Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207647 Unique Reference Number 12 April 2007 Inspection date Justine Ellaway Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, thirteen and sixteen years in Derbyshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part-time basis, and seven children over five before and after school and during the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is very well promoted. The childminder has attended a food hygiene course and employs appropriate hygiene procedures through the daily routine, for example, cleaning the table before lunch. The sand pits are covered in the garden when not in use.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 are developing a good understanding of personal hygiene. They wash their hands at appropriate times such as before eating. They all brush their teeth after lunch and older children do this without reminder. Each child has their own bag containing a flannel and hand towel and they use liquid soap for hand washing. There is a clear policy to exclude children who are ill. As a result the risk of cross-infection is effectively minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is well promoted when they are ill. Accident and medication records contain all of the required information including parental signatures. Permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has been requested to ensure children's health needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to play in the garden at all times. They move freely between the indoors and outdoors and enjoy lots of physical exercise. They enjoy playing with the large and small play equipment. The childminder also takes children on outings, including local parks. As a result their physical skills are very effectively promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as meals are healthy and home made. Children are encouraged to eat healthily at snack times as the childminder provides healthy options such as fruit, cheese and bread sticks. The childminder displays a quick reminder to food labelling in her kitchen. Drinks are always available, each child has their own named beaker which is constantly filled so that they can help themselves during the session. They enjoy fruit juice at snack times.

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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 bright, attractive, appealing and welcoming environment which has dedicated space that is very well laid out for children. There are attractive displays of children's work and photographs. Children have their own peg. As a result children feel a sense of belonging. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and use two large rooms at the back of the house for play which link to the garden. They move freely around, promoting their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy playing with a large range of toys and resources, both indoors and outdoors. There are two swings, plus a large wooden house and smaller slide and climbing frame outside as well as sit and ride toys. The toys and resources are very well displayed to make them accessible and appealing to the children. A table is set out with colouring and drawing materials so children can play with them whenever they want to. As a result children's independence and decision-making is very well promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor environment. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safety issues and a commitment to ensure that children are safe. She has undertaken training in health and safety since the last inspection. She regularly updates a detailed risk assessment looking at different areas of the house and identifying any areas to address. A risk assessment is also completed for each outing. The written evacuation procedures are displayed for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is effectively maintained when they are outside. The garden is fully enclosed and child friendly, with bark under the large play equipment. However, although the childminder has obtained written permission from parents to confirm children can use the fixed outdoor play equipment, some of the equipment is not appropriate for their age. As a result children's safety is not fully promoted when they play on this equipment.

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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’s safety and welfare is well promoted because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She shares a written policy with parents, outlining her responsibility if she has any concerns. This has been updated to reflect the recent changes. The childminder attended an advanced child protection course last year and is very familiar with the different types of abuse and possible signs and symptoms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well and relish their time at the childminder’s. They have an excellent relationship with the childminder and bond well with their peers. Children are very happy and comfortable and talk frequently about things they have done and things they are going to do. New children settle quickly and make friends easily with the other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are constantly engaged in play. They frequently make up their own games and will play for long periods of time without interruption or distraction. They use their imagination extremely well during games. Children of different ages play together and older children show care and concern for younger children. An older child helps a younger child to complete a jigsaw puzzle. Four children play outside and pretend they are in a science laboratory looking for meteorites, children of all ages play an equal part in the game.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very confident and demonstrate high levels of independence, very effectively promoted by the childminder. They thrive in this child led setting where they choose what they do, where they play and what they play with. Children move around freely and comfortably and frequently go to the childminder and talk to her whilst they are playing. The childminder is consistent in providing praise and encouragement to raise children's self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The range of activities and play opportunities is excellent in meeting the needs of the children the childminder cares for. The childminder has a vast range of ideas for activities and clearly understands what children learn from play. Activities are provided according to children’s interests. Two children show an interest in making puppets and this is extended as the childminder talks to them about this, they decide on a story and characters and it becomes a play that they perform to others. There is a permanent mark making area which is well resourced. As a result children’s creativity is expertly enhanced. The childminder informally plans so there is flexibility within the day to allow for any spontaneous events. Records are regularly updated of younger children's development against the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the childminder skilfully provides play opportunities so that she can observe a particular area of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development, whilst providing toys that the children enjoy playing with. Interaction is very good, the childminder interacts with the children at times and at others lets them play independently whilst ensuring they are safe. The childminder is skilful at extending children’s learning through discussion and questioning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are met very well. The childminder gathers lots of information about the children from parents at the time of placement. She demonstrates a very good understanding of the children who attend. Information on the children is updated regularly to ensure any changing needs are accommodated and contact details are kept up to date.

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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's understanding of how to behave responsibly is extremely well promoted through clear and consistent explanations. The childminder is a very good role model and is calm and friendly. House rules have been established with the children and are shared with all new children and parents. A clear written behaviour management policy is shared with parents at the time of placement. Children work harmoniously with others. There is very positive interaction between all children and older children show care and concern for younger children. Children share the toys and resources without any fuss.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent and appropriate care as the childminder has a very good relationship with parents and carers and provides a range of information. A detailed information folder is shared with parents, which includes her written policies and procedures and information about the childminder and her family, a sample menu and a sample term time timetable. Parents sign to confirm they have read the policies and procedures. The childminder obtains a range of written permissions including going to the swimming baths, using public parks and play areas and going to parent and toddler groups. The childminder surveys the parents periodically to ensure children receive appropriate care. The childminder has a notice board where she displays relevant information including certificate. She also holds review evenings for parents to attend if they want to formally chat about children's progress, along with talking to them every day

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of wider society through an appropriate range of resources, discussion and the celebration of festivals. The childminder has a varied range of toys including jigsaws, dolls, books, dressing-up clothes, play food and cooking pots. A written equal opportunities policy states how the childminder promotes inclusion. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities receive a good level of support and have their individual needs met. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the issues and has a copy of the Special Educational Needs code of practice for reference.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who demonstrates a strong commitment to improvement. The childminder has established a self-evaluation system which is detailed and clear. She has an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and has undergone a host of relevant training courses since the last inspection including 'Listening to Young Children', 'Birth to three matters next level', 'Behaviour management', 'Cant Play Won't Play', 'Health and safety awareness for child carers', 'Further training in child protection', 'Traditional Play' and 'Introduction to child development'. This positively impacts on the care provided for children.

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Organisation

Very good organisation of time, space and resources fully promotes children's development in an attractive and inviting environment. Children receive a good level of support. A professional approach ensures that the childminder has all of the relevant paperwork in place and has obtained all of the relevant permissions. A range of clear written policies and procedures underpin the sound practice. This positively promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review and implement a policy for providing parents with the name, address and telephone number of Ofsted and to review the procedure for people entering and leaving the premises.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 childminder has developed a procedure to provide parents with the contact details for Ofsted and has thoroughly reviewed the procedure for people entering and leaving the premises. As a result consistency of care is promoted and children's safety is effectively promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 that the outdoor play equipment is age appropriate for children who use it

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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