Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301628 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Tyas

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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 and daughter aged two. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has one cat.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene through daily routines, for example they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet to prevent cross-infection. Children act out personal hygiene routines, for example bathing dolls and pretending to brush their teeth. The childminder ensures she has all of the required documentation to support children's health needs. Children learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet as part of fun activities, or through conversation. They are offered juice, milk or water on a regular basis throughout the day and enjoy nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit, toast and yogurts. Children are beginning to understand the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies for example, as they ride on wheeled toys

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Helping children to be healthy

and use bats and balls. Regular visits to the local park and playground improve children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The welcoming environment ensures children feel secure and confident within their surroundings, and they can initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children move around safely and independently in a well-organised home where risks are effectively identified and minimised, for example smoke alarms, a fire blanket and clear procedures for evacuation in the event of an emergency, however the emergency escape plan has not been practised with the children. Children follow safety rules such as keeping close to the childminder when walking to and from school. Additionally, they are encouraged to tidy away toys and games after play to prevent accidents, as a consequence they are developing a greater awareness of personal safety. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder ensures a stimulating and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fun environment, consequently children are well occupied and interested in their play. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example she is aware of her duties and responsibilities in relation to the protection of children and plans to attend the next available first aid course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. They are confident

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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 and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other, socialise with other children and learn about the world around them through regular outings and attendance at local children's groups. Children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy the opportunity to participate in a wide range of planned and free-choice activities which contribute to their creativity and learning. They become independent as they choose between a wide variety of toys, books, creativity activities and imaginative play resources. Topics are developed from children's ideas and interests and carried through from the nursery topic, for example children make ladybird biscuits, draw shapes and patterns in sugar, grow grass and turn them into sock heads. Children enjoy resources to develop mathematical concepts as they play shopping

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

games and sort coloured pegs and socks into piles. Their daily activities and any significant developmental progress is shared verbally and written with parents who appreciate this information as they can hear how their child achieves and enjoys attending the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about their local community through going on trips to the local parks, toddler groups and shops. They learn about some aspects of the wider world through participating in craft and baking activities related to festivals such as Mother's Day, Easter and Chinese New Year. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They enjoy each other's company and children are at ease in their play. They behave well and show concern for one another supported by the childminders clear expectations and guidance of what is right and wrong. Her praise and encouragement develops the children's self-esteem and confidence. Warm relationships with the childminder ensures young children have a sense of belonging and are developing self-assurance. Activities which show that they can play a valuable part in routines, for example putting toys away and making things to take home, confirm that they have a part to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play, are valued and create valuable links between the home and the setting. Children are reassured by care and routines which are consistent with their home. A progress report, allows their learning and development to be continuous. Parents receive information about the services provided and how their child will be cared for. Ongoing sharing of verbal and written information ensures parents are aware of how their child has spent the day and any changes to circumstances can be addressed immediately. This contributes to a good partnership with parents and children's individual needs being met.

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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 Children’s care is enhanced by the childminder's efficient and effective organisation skills. Children are happy and at ease in the 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, contributing to continuity in the children’s care. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 all children are aware and have practised the fire evacuation plan.

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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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