Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301033 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Debbie Rushworth

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and children aged eight and six in Glossop. The ground floor and the first floor toilet are used for childminding along with the enclosed garden. The family have a cat. The park, shops and other local amenities are within walking distance and are used regularly. The childminder takes children to the local school, playgroup and toddler group. The childminder is registered to care for four children and currently cares for one

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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 child part time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and uses the support of the Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and have some opportunities to learn about cleanliness during the daily routine as a result of the childminder’s hygiene practices. From a young age, children become aware of the need to wash their hands before meals, preventing the spread of bacteria. This awareness continues as they enjoy helping around the house. Sick children are given suitable care, protecting others from illness and infection. Records show that appropriate treatment is given to children following accidents, with the childminder using her up-to-date knowledge of first aid. Children regularly participate in a variety of active play, whatever the weather. They develop physically by playing on bikes, the climbing frame and slide at the toddler group, the park and in the garden. Children have a balanced and nourishing diet as a result of the childminder's good awareness of nutrition. Children's varying dietary needs are met well because the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder liaises closely with parents. She makes sure that children eat the correct food and are not made to feel different from others due to their diet. Drinks are available regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children follow boundaries set by the childminder to make play safer, such as climbing down off the patio backwards to avoid falls. The childminder has a good awareness of hazards within the home and on outings and clearly demonstrates how these are reduced to ensure children’s safety, for example by teaching children the green cross code. The completion of child protection training gives the childminder a clear knowledge of child protection procedures and the confidence to deal with any issues. Space is well organised and used imaginatively to provide a safe environment for children's play. The garden is used creatively to provide a variety of play areas and gives children freedom to move about in the larger space. The house is clean, well maintained and welcoming to both parents and children. Toys are easily accessible, for example books are kept in a box on a low shelf enabling young children to make their own choice safely. Resources are clean, safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and appropriate for the age of the children present, ensuring that babies and young

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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 children cannot access harmful resources with small parts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children investigate textures and natural objects, as they play with pebbles and shells in the sandpit. From a young age, children get pleasure from helping with household chores. They sort the washing and tidy up, learning to look after themselves. This is carried into imaginative play where children wash their tea set, at the same time becoming fascinated with washing-up liquid bubbles. Child-sized equipment gives children further opportunities to build their independence. A wide variety of outings and inventive activities support all areas of children's learning, although the childminder does not plan towards this. Children benefit from meeting other children at toddler groups and messy play sessions, where they have further toys and resources to support their development. Learning is re-enforced by the repeating of favourite stories to familiarise children with the language used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled in their play and have a close relationship with the childminder who makes time to listen to them. She gives children a lot of support in their activities, taking opportunities to talk to them regularly and ask questions to develop their language and thinking. For example, asking what they can hear outside when an aeroplane is flying overhead.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is friendly and welcoming to both parents and children. Various methods of communication are used. Daily verbal feedback, and a diary system for young children, reassures parents and ensures that they have full knowledge of the care their children receive. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to them and meets their requests, for example when they need a drink, or would like help to play with a particular toy. Resources from the toy library are used to raise older children's awareness of the wider world. Younger children are not provided with appropriate activities and resources to develop their understand of themselves and others. They have few opportunities to consider their similarities and differences. Children know the behaviour expected of them and behave well. They are praised regularly for completing activities, building their self esteem. The childminder is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consistent in her approach to unacceptable behaviour, distracting children from the problem and calming them down. Children have access to resources and activities that are suitable for their age and ability. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that children's individual care and development needs are met.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Nearly all documentation is in place, it is clear, in good order and easily accessible, sustaining the continuity of care between the children‘s home and the childcare. The childminder has a portfolio, including a range of policies and information, which is shared with parents at their initial visit to inform them of the care provided. Good arrangements are in place which protect children from people who have not been vetted. Children benefit from regularly meeting with other minded children, giving the childminder opportunities to share good practice regarding the organisation of her childminding. Timings are kept flexible each day to give children a variety of experiences, and to meet their individual routines. Although activities are not timetabled, children benefit from an outing each day and free play within the home. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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): • obtain written parental permission for emergency treatment and medical advice • further develop use of toys and resources to support learning for children under 3, for example through use of the Birth to Three Matters framework

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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 • raise young children's awareness of equal opportunities.

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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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