Highsted Lisa Maud

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293115 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Debbie Rushworth

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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 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 registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and children aged 12, 9 and 4 in Hadfield. The ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding along with the enclosed garden. The family have a pet cat. The park, shops and other local amenities are within walking distance and are used regularly. The childminder takes children to the local school, playgroup and toddler group. The childminder is registered to care for five children and currently cares for one child

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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 full time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and uses the support of the Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy and have frequent opportunities to learn about personal hygiene during the daily routine. Even young children know to wash their hands before eating, reducing the chance of infection. Sick children receive sensitive care, protecting others from illnesses. Following accidents, the childminder uses her up-to-date knowledge of first aid to give injured children the attention they need. Parents are fully informed of accidents but the accident book is not always signed. Children regularly enjoy active play. The use of indoor and outdoor play areas encourages them to develop control of their bodies as they run and climb. All children have a healthy, nourishing diet due to the childminder's good understanding of special dietary needs and nutrition. Freshly prepared food offers new tastes and balances children's eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of hazards within the home and on outings and clearly demonstrates how these are reduced to ensure children’s safety. This is made obvious during work on the house as the childminder liaises successfully with workmen to keep children out of any danger. An organised daily routine results in a clean and safe environment for children. Appropriate use of space means children have a variety of suitable areas to play. Toys are regularly cleaned and checked for breakages. From a young age, children understand and follow clear boundaries set by the childminder to make play safer. Children are kept safe from harm due to the childminder having a clear knowledge of child protection issues and procedures following her training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn through their play by repeating activities, such as re-reading stories. They enjoy a lot of interaction with the childminder which develops

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their understanding of activities. The childminder is developing her knowledge of the Birth to Three Matters Framework to support learning for babies and young children. Many interesting resources and activities encourage all areas of children's learning. These often have a weekly theme, although they are not used to support child development. Access to the piano gives children pleasure, developing their imagination and creative skills as they play mouse-like squeaky high notes and loud low elephant sounds. Children show an interest in exploring and investigating, to gain an early knowledge of their surroundings and develop their senses. They begin to build their independence as they tidy toys and help with household chores.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. From a young age, children become aware of appropriate behaviour, as the childminder takes time to understand the reasons behind their actions, and to explain right and wrong. She takes steps to avoid situations which may cause unacceptable behaviour, resulting in a calm atmosphere for the children. Children gain knowledge of the wider world through meeting other people and real life experiences, as well as by playing with multicultural resources such as saris and glove puppets. The childminder brings out different sides of the individual child's personality, therefore children play with all toys whether they are traditionally for boys or girls. Children benefit from taking part in celebrations, such as Chinese New Year, with the children at the local playgroup. Children's individual needs are met as a result of the childminder having a good relationship with parents and sharing detailed information regularly. For babies and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

young children the childminder completes a daily diary sheet. Children are settled and develop self confidence with the support given by the childminder. The childminder is aware of how to adapt the activities and environment to care for children with special needs. Following training, she is confident in her ability to care for a wider range of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Documentation is mostly complete, it is clear and well organised, sustaining the continuity of care between the children‘s home and the childcare. Children are kept safe from people who have not been vetted, due to thorough procedures followed by the childminder. For instance, during building work, she does not allow workmen in the house when children are present. The week is planned to give children a variety of experiences and outings. The day is

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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 flexible to meet the sleep and mealtime routines of children. Time is set aside each day to give minded children individual attention. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 accident records are signed by parents • further develop activities to support children's development, for example through the use of the Competent Learner aspect in the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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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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