Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207491 Unique Reference Number 24 October 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 10 years. They live in a house in the town of Swadlincote. There are shops, parks and schools within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor 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 walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and local park. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet rabbit and two goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. There are clear routines in the setting that promote physical exercise and children have an exceptional range of activities that are designed to keep themselves healthy. For example children walk to and from school, play with exciting outdoor equipment and enjoy outings to nature centres. Children have many opportunities to maintain excellent physical health through indoor exercise, for example, they regularly visit a soft play centre and toddler group several times per week. The childminder is mostly consistent in her hygiene routines, ensuring that children have an understanding of how to prevent illness and infection through positive explanations that the children can appreciate. However, children do not always have access to their own hand towel after washing their hands. The childminder has infectious enthusiasm which ensures that children are greatly encouraged to learn through the many physical

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities that are offered. This creates many learning experiences and observations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent range of snacks and home cooked meals that ensure all their nutritional needs are catered for. They are well-protected if they have allergies as all information is recorded and parents are advised of meals their children will eat through pre-planned menus and effective communication. They have good opportunities to drink whenever they want as the childminder provides them with frequent drinks of water. Children are encouraged to widen their tastes through the gradual introduction of new foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good procedures makes sure that children are well protected in the sun; the childminder has permission from parents to apply sun protection cream, and ensures that children play outdoors when the sun is at its lowest. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their dexterity; really enjoy putting together construction equipment and using paint, dough, scissors and glue.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in an exceptionally safe environment due to the childminder’s excellent vigilance and thorough risk assessments which are regularly reviewed. Consequently children are consistently safe whilst they play. For example ,all outings are subject to rigorous risk assessments, and the local park is always thoroughly checked before children are allowed to play with the equipment. Children are safe in the home because the childminder provides commendable supervision, monitors their behaviour as they play, and explains all applicable risks to children so that they appreciate aspects of keeping themselves safe. The childminder make sure that children are always safe, but does not inhibit their need to explore and learn and allows children to make decisions so that they can extend their skills. The premises are exceptionally welcoming and contribute to children’s sense of belonging and have many aspects

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to have high levels of awareness regarding their own safety because the childminder explains all aspects of safety and includes children in the fire evacuation procedures. There is a wide range of equipment that is very well-chosen and meets the different

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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 stages of children’s development. They are continuously fascinated by the equipment as it stimulates their different stages of development and creates challenge, that further develops their skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well-protected as the childminder can identify concerns, has attended child protection training and has shared this information with the parents so they are aware of her obligations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children learn quickly as the childminder works alongside them constantly promoting every learning opportunity. She provides explanations regarding different aspects of their play, and frequently changes the equipment ensuring that children’s interest is sustained. Children approach their activities with relish engaging in an impressive range of activities that are thoroughly stimulating. For example, children have developed excellent skills when playing with a musical mat finding specifics spots that play their preferred music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident communicators they speak well and are skilled at giving explanations to describe their play preferences, proudly presenting their achievements throughout their play. The childminder’s infectious enthusiasm makes sure that children find all of their activities fun and enjoyable. Children have developed an appreciation of the purpose of counting, and use this during their daily activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s learning is thoroughly stimulated as the childminder introduces new words throughout their play. She is very knowledgeable of activities that will help children’s further development, for example younger children recognise written text and take immense interest in books during story time. Children’s development blossoms as a result of the childminder’s commitment, enthusiasm and skills in supporting and encouraging children’s learning. Consequently children are very settled and happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy superb continuity of care as the relaxed atmosphere and the effective communication skills of the childminder, encourage all aspects of the child’s care to be shared with their parents. Children thrive as a result of the replication of their familiar routines, that encourage children to relax and settle well. Exceptional communication between the childminder and parents provides successful continuity of care. For example parents are well advised of many aspects of their child’s development through phone calls, conversations and photographs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a remarkable commitment to equality of opportunity. For example, activities are provided that represent different cultures and explanations that describe the differences in other cultures and traditions. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about other aspects of society, as there are positive images in their play equipment that includes books, jigsaws and dolls that fosters their understanding of a wider community. Children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities have excellent care as the childminder understands

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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 relevant legislation, and completes an effective assessment on all of the children in her care to ensure that she is offering care that is beneficial to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is exemplary, older children are very considerate and thoroughly enjoy helping to care for younger children. Children are generous with their time and enjoy sharing their activities. They are patient and considerate of the needs of others, they share their toys and eagerly enjoy the involvement of other children in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well as the childminder plans to accommodate the differences in their care needs and makes sure that the activities challenge their existing skills. Therefore children have rich learning opportunities where they are consistently supported by the childminder. Children take responsibility for the organisation of their play space and help tidy away their toys. The childminder has a very positive demeanour which encourages children to settle and be happy, and is therefore an exceptional role model for the children. Children are confident and have and high self-esteem as they frequently enjoy cuddles, praise and reassurance.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation is exceptional, although the childminder has a busy schedule she ensures that children gain great enjoyment from the varied venues that are used to extend children’s learning. Meticulous planning accommodates children’s differing attendance patterns, and ensures that all children can take full advantage of the activities offered. The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment towards the care of the children, which is endorsed by the effort put into planning, specific for children. Children are very well protected as all adults who care for them are cleared and the efficient contingency plan ensures that children’s safety and needs are highly considered, as children are always cared for by cleared adults.

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Organisation

Children’s well-being is effectively safeguarded as there are specific policies that refer to the service provided and all documentation relating to the children is stored securely and regularly updated. The policies are robust and thoroughly serve to protect the interests of the children. Children’s individual needs are very well protected because the documentation is well-ordered and is specific to their needs. The childminders exceptional commitment to the care of the children ensure that their needs are given high consideration. For example the space in her home is extremely well organised providing excellent well-managed space for their play and exploration. Children’s care is exceptionally well-planned and their play needs are well-considered, as the equipment and toys are changed at regular intervals.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminders commitment to continuing training, that provides her with additional skills that enable her meet the needs of the children. Children’s needs are given high consideration as the childminder is able to assesses her own strengths and weakness and develops her practice to accommodate any shortfalls. Overall the setting 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 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children now learn about the needs of other groups, as the childminder now uses equipment, and has devised several activities and strategies that promotes minority groups.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 which the parents can see on request, this record may contain complaints other that 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 good health of children by reviewing the procedure for children's hand washing.

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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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