Deakin, Judith

Inspection report for early years provision

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205881 Unique Reference Number 04 January 2007 Inspection date Linda Gail Moore 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 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 16 years, in a house in Allestree. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She walks with children to local parks, playgroups and the library as they are all within walking distance. The childminder presently cares for 11 children who attend on a part-time basis. The family have two guinea pigs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy as the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene practice. The premises and equipment are cleaned regularly using anti-bacterial products. All rooms and resources are clean and well maintained. As a result children benefit from playing in hygienic and safe conditions. Children's personal care needs are met effectively as they receive a good

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 level of support and follow consistent routines. Children learn to wash their hands regularly before eating and after visiting the toilet. They use individual flannels and this helps prevent cross-infection, however, they share a towel when drying their hands and this could lead to cross-contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and dietary needs are met effectively. Parents provide their own food and the childminder ensures that any hot food is thoroughly heated before giving it to children. She provides nutritious snacks throughout the day such as fresh fruit. Drinks are regularly offered. A jug of filtered water is constantly available, allowing older children to help themselves. Children are not offered sweets and rarely eat food such as cakes and biscuits. These are only consumed when children have made them during a baking activity. The childminder works closely with parents to share information and encourage the inclusion of healthy food options in children's packed meals. A sticker chart is used to help children learn the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. They receive a star when they have eaten their five portions, this has proved successful as they remind their parents to include these

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Helping children to be healthy

foods in their packed meals. Children eat with the childminder and are well supervised. As a result, mealtimes are a happy, social occasions where they improve their social skills and learn good manners.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activity. Their physical development is encouraged and promoted through a variety of different pursuits as they take regular walks, play at the local park and visit local soft play areas. Children enjoy play in the childminder's rear garden where they can ride bikes and use skipping ropes. She organises activities such as assault courses, these extend their skills as they climb, balance and negotiate space around obstacles. These activities improve children's fitness and co-ordination, and develop a positive attitude towards exercise. Care arrangements for sick children are discussed with parents and each receive a copy of the childminder's written sickness policy. Children who are infectious are excluded, this helps to protect others from illness and infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment that is suitable for its purpose. Their safety is well promoted as the childminder has a sound understanding of safety issues and gives a high level of attention to safety both inside and outside the home. She has minimised risks and hazards, for example, using safe and suitable equipment such as a fire guard, stair gate and cupboard locks. Children are very well supervised throughout the routine, as they play, eat meals and go on outings. She monitors their play closely and is very aware and quick to react in the event of a possible hazard, such as children climbing on chairs. She deals with any situation calmly and explains to them the possible consequence of their actions. Children use good quality toys and equipment that are safe, well organised and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Rooms are uncluttered and airy, this means children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are able to move around the home safely and with ease.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings with good arrangements in place for transporting children in the childminder's vehicle, for example, using suitable car seats and belts. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe both in and outside the home. They learn how to cross roads safely and how they must stop, look and listen. The childminder asks children to hold her hands, to stay within sight and to stop when their name is called. These precautions contribute towards their safety.

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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 Children are protected as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues, she has acquired and read through relevant written literature and has a basic understanding of the indicators of abuse and the procedures to follow. Children are never left alone with persons who are not vetted. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming and child-orientated. Toys can be accessed independently allowing children to select what they wish to play with. This encourages decision making and promotes independence skills. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this benefits the children. They learn new skills through a varied range of games and activities. The routine incorporates a balance of free play and more structured sessions. They enjoy creative activities where they can paint, stick and play with dough. They bake cakes, decorate biscuits and enjoy role play and dressing up. The children perform a small 'production' for their parents, such as 'Cinderella', where they all join in with enthusiasm. These activities raise their confidence and self- esteem, whilst promoting their creative and imaginative development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive a good level of attention as the childminder engages in activities with them. She listens carefully as they speak and responds well, answering their questions and offering explanation and demonstration. This consistent and positive interaction encourages their interest, involvement and learning. Children are encouraged to be part of group activities with other children as they attend organised sessions such as toddler and playgroups. They visit local parks, the library and soft play sessions with the childminder. Outings are organised during the school holidays, where they visit zoo's, museums and theme parks with other local childminders and their children. The children enjoy this time spent with their peer group, where they are able to develop positive relationships and further extend their listening and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has limited knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children who presently attend are over three years old, however, the childminder is registered to care for children from birth to eight years. Although the childminder has a good knowledge of providing care for young children, a fuller understanding of the framework is essential should she be required to implement it into her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for well by the childminder. She works effectively with parents to ensure children are included fully in all aspects of the routine. Time is dedicated to talk with parents about their child's individual needs and requirements. Daily discussion takes place to ensure parents are kept fully informed about their child's progress and general well-being. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she has a good knowledge and understanding of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she is able to approach parents if concerned about any child's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of wider society through discussion and play. They are taught through example to have an understanding for others and their differences. Resources are visible within the play areas that represent race and disability, these are all used regularly.

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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 Activities are provided to celebrate and help children to learn about different festivals and cultures such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children have made clay lamps and produced paintings and drawings that represent different lifestyles and beliefs. These activities help to promote an open mind and develop an understanding and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour. They respond well to the childminder's clear behaviour management strategies. A written behaviour statement is in place and a copy is given to all parents, this helps to promote consistency and to support the childminder's practice. She has realistic expectations and shows regard to children's age and stage of development. They are encouraged to be kind, helpful and show good manners, for example, saying please and thank you. Explanation and 'time out' is offered when children display unwanted behaviour. Positive reinforcement is always given, when the childminder is pleased with their behaviour she tells them so. Children feel valued and appreciated and behave well in response to her positive interaction and role model. As a result they settle well and display confidence and ease with the childminder and her routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She has established good partnerships with parents and this helps to promote the learning and welfare of the child. New parents receive written policies and procedures and are invited to attend a formal review after eight weeks to determine if they are happy with the service provided. Reviews are held annually thereafter. Children are able to settle in gradually and parents are welcome to stay as often as they wish. This practice continues throughout the placement, for instance, when parents are invited to watch their children perform in a play. This warm and friendly communication helps to create open and honest working relationships.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the child- friendly and welcoming environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's independence is promoted through the good organisation of space and resources. Toys are well presented and accessible, this provides good play opportunities and encourages self selection. Their care is effectively supported through good adult to child ratios. This ensures they receive a suitable level of individual attention and this has a positive impact on their learning and development. Appropriate vetting procedures are implemented and positive steps are taken to ensure that any persons who have contact with the children are suitable persons. Most of the required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection, with the exception of a daily attendance register. These are well organised and regularly updated, this has a positive

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Organisation

The childminder's first aid certificate has lapsed. She has knowledge of administering suitable medical attention and resuscitation gained from previous training courses and would be able to take action as necessary. However, the lapse in training may mean she has insufficient knowledge of current practice. There is a suitably stocked first aid kit and appropriate documentation is in place for recording accidents and administering medication. The impact on the children is minimal.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has obtained and familiarised herself with relevant written literature and is now better informed regarding the indicators of abuse and the appropriate procedures to take. This ensures children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • complete a relevant first aid course • ensure daily attendance registers are maintained with the required details • access and become familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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