Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313075 Inspection date 16 June 2006 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2005. She is the parent to four children aged 11, nine, four and two-years. The family live on an established residential estate in Rotherham. The ground floor of the property is mostly used for childminding purposes, although older children occasionally access the bedrooms on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play and the family have a pet dog. The area has good transport links and there is access to shops, children's play areas and parks. Schools and pre-school facilities for younger children are situated in the

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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 locality. The childminder takes children to and from local schools and pre-school groups as required. The childminder is registered to care for four children and she is currently providing care for two children aged under five-years on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder implements effective cleaning routines within the registered premises. For example, to reduce the risk of infections transmitting between the children, she uses sterilising fluids to clean the kitchen and bathroom. Particular attention is paid to washing the equipment that babies use, and the toys contained in treasure baskets, which younger children are likely to put in their mouths. Independent self-care skills are encouraged from a young age, the childminder ensures that soap and clean laundered towels are available at all times. However, barriers to prevent the spread of infection are not applied during nappy changing routines. The childminder has a clear written policy relating to the care of sick and infectious children. She is knowledgeable regarding the steps to take should she need to administer and record medication that is given to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with a well balanced diet that takes into account their individual needs and parents' wishes. The majority of the food that children are served is made by the childminder using fresh ingredients. For example, she bakes the cakes that the children enjoy and she prepares her own curries, casseroles and sauces. The children are served with fresh organic fruit and vegetables in order to promote good health and a positive attitude to food. Similarly, the childminder is committed to ensuring that very young children who are weaning benefit from a range of fresh foods that are pureed according to their palate and stage of development. There are frequent opportunities for the children to enjoy exercise. On the walk home from school they stop off at the park where they can use the large apparatus to help develop their physical skills. Younger children and babies have access to a range of

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Helping children to be healthy

activity centres and textured play mats where they can wriggle, stretch and practise gaining control of their body movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder successfully creates a welcoming environment for the children by providing brightly coloured equipment and through displaying posters and examples of the children's art work. The premises are warm, secure and comfortable. Children have access to a well equipped playroom that is adjacent to the child friendly dining kitchen. They have ample space to play with a broad selection of good quality toys and resources that are safe and well maintained.

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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 The childminder is vigilant and she takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting. She carefully monitors both the indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring that any hazardous items are made inaccessible. For example, the outside play equipment is securely fastened into the ground, and she pays particular attention to ensuring that babies and young children do not come into contact with any small pieces of equipment. However, the fire safety escape plan does not include all areas of the premises. Parents receive a copy of the child protection policy and the childminder is able and knowledgeable regarding the possible signs and indicators of child abuse or neglect. She has the latest government guidance for reference but she does not have a clear understanding of the process to follow when making a referral or sharing concerns

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have access to a broad range of resources that are interesting and easily accessible. The childminder is very attentive and she balances the needs of the children appropriately, giving children equal proportions of her time and attention. All play opportunities are appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of all children. For instance, during an art and craft session older children enjoy using texture paint and brushes, while babies are effectively introduced to messy and creative play by having their feet painted and making footprints. The children are very happy and content, warm relationships are in evidence and the children enjoy playing with toys, which are provided to address their individual interests and developmental needs. For example, very young children enjoy using textured sensory toys and exploratory equipment that helps to strengthen their muscles and improve coordination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder creates a friendly and stimulating environment where children's vocabulary and language skills are actively encouraged. For example, babies' gestures and movements are acknowledged and the childminder effectively uses facial expressions, eye contact and applause to communicate with children. Similarly, music plays a large part in the daily routine, the children and babies thoroughly enjoy the repetition of familiar rhymes and songs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder successfully addresses children's individual needs. For example, at the start of a placement she spends time talking to parents and recording factual information, which ensures that she is fully prepared to address the children's personal requirements or health needs. She has a clear equal opportunities policy that is effectively implemented to ensure that she provides a service that is free from discrimination. The children have access to toys that are not gender stereotyped and

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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 she has a small selection of resources that help children to learn about culture and ethnicity. The children are confident and very settled in the care of the childminder. She is sensitive to the ages and their levels of understanding. Consequently, she deals with children's behaviour in a thoughtful and kind manner. For example, she focuses on the positive aspects of children's behaviour and she avoids entering into arguments with children. The childminder provides consistent care to children, which helps to successfully foster their emotional development. The childminder has an effective partnership with parents. She discusses children's diets and health needs at length to ensure that children receive the best care possible. Parents have access to written information about the setting and they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

benefit from receiving written daily record sheets and assessment records. Children's personal details are recorded effectively and written parental permissions for outings and photographs are requested at the start of a placement. However, the childminder has not requested consent from parents to obtain emergency treatment of advice for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are well organised and the childminder uses her time to ensure that she interacts with the children and provides activities that meet their individual interests and developmental needs. She plans for the day ahead and prepares some meals and snacks in advance of the children's arrival. Similarly, she completes some simple play plans that allow her to ensure that children receive a broad mix of play experiences and activities. The childminder has developed an effective written operational plan that consists of a number of well written policies and procedures that underpin most aspects of her service. She has attended a number of training courses including basic health and safety, Birth to three matters and behaviour management. She holds a valid first aid certificate, which ensures that she is sufficiently prepared to deal with any accidents or emergencies. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

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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 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 nappy changing routines protect children from infections • increase knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures • request written parental permission to obtain emergency treatment or medical advice for children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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