Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296432 Inspection date 12 May 2005 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 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and three children aged, nine seven and one year. The family live in the village of Treeton in Rotherham. The registered premises are situated within walking distance of local schools, pre-school facilities and public transport services. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The first floor is not used except to allow children to use the bathroom. Outside play is provided to the rear of the premises in the garden.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding six children. The children all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children most days. She also attends the local toddler group and takes children on outings to the nearby park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where their good health is effectively supported and developed. They are encouraged to practice self-help skills such as regular washing of their hands and this results in children developing a clear understanding of good personal hygiene. Daily access to fresh air is offered to children and they participate enthusiastically in physical exercise. The children skilfully use equipment and tools whilst playing outside and this helps them to extend both climbing and balancing skills. Children's confidence is increased through taking part in new activities and they gladly ask for help when required. Attractively presented food and drink is served to the children which encourages them to eat the meals provided. Snacks consists of healthy options such as cheese, yogurts and fruit, this results in children being well nourished as they develop an

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Helping children to be healthy

understanding of the importance of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe indoor environment where risks are assessed and positive action is taken to minimise identified hazards. The outside play area is secure, although some potential risks to children are evident ,for example the slide is not anchored and children have the use of a raised grass area that is unsecured. However the childminder talks to children about safety issues and supervises them appropriately, this results in children developing an increasing awareness of danger. Children are offered the freedom to choose which resources they intend to play with each day and this enables them to make decisions for themselves. The childminder is very vigilant and she ensures that all equipment provided is of good quality. She completes risk assessments to make sure that resources do not pose a risk to any of the younger children who are present ,for example any toys that contain small pieces

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are monitored carefully and kept of the reach of babies. The childminder is not fully confident in her understanding of the Area Child

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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 Protection Procedures but she does recognise some of the potential indicators of abuse. She understands her responsibilities in this area and she is prepared to take action to ensure that children remain well protected from abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate in a broad range of activities that are interesting and fun. This results in them being motivated and eager to learn and practice new skills. Daily opportunities are provided for children to explore colour and textures through the use of a variety of messy play equipment. Music and singing plays a large part in the daily activities and this helps to boost children's language skills and self-esteem, even the youngest children enthusiastically participate with familiar action rhymes using gestures and hand movements to join in. The environment is stimulating and the childminder successfully increases children's knowledge and awareness of the local community through providing visits local places of interest. The childminder is friendly and demonstrates a very child centred approach to her work, this results in happy and settled children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are very well behaved. The childminder is gentle and sensitive to the varied ages and developmental stages of the children that she cares for. The older already children understand the simple house rules and behaviour boundaries whilst younger children continue to learn. They are helped to achieve this through consistent and clear expectations and the positive example set to them by the childminder. Children are sensitively encouraged to share toys and equipment which helps them to be kind to each other. The childminder ensures that equipment is not gender biased and children receive equal opportunities to participate in all of the activities on offer. However there is limited equipment and activities provided to help children appreciate and learn about diversity. Relationships with parents are friendly and professional. The childminder places importance on caring for children according to the wishes of their parents. She knows

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the children very well and this results in children's individual needs being appropriately met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is in the process of fulfilling her conditions of registration by

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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 attending first aid training. She is very organised and children's needs are met appropriately within the efficiently managed daily routine. The required documentation is all well ordered and stored confidentially and remains within easy reach, therefore allowing the childminder to access the children's records in an emergency. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • request from parents written consent to obtain emergency treatment/ advice for children • improve safety in the rear garden paying particular attention to the slide and the raised grass play area. • develop knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures • develop toys and resources to help children learn about diversity.

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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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