Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316120 Inspection date 13 September 2006 Inspector Jean Otter

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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 2005. She works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder and her husband live at the property which is situated in a suburb of Derby. The co-childminder has two cats. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of 5 children and when working with the co-childminder they may care for a maximum of 11 children. When an assistant is working in addition to both childminders they may care for a maximum of 12 children. Currently they are caring for 9 children between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for 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 childminding practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The setting is very clean and comfortable. Children have access to toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair keeping them safe and healthy. Hygiene procedures are used effectively to minimise the risk of cross-infection and children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene routines. The clear policy regarding children who are ill helps to protect others from illness and infection. Procedures are also in place for accidents and medication, further safeguarding the children's well-being. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet dietary needs. Children experience good routines which meet individual needs for active play and rest and they benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They go out for walks, visit

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Helping children to be healthy

the local soft play facility and good use is made of the garden. Children's physical development is further encouraged by the use of large apparatus indoors and music and movement activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has very good awareness of potential hazards within the home and can demonstrate how these are reduced ensuring the risk of accidental injury to children is minimised. Fire safety equipment and safe evacuation procedures are in place minimising the risks to children in an emergency. The home is well maintained and offers good space and a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with their toys and equipment. Good awareness and supervision by the childminder supports their growing independence and protects them from harm. Effective security precautions are in place at the front door and garden boundaries cannot be breached by the children. The stream in the garden is switched off when children are playing outdoors. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection, she understands the procedures and as a result children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. They are confident and make themselves at home, they relate well to the childminder and socialise well with

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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 one another. Children are learning through their play and life experiences, for example they go on outings to the shops, soft play facility and for regular walks in the area, which promotes their understanding of the local community and gives them the opportunity to socialise with other children and adults. Children help with small household tasks and enjoy similar activities to those they do at home, for example baking their own cakes to eat after lunch. Children spend their time purposefully and become independent as they choose between a wide variety of toys, books and activities. Particularly good are the opportunities for imaginative and creative play. A wide range of interesting supplementary resources are available which maintains the children's interest well. The childminder supports the children without being overly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

directive, helping them to use their own initiative and as a consequence children are learning new skills and are achieving well. Children are learning to negotiate together using a wide range of communication and to share their resources. The needs of younger children are met well, they benefit from routines which are consistent with their experience at home and the toys and resources are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing sound relationships with adults and other children in a setting where the childminder works with parents to meet individual children's needs and ensures they are fully included in the life of the setting. Children are able to feel a good sense of belonging, work harmoniously with others and make choices and decisions. These all contribute to the children developing good self-esteem and respect for others. The childminder ensures she knows the children well and that they are provided with equal opportunities. Children are developing an understanding of community because the children are introduced to people in their local neighbourhood. A range of activities and resources promote a positive view of the wider world, increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

having identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she demonstrates an awareness of how such children can be integrated into the daily routine. Children understand responsible behaviour and learn about boundaries because the childminder manages behaviour consistently and creates an interesting and respectful environment that encourages children to behave well. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working in partnership with parents. Good methods are in place for obtaining information regarding children's individual needs at the beginning of the placement and ongoing. Parents would further benefit from written information regarding the policies and practices within the setting.

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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 organisation of the premises ensures children are well cared for and contributes positively to their good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children and helps to promote their independence. Children's routines are well organised to meet their individual needs and as a consequence they feel secure and at home in the setting. Children are supported appropriately to achieve their potential and the childminder works closely with their parents to support this progress. Adults providing care for children in the setting are appropriately vetted and work well together to consistently extend children's play and learning. The childminder has a positive attitude towards professional improvement and development and as a consequence the children's

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Organisation

experiences are enriched. She has completed the introduction to childminding course and a valid first aid certificate is in place. Children have good levels of support as the childminder maintains the required child ratios. Children's welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder has all the required documentation in place which contributes to their health, safety and well-being. For example, the children's records, which includes information from parents, supports the children's individual needs and the daily register showing children's times of arrival and departure impacts positively on their safety. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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):

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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 • review and improve the information given to parents regarding policies and practices within the setting.

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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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