Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303057 Inspection date 12 May 2005 Inspector Lynn Masterman

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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 a registered since July 1999. She lives with her husband and 6 children, of which 2 are adults and 4 are under 16 years of age. The childminder's parents also live on the premises. The family live in the residential area of Bramley, near Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding 10 children who attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder supports children with special needs and occasionally works with an assistant. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She regularly attends the local playgroup and parent and toddler group. Children are taken on outings to local parks and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to observe and develop good hygiene practices. They are familiar with the daily routine and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children have individual face cloths this provides positive steps for good healthy practices, prevents cross infection and contributes their personal care and comfort. Good procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed. A varied range of activities contribute to their good health and well being. Good use is made of opportunities to develop their awareness of a healthy diet and food hygiene, for example children have planted a vegetable garden with cauliflowers, sweet corn and broccoli. They are encouraged to make choices, wash and prepare vegetables and develop a positive attitude to a healthy diet. Children have planted apple trees and grow strawberries to help foster a healthy alternative to sugary

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks. They have access to regular drinks as part of the daily routine. The childminder gives careful consideration to the dietary needs of all children and has a strong commitment to providing a nutritious diet. Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy life style. Good use is made of the out door play area and children have access to variety of age appropriate outdoor play equipment. They have the opportunity to visit local parks and places of interest which develops their awareness of the environment. Younger children are encouraged to participate in simple games and action rhymes. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine and children's individual needs are met.

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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 well organised environment where most risk are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. Children are well supervised which ensures accidents are minimal and they are able to move around safely and independently. Particular attention is given to children on outings and walking to school. They are encouraged to be aware of keeping safe and are familiar

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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 with the safety rules. Opportunities are used positively to promote road safety. Visits are repeated to ensure all children are included and there is a good level of supervision. Children have a clear understanding of the boundaries for acceptable behaviour, for example if they are not in reach of the childminder they are too far away. Children have the opportunity to access a good range of age appropriate play resources and equipment, which is easily accessible, clean, well maintained and of a high standard. Resources are stored securely at child height, which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play. Careful consideration is given to the location of activities for young children, ensuring they are able to access them easily and safely. The childminder has a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of her responsibility for the protection and care of children. Knowledge of appropriate procedures and documentation for example child protection procedures and the appropriate use of first aid ensures children's safety and their welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to access a good range of well balanced activities which are purposeful and contribute to their global development. The childminder is skilled at meeting the varying needs of children and ensures each child has equal access to activities which are age appropriate. She provides opportunities to extend their development for example, a picnic incorporated children visiting the shop, making choices, counting and recognising the use of money, colour and shape. Babies are responsive to the warm and soothing manner of the childminder. They are given lots of eye contact and adult interaction. They are encouraged to develop their sensory and physical skills. Older children are encouraged to make informed choices about their play. The have the opportunity to access a variety of craft activities, which are displayed around the premises to promote their self esteem and develop a sense of belonging. All the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children have the opportunity to socialise with other children through regular visits and outings to places of interest. Parental involvement is welcomed and they are kept well informed of their children's development and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children arrive at the childminder's home happy and comfortable. They leave parents confidently and demonstrate a sense of belonging, for example knowing where to hang their coat. They move around with ease and confidence in an home from home environment. They are encouraged to express their needs, they are valued and given reassurance their contribution is important. Children experience a warm and friendly environment, with lots of positive interaction and stimulation.

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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 Children have the opportunity to access a variety of activities and resources, which promote a positive view of the world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Parents are invited to share experiences and knowledge of their culture. Through discussion children regularly look at the lives of other children in the world. The childminder is particularly skilled in caring for children with special needs and has adapted resources to ensure the full participation and inclusion of all children. There are good strategies for the management of children's behaviour, they are given reason and explanation according to their level of understanding and encouraged to be tolerant of each other. Parental involvement is encouraged and there is a positive relationship. Information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

is shared on a daily basis with parents about their child's day and achievements. The childminder has worked effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are fully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and has a good routine which contributes to children feeling safe, being part of group and having a secure base. They are able to make informed choices about their play and express their individual needs. A good range of policies and procedures which contribute to effective organisation of the setting ensures children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Parents are kept well informed about their children's achievements and the daily routine. The childminder has a strong commitment to training to further develop her knowledge and child care practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved children's safety and well being. The childminder has completed an up to date first aid course. Written documentation and parental signatures are now in place in relation persons on the premises, for the transportation of children and for their access to pets. The parrot cage has been made secure and re-located and all low level glass has now been made safe. These improvements have contributed to the health and safety of all children.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • improve the safety of the out door play area.

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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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