievements. The childminder makes good use of questioning as she challenges children to think and extend their learning. Consequently children express themselves clearly and confidently as they describe what they have done or intend to do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the warm and welcoming environment where each child is treated as an individual and their opinions valued. As a result the children demonstrate a strong sense of well-being and security in the home. They are relaxed, helping themselves to play materials and interacting freely with the childminder, her family and the other children. The use of clear and consistent boundaries and positive strategies to manage behaviour results in children being polite and respectful to one another. They show clear regard for each other's feelings and play harmoniously together. All children are included, with any individual needs being thoroughly researched and met. The childminder has attended courses that have raised her awareness of different learning difficulties and disabilities and she uses this knowledge to ensure appropriate care is given to maximise all children's potential. The childminder actively fosters children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

respect for others in a variety of ways. She makes excellent use of the local community to ensure children have opportunities to socialise with others, for example at the local toddler group. Younger children enjoy visiting the local school to see their older friends take part in sports or productions and this plays a positive role in supporting their transition into education. They experience everyday situations, such as visits to the doctors surgery or shopping, that broaden their life experiences. Through taking part in fun based charity events, children begin to learn about the needs of others and make their own positive contribution. Their awareness

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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 of other cultures, abilities and lifestyles is effectively raised through the considered use of an excellent range of resources combined with clear and appropriate explanations from the childminder. This results in the children developing positive attitudes towards diversity and respect for themselves and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Excellent partnerships with parents are established, which contribute greatly to the children's well-being. Parents report that they are extremely happy with the service provided. There is a wide range of well written policies and procedures that are shared with parents as well as clear and comprehensive initial records. Combined with unhurried daily verbal exchanges, this ensures children's needs are known and that they are offered consistency in their care. Parents are well informed about their children's achievements and progress, with the use of photographs and videos ensuring they can share some of the outings and activities their children have enjoyed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's thoroughly professional approach to her service combined with her ability to offer a safe and happy environment for them. She shows a high degree of commitment to ensuring she has the relevant skills and knowledge necessary to promote the outcomes for children. For example, she has achieved a recognised childcare qualification and has attended a number of short courses that support her knowledge of new initiatives that she subsequently uses to enhance her practice. Documents comply with regulations and are used well to support the care of the children. Records are clear, accessible and stored securely. Most are up to date, although the attendance register is not always marked promptly. This means it does not always show an accurate record of the children present that could be used in an emergency.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of attention, which helps them feel secure and confident. They are cared for in small groups, which allows them to build effective relationships with others and to form early friendships. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has built upon her knowledge of equal opportunities by attending relevant training. She has successfully implemented this in her setting by ensuring children access a good range of activities and resources that promote their understanding of diversity. This means children feel positive about themselves and are caring towards others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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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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

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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 registers are marked promptly as children arrive and depart.

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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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