Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298256 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Jean Otter

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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 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 2005. She lives with her partner, one child aged one year and one adult child in Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and a bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for overnight care. The family has a dog.

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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 are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and prepares meals and snacks that appeal to the children and are nutritious. She talks to parents about the children's care in order that familiar routines can be followed, for example, children can rest and sleep according to their needs. Children's records contain relevant and up to date information about their dietary and health needs, further promoting their well-being. Children benefit from fresh air and have good opportunities to participate in active play appropriate to their age and stage of development. As a consequence children are learning how to develop their physical skills. The effective use of the outside area promotes and provides extended play opportunities. Children use the local park regularly and are taken on regular outings to the local shops.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where the routines and procedures implemented by the childminder help children develop a clear understanding of when and why they need to wash their hands. However, as children can access the dog's feeding bowls if not closely supervised, their health may be at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised effectively. This means that children are able to move around safely. Good awareness and supervision by the childminder encourages their independence and protects them from harm. The home is well maintained and offers good space and a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment. Children select activities from a varied range of good quality toys, which are suitable for the age range of children attending. Toys are displayed at floor level to allow easy access and help to create a stimulating environment. The childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures ensures children are protected from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and make themselves at home. They are introduced to a selection of good quality toys that have an educational element, are fun, and maintain their interest well. The childminder effectively supports young children with their first stages of learning through play and with their language

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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 development through the positive use of books and communication. Particularly good is her provision of activities which promotes children's creativity, such as singing, story telling and listening and moving to music. She encourages children, in line with their age and stage of development, to help with small day to day tasks in the home which helps them to feel a sense of belonging. This is extended to the garden, where children help with planting and watering and are learning about nature and how things grow. Children's social skills are being developed by attendance at the local playgroup and their knowledge of the wider world is fostered by regular outings, for example to the farm and local supermarket. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and is gentle in her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

approach to the children in her care. As a consequence their well-being is promoted effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents and they are very settled. Clear behaviour management methods implemented by the childminder help children develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. Children enjoy constant praise given to them as they try to achieve different tasks, consequently they are developing good levels of self-esteem. The childminder has a very positive approach to equality and increases children's awareness of the wider world and their understanding of others through meaningful experiences. Good methods are in place to develop the partnership with parents with written information available on how the setting operates and relevant written consent obtained for various procedures. Children's well-being and how their needs are met during the day are recorded in a daily diary for very young children and for all other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children there is discussion with the child's parents at each session. This enables the childminder and parents to work together to meet the needs of the child effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and are supported by the childminder appropriately to help them feel secure. The childminder organises her time well to implement children's routines and ensure their individual needs are met. Policies and procedures are used effectively by the childminder to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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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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): • ensure children cannot access feeding bowls belonging to the dog.

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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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