Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300253 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 husband and pre-school daughter in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of the shops and local amenities. The family has a cat. Minded children mainly use the lounge and conservatory for play and rest. They are able to access a ground floor toilet and there is a securely enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's good health is protected as they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines, for example they understand that tables are wiped before and after snack time, and when it is appropriate to wash their hands. Good arrangements are in place to support children who are potty training and to encourage their independence. Although children use clean towels daily for drying their hands, the lack of individual provision does not minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children are appropriately cared for if they become ill or have an accident as the childminder has a secure knowledge of first aid and keeps advisory information, such as resuscitation techniques, to hand. Details of any accidents to children are appropriately recorded and shared promptly with parents, so supporting the continuity of care. Written

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Helping children to be healthy

consent to obtain emergency treatment for children has not been sought, although informal verbal agreements have been discussed. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They have regular opportunities to be active, such as playing outdoors in the garden or using large equipment at the park or community groups. Indoors children regularly dance together, matching their movements to music. This helps to develop their coordination and control. Children begin to recognise the effect of exercise on their bodies and when they need to rest. They understand the need to take regular drinks and independently access their individual containers throughout the day. Children have opportunities to make some choices regarding their meals. For example they can choose their sandwich filling at lunch or select their chosen fruits from a local shop ready for snack time. The childminder ensures she meets any individual dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

needs and takes account of children's likes and parents' preferences when preparing food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely within the home due to the childminder's vigilance in identifying and minimising potential risks. They receive close supervision whether at home or on outings, ensuring their on-going safety. The childminder has been pro-active in seeking relevant advice about safety from a fire officer and through obtaining written guidance leaflets. Children are beginning to take some responsibility for their own personal safety, such as understanding how to evacuate the home and the importance of keeping toys with small parts away from babies. Activities such as putting seat belts in the home made car, help to reinforce children's understanding of safety. Their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and understands the procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. Children have safe and comfortable places to play, rest and eat because the areas

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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 used for childminding are effectively organised to meet their needs. There is a very good range of quality toys and equipment available for the children's use, both indoors and within the garden. They are able to select toys safely from the play room which promotes their independence and confidence. Effective organisation, cleaning and checking routines means that babies have toys appropriate to their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy choosing what to play with from the exciting range of toys and craft materials. Children acquire new knowledge and skills because the childminder has a sound understanding of their developmental stage and is able to provide suitable activities to extend their learning. Very young children learn new vocabulary and practise single words as they name objects in a matching game and identify colours when building with bricks. Older children concentrate well as they work with small beads. Their problem-solving skills are well fostered as the childminder asks open-ended questions to encourage them to think about what they are doing. All children enjoy group times together, such as for stories and singing. They enthusiastically play a variety of musical instruments as they sing simple songs and rhymes together. Further opportunities are made for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to play creatively, physically and imaginatively through the use of well-chosen activity sessions in the local community. They attend messy play sessions where babies, toddlers and pre-school children experience a full range of sensory and exploratory play. This is then followed through at home, for example the children have recently made their own car from a large box, painted and accessorised it, and use it to support their imaginary play. Children also visit the library regularly, join in music and rhyme sessions and visit parks and soft play areas. These activities help to promote all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the welcoming environment. They form positive relationships with the childminder and readily approach her for support or comfort. Children's good behaviour is actively fostered. They receive verbal praise and reinforcement for sharing, taking turns and working harmoniously with others. Children begin to understand the simple house rules and willingly help to tidy away toys, singing a song as they do so. Through activities and resources provided children are beginning to learn about the wider community and are developing positive attitudes towards others. Children have their individual needs met as the childminder works closely with the parents to ensure continuity of care for babies or to discuss any concerns. Detailed information is exchanged to ensure children are cared for within their normal routines and this is regularly reviewed as children grow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive regular verbal information to keep them informed about the childminder's practice and their child's care and development. Daily diaries are provided for the younger children, which encourages a good two-way exchange of

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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 information that promotes continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease due to the good organisational skills of the childminder. She provides a welcoming, child centred environment which encourages children to quickly become absorbed in play. Toys and resources are neatly arranged to allow children to make independent choices and there is plenty of free space to use these safely. Daily routines offer a balance of experiences inside the home and within the local community, giving children opportunities to meet others and develop their social skills. The childminder organises her time effectively so that there is sufficient time to talk and play with all the children and to follow their individual care routines. Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder effectively collates and uses relevant information gathered from parents. Her paperwork is generally well-organised, enabling her to locate any required information easily. This promotes

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Organisation

children's safety and overall well-being. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and actively uses training as a way to develop her own practice. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 arrangements for children to dry their hands minimises the risk of

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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 cross-infection and request written parental permission 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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