Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY299821 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Sharon Dickinson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and two in Sinfin, Derby. Most of the ground floor and first floor bathroom, toilet and two bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and three children over five before and after school. She walks to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through consistent daily routines. Parents provide wash bags which include individual flannels and toothbrushes reducing the risk of cross contamination. The childminder takes account of children’s individual dietary needs providing nutritious meals and snacks, therefore children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children become increasingly aware of their personal needs and know when they need a drink or a rest. They help themselves to water and juices throughout the day. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs. However, children are not provided with bed linen unless using the travel cot. There are regular outdoor activities to help develop control of their bodies for example as they use climbing frames or ride on wheeled toys. Regular visits to local parks and a soft play centre

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

improve children’s physical skills and develops a positive attitude to exercise. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe for example asking for help to recover a ball from the flower bed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around safely, freely and independently in a well-organised home where risks are effectively identified and minimised. The warm and welcoming environment helps children feel secure and confident within their surroundings. The outdoor area has been well designed to take children’s needs and abilities into account, however, the water butt is not securely covered. The childminder provides a wide range of toys and equipment which are stimulating and fun, consequently children are well occupied, challenged and interested in their play. She makes satisfactory use of time and resources to support children’s learning. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is aware of her duties and responsibilities in relation to the protection of children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care, they relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular outings to library story times. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. The routine includes times to be active and quiet times, both structured and free play is offered. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children experience a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as listening to music, painting and imaginative play. Children are confident and can play well on their own or with others. The childminder offers praise and encouragement to children and sensitively supports them in resolving issues such as sharing toys and taking turns, helping them to develop their social skills and play harmoniously.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children respected as individuals and their ideas and choices are valued for example when given the opportunity to choose which music CD they would like to listen to. The childminder has a good awareness of children's individual needs through effective systems to share information with parents regarding preferred care routines. Though there are insufficient procedures in place to ensure the correct identification of individuals named by parents to collect their child. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks. They have times to relax as well as be active. Children are generally well behaved and polite in response to the expectations and positive role model of the childminder. They share toys and show concern for others. Toys and resources reflect positive view of the wider world and all children are included and have equal opportunities to enhance their learning and play. Children learn about

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

their local community as they visit places of interest such as the zoo as well as routine outings to the library and local parks.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is enhanced by the childminders efficient and effective organisation skills. Children are happy and at ease in the welcoming setting encouraging them to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. Information is regularly exchanged with parents about the setting and their child’s day activities contributing to continuity in the children’s care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Complaints 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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 each child has their own bed linen • ensure the water butt in the garden is made safe or inaccessible to children • develop procedures to ensure correct identification of individuals named by parents to collect their child

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5