Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297591 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Linda Gail Moore

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and three years. They live in a house in Derbyshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are shops, schools and parks within walking distance.

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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 currently minding ten children, all attend part time or occasional hours. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminding group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health, for example physical outdoor play such as climbing frame, bikes and ball play. This helps the children to improve their physical skills and develop control of their bodies. Children are well nourished and enjoy regular mealtimes with the childminder, this provides security and develops their social skills. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks, the childminder takes account of parent's wishes and children's preferences, providing food that appeals to children and meets their dietary needs. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practice, the childminder takes positive steps to develop their awareness of the importance of hand washing, for example explaining about germs. Children receive encouragement and support in their personal care. Children's well being is broadly promoted as the childminder has effective exclusion

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Helping children to be healthy

policies, these contribute to the minimal risk of the spread of infection. However, written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment is not obtained, so the children's needs may not be met fully in an emergency.

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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 secure and safe environment, the childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and good attention is given to the condition of equipment and security of the premises. Children are able to move safely around the home. Children use suitable and safe equipment, and are well supervised during activities. The childminder understands the importance of allowing children to explore and challenge themselves whilst still maintaining their safety. Children investigate and test themselves through play, gaining a better understanding of boundaries and their own limitations. Children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe, safety issues are frequently discussed and developed through every day activities within the home and during outings, for example road safety. Written procedures for fire safety are in place, however the childminder has yet to practice her emergency escape plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and is able to take appropriate action when necessary.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self esteem. They are able to access toys independently as the childminder has organised her resources well. This encourages children to use their initiative and make decisions about the type of play and activities they wish to engage in; for example free painting with water colours. Children's suggestions are acted upon and time is given to organise and implement them in the routine. Children develop new knowledge and skills, the childminder interacts positively and consistently, sitting at their level and extending their interest through skilful discussion and role model. Children show interest and pride in what they do for example fetching paper and writing name, painting and displaying pictures. Good opportunity is provided for children to participate in cooking, role play and story telling, promoting their creative and imaginative skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued and appreciated, the childminder gives good support and encouragement in developing their independence, for example helping themselves to drinks, fetching and putting on their shoes, tidying away toys. Children develop their play and learning because the childminder has a good understanding of child development. However, her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework is limited. Children are beginning to distinguish right from wrong, the childminder gives encouragement and praise and helps them to understand expectations and boundaries, for example house rules are explained and reinforced. Children are behaving well and are forming positive relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are included fully in the life of the setting and feel a strong sense of belonging. They gain confidence and self assurance with others as the childminder has successfully developed an 'extended family environment'. Children separate from parents and settle very well as the childminder is a familiar and trusted adult. Children develop confidence and self esteem, she encourages them to freely explore her home and feel at ease. Children are valued and treated with equal concern. Individual needs are identified and met well, the childminder has a good understanding and knowledge of local support agencies and ensures that children and parents receive any help and advice they require. Good systems are in place to share information, through daily discussion and in the form of daily diaries. Children are learning to show care and concern for others. The childminder gives clear and consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour, using praise rather

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Helping children make a positive contribution

than criticism. Children enjoy playing together and can play harmoniously with 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 and share toys. Children are able to access age appropriate resources independently, developing their ability to make choices and decisions. The childminder has successfully developed good relationships with parents. They receive good information about the service provided and how their child will be cared for, all necessary records are in place and contain relevant information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. Their needs are met fully through very good organisation of space and resources, that are well presented and attractive, this has a positive impact on their learning and development. Children's welfare is ensured through good vetting procedures and the childminder's effective use of policies and procedures, these are shared with parents. Most of the required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection, these are well organised, well-presented and regularly updated. The childminder attends local childminder groups and undertakes further training to increase her knowledge about childcare issues, this contributes to the quality of care provided. 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. • practice the emergency escape plan with minded children • consider using the Birth to Three matters framework to further enhance practice with the under threes

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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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