Reeves, Amanda

Inspection report for early years provision

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205999 Unique Reference Number 24 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 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 1995. The childminder lives with her husband and one adult son in Littleover, Derby. The dining room, kitchen, hall, first floor bedroom and ground floor toilet are all used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an N.N.E.B.(National Nursery Nursing Board) qualification and takes children on regular outings to the local library and mother and toddler group.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have effective protection against illness and infection since their parents are always contacted if there are concerns. Their welfare is protected when they need medication as the childminder always obtains parents prior written consent. Children have effective routines that provide them with protection against illness and infection. For example, children's welfare is protected as they use their own hand towel and children’s hands are washed after their nappy changes. Children are kept clean at all times and all areas of the home used for childminding are exceptionally clean and hygienic. Children are fully protected against the extremes of weather as they have sun protection cream applied during the hot weather and are dressed warmly in the cold weather. Their health is protected since the setting is warm and the room where they play is well ventilated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s welfare is suitably protected as they enjoy food that meets their nutritional needs; this includes fresh vegetables and fruit. They are encouraged to try a variety of foods that widen their palates. Children have sufficient to drink since their feeder cups are readily available. They eat with each other and the childminder; therefore enjoying their meals within a positive social setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s fine manipulative skills develop well, since they frequently play with several intricate toys that are suited to their stages of learning and development. Their gross motor skills are well developed since they have good opportunities to walk and enjoy more energetic play at the mother and toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risk assessments are mostly effective as all aspects of the premises where the children play are safe. However younger children are not fully protected whilst they play as not all of the toys are suitable for their age group. Children are safe whilst they sleep as they are frequently checked, the childminder ensures they are comfortable and have a quiet environment, that ensures they are well rested when they wake. Children are beginning to learn about fire safety as the evacuation plans are practised monthly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop well as they have exceptional supervision whilst they play since the childminder supports their play and remains with them throughout their activities. For example, children play on the floor and childminder works with them constantly at their level, protecting their safety and removing potential hazards. The childminder ensures their play is stimulating but does not compromise their need to explore and develop. The premises are well suited to promoting children’s development since the room is well arranged to meet their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that there is a broad range of toys that encourage children’s learning and frequently makes sure that children are always exploring and discovering new play opportunities. Children develop well as there is a wide variety of equipment that they can easily

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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 choose from, as this is stored where children can reach. There is a wealth of toys that ensures that children’s learning is well stimulated. Children enjoy their play in a relaxed and comfortable setting as the premises are warm and welcoming. For example, children’s learning is encouraged as they have a specific room in the house to accommodate their play needs and furniture is arranged so they can freely play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are consistently involved in exciting activities that further their development. For example, the play room is highly stimulating with an excellent selection of toys and equipment arranged so that children access frequent learning opportunities. Children progress exceptionally well and are well prepared for their next stages of development, as the childminder has meticulous methods of recording their achievements. For example she monitors their development using photographs and evaluative descriptions that follow the ‘Birth to three matters' framework and readily plans for their next stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the children she cares for and ensures that she provides specific development opportunities that meet their individual needs. Children’s development is highly valued by the childminder who demonstrates high levels of commitment towards their overall care. Children’s communication skills are actively encouraged, through the gentle but persistent support of the childminder who frequently models words furthering their understanding. For example, children who are lacking in confidence make their feelings known through gestures and noises, ensuring their preferences are well understood by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are exceptionally comfortable and relaxed in the childminders care as they have frequent cuddles and close contact with the childminder. For example, most of the activities are provided at floor level so that children can sit on the childminders knee and enjoy reassurance whilst they learn. Due to the fact that the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she provides innovative means of encouraging children’s development. For example, there is excellent supply toys and equipment since childminder has devised games and activities that provide fine tuning for specific children’s learning. Children blossom as the childminder recognises their specific skills and provides excellent support so that their development is nurtured.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well as excellent communication with parents encourages positive behaviour. For example regular photographs of the children and a daily diary are shared with their parents. This consequently maintains consistent care for the children, by keeping their parents well informed of their activities and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of the needs of others and accommodate others within their play as they are beginning to recognise that their play is enhanced with the inclusion of others.

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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 Children are encouraged to make a contribution to their environment due to the effective routines employed by the childminder. For example, they clear away their toys when their play has finished. Positive images of minority groups and useful explanations that children can understand raise their awareness, in respect of the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle well as parents are encouraged to bring their child for shorter periods of time during the initial stages of the placement; this ensures both the childminder and the children get to know each other better before the placement commences. Children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties have appropriate care as the childminder is aware of current legislation and provides support for each of the children that is appropriate to their developmental needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children enjoy excellent protection as all adult household members are vetted and there are effective contingency plans to ensure they are always cared for by cleared persons. Children’s development is encouraged as a result of the childminders successful organisational skills. For example, children are learning to socialise with others and access a variety of outings where they learn about different aspects of their environment.

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Organisation

Children enjoy stimulating play which enhances their development, as a result of the childminder’s suitable organisational skills whilst she cares for the children. Their learning is therefore well developed as there are many significant periods where their play is directly supported by the childminder. Children have excellent care as a result of the professional approach demonstrated by the childminder. For example, the childminder is highly committed to developing her practice and has attended much additional training that helps her support children’s learning and plan for their individual development.

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Organisation

Meticulous planning provides children with well-measured learning opportunities. For example individual assessment records follow the ‘Birth to three matters' framework ensuring that children’s needs are met, as the childminder uses these profiles to plan for the next stage in their development. Children enjoy sound protection as documentation is carefully maintained and regularly reviewed. The childminder reflects on her child care practice and arranges different activities to maintain the children’s interest. Overall the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure that information regarding child protection issues was updated and update the written statement available to parents that provide details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. Children are now well protected as the childminder has updated her information regarding child protection and the written complaints procedures have been updated.

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Improvements 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

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents that 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): • promote the safety of children by making sure that all of the equipment is suitable for their use.

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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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