Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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303128 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2006 Inspection date Lynn Masterman 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and two mature children. They live in small village in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The children have access to a secure outdoor play area. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under the age of eight, and four over the age of eight who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area. She is 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 satisfactory. Children have the opportunity from an early age to develop and observe good hygiene practice through a range of activities that are part of the daily routine. They are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before meals. Good nappy changing procedures ensures the risk of cross infection is minimal. This is further promoted because the childminder requests that parents provide their child's changing mat. Appropriate procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed, which ensures that children are cared for appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Appropriate use is made of the outdoor play area and children are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air. They have access to a suitable range of outdoor play resources, which helps to promote their physical development, for example, a slide, bikes and bats and balls. Younger children develop their physical stages by participating in simple games and action songs. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine and children's individual needs are appropriately met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The dietary needs of individual children are catered for well. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she is maintaining routines and offering a balanced diet to children in her care. Children have hot nutritious meals and healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, meat, cheese and raw vegetables. The childminder has good knowledge of the children's individual dietary requirements, for example, children with allergies to certain foods or those with specific likes and dislikes. She ensures children have access to regular drinks throughout the day. They choose from milk, water and low sugar fruit drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in secure premises and benefit from the use of an appropriate range of safety equipment. The childminder regularly checks for hazards and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. This allows children to move around freely and safely. The childminder makes use of opportunities, such as bonfire night, to promote children's awareness of fire safety. Appropriate fire safety precautions are in place and the procedures for evacuation are routinely practised with the children. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. Children are beginning to become aware of their own safety. For example, the childminder calmly reminds children not to climb on furniture. She has a good understanding of the boundaries between freedom and safe limits. For example, young children are encouraged to climb steps and ride bikes. This helps children to take supervised risks whilst in the care of a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of play resources and equipment, which are easily accessible, well maintained and meet the required safety standards. For example, resources are checked on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and do not pose risk to children. They are

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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 stored at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role in child protection issues. She is able to recognise possible indicators of abuse. She has information of the procedures to be followed if she has a concern about the welfare of children. This ensures children are appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a warm and welcoming environment, where they are happy and confident. They are given opportunities to develop their independence and make choices from a good and varied range of age appropriate play provision. The childminder has developed a warm caring relationship with the children. They are responsive to the warm soothing approach of the childminder and are given lots of eye contact and adult interaction. Children enjoy their time with the childminder looking at books and linking familiar experiences to their own personal routines. For example, children looking at a book about bunnies going to bed. The children chuckled when the childminder spoke of the bunnies taking a bath with lots of bubbles, combing their hair and snoring. She echoed the sounds made by the children as they followed the actions of combing their hair and snoring like the bunnies. This helps children to be skilful

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is beginning to implement the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She successfully uses the components to promote children's learning through every day experiences. She skilfully asks questions that help children to make connections. For example, children playing in the home corner making sandwiches for tea. The children were encouraged to name the food as they made the sandwiches, such as lettuce, ham, cheese and tomatoes. The childminder asked, 'Are you making sandwiches for daddy to take to work'? This helps children become competent learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consideration is given to children who have been in a structured environment at school. They are provided with opportunities to relax and are encouraged to make choices for themselves. Play resources are accessible, which allows children to use their initiative and make informed choices about their play. This results in children being involved and interested in managing their own play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal care and concern. They are valued as individuals and routines are discussed with parents, which ensure appropriate steps are taken to provide a positive environment. They are responded to with warmth, affection and understanding, which develops their sense of self worth and feeling and confidence. The childminder has taken steps to develop a caring and meaningful relationship with the children. She knows the children well and uses information effectively to respond to children's individual needs. For example, the childminder

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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 knows when children need a cuddle or are ready for a nap. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children of all abilities are valued and encouraged to participate in all activities. The childminder has a sensitive approach to children who may be experiencing difficulties. She works effectively with parents and outside agencies to ensure children are well supported and their individual needs successfully met. Children learn about each other by discussing similarities and differences. Through discussion, the childminder helps the children to recognise each other as individuals, and how we express the way we feel in different ways. Children develop a sense of the wider world through a satisfactory range of play resources. This is further enhanced as they participate in local community events to celebrate various cultural festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a caring environment. They observe good role models and are encouraged to be kind, considerate and respectful. For example, children are encouraged to say please and thank you and apologise if they have behaved inappropriately. The childminder is extremely responsive to the needs of the children with regard to the management of children's behaviour. She is aware some children are easily distressed if situations are not handled in a sensitive manner. For example, the children made a cake, which was divided into equal portions and used to explain to the children the importance of sharing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a successful relationship with parents. Continuity of children's care is encouraged, as the childminder has daily discussions with parents to ensure they are fully informed of children's welfare and progress. This ensures parents are kept fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is well organised and has good daily routines, which promote satisfactory outcomes for children. Space, resources and time are used successfully to enable children to access a wide range of play opportunities and experiences. This ensures children receive appropriate levels of care.

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Organisation

Documentation is kept in a well-organised and professional manner and a high regard is given towards maintaining confidentiality. However, the registration certificate is not displayed for parents, which is a requirement. The childminder has attended a varied range of training courses, which contribute to the care and learning of the children in her care.

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Organisation

Required adult to child ratios are met; this ensures children are well supervised and supported in their learning and care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: improve the safety of outdoor steps; improve systems to record details of behaviour management strategies agreed with parents; provide a written statement of the procedures to be followed should a parent wish to make a complaint; and obtain a copy of the procedures to safeguard children.

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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 The childminder has taken appropriate steps to improve children's safety by providing children with a good level of supervision and the use of appropriate ground rules, which are shared with the children. This ensures children are safe and secure. Parents have access to a written complaints procedure and the appropriate documentation for recording of complaints. This ensures parents are fully aware of the procedure should they wish to make a complaint. The strategies for the management of children's behaviour is discussed and agreed with parents at the initial meeting. There are systems in place for the recording of children's behaviour, which are shared with parents. This ensures parents are kept fully informed. The childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures by attending

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Improvements since the last inspection

relevant training. She has information of the procedures to be followed should she have a concern about the welfare of children. This ensures children are appropriately safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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.

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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): • ensure the fire blanket is appropriately sited • ensure registration certificate is displayed.

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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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