Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293618 Inspection date 05 May 2005 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged six years in Ilkeston in Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding. Outdoor play is regularly made available at the local park. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder

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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 drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a friendly, child orientated environment, and are happy and secure. They are very confident to interact with the childminder who provides good care and supports their individual stages of development. Children have a clear understanding of good personal hygiene through well-planned daily routines. They are encouraged to develop independent personal skills, however, they are confident to ask the childminder for help when needed to do this. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health, such as sharing books about germs and imaginative play about hospitals. Children are able to relate their own experiences well to the activities they are participating in, such as, when a child was sick. They are protected from infection and illness by the childminders clear policies and procedures, which, incorporates incubation periods and clear expectations for

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Helping children to be healthy

parents to follow when their children are ill. Children know when they need a drink or a rest and can access drinks at all times. Children understand and clearly explain that they eat fruit and vegetables to help keep them healthy and they make healthy choices when choosing snacks. The childminder provides a good balanced diet, which takes account of children's personal choices and individual dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can move safely around the premises with minimal risk of injury due to the childminders clear regard for safety. They are not allowed in the kitchen unless supervised. Children know where they are allowed to play and clearly explain reasons for this. The childminder is very aware of changes in temperature and makes suitable adjustments to the children's activities to take account of this. Children are protected from dangers by the childminder's regular risk assessments and a range of policies and procedures which have been implemented. Children are aware of, and give an explanation of the emergency evacuation procedure. They have suitable access to a very wide range of safe toys and resources, which, are regularly checked, cleaned and are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children's safety is extended effectively beyond the home because the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

actively ensures procedures for keeping them safe are carried out. Children know about road safety and hold hands or are restrained in a buggy when away from the home. Children understand that parks and play ground equipment must be checked before use to ensure they are safe. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder's clear policies and procedures, however, there is no consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's welfare is protected by the childminders clear understanding of the local child protection procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, have fun and clearly enjoy themselves with the childminder, who dedicates quality time to playing with them. Children are very secure within the childminder's home. Consequently, they enthusiastically participate in and extend the exciting experiences provided for them and confidently initiate their own play. Children's play is enhanced by meaningful everyday experiences. An extensive range of appealing resources support children's learning and play. Children take care of toys, putting them away after use, helping them to take responsibility for their environment. Children's imaginative play is highly developed by listening attentively and responding to stories, using them effectively to extend their play and learning. Children benefit from a well-balanced range of craft activities, which, are adapted to make them accessible to all children and changed frequently to maintain interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very confident in their relationship with the childminder and readily ask for help when needed to achieve their goals. Individual routines and care needs are well met and planned into the day's activities, however, flexible to meet the needs of the child at the time. Children are aware of and informed throughout the day of what is going to happen, helping to develop a sense of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are actively learning about the wider world in which they live. They develop a positive attitude to others through sharing books and using resources, such as, dressing up clothes from a range of different cultures and participating in activities to celebrate a range of festivals. The childminder adapts activities to ensure all children are included and have equal access. Children are very aware of other children around them. They play happily together and effectively help and support each other, share and take turns. Children are very well behaved and respond positively to clear guidance and praise. The childminder sets realistic goals for the children's behaviour and treats them with respect and kindness, which, helps to develop their good self-esteem. Children's needs are identified and supported appropriately by good relationships fostered with parents. They receive regular information about their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's day and have daily opportunities to discuss their child's needs ensuring both parents and the childminder are mutually well informed at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's effective organisation. Children have space for active play, rest and relaxation due to the childminder's effective organisation of space. They are made to feel welcome and valued by the childminder displaying their paintings. Children receive high levels of interaction from the childminder, who has a clear understanding of child development and meets their individual needs. The childminder has successfully completed relevant training to

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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 support the service she provides. Documentation is well organised and clearly presented. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote children's well-being, which, are shared with parents to keep them well-informed of their child's achievements. Children's records are updated regularly to monitor their current needs, ensuring they receive appropriate care. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed a range of relevant training which supports the service she provides. She has developed a comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures, which, are shared with parents at induction. Parents receive a booklet containing this information, which, ensures all parties have clear expectations of the service provided. Children's experiences are enhanced by the childminder assessing children's individual developmental needs and accessing appropriate resource to support this.

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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 consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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