Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252404 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 1991. She lives with her husband in a residential suburb of Nottingham. There are shops, toddler groups, parks and schools within walking distance. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes with sleeping and toilet facilities in this area. There is also access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor 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. There are currently five children on roll, one of whom is over eight years of age. The childminder holds a recognised qualification in nursery nursing and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is very well protected. They are cared for in a very clean home where effective hygiene practices are used to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children learn about and contribute to maintaining their own good health. For example, they fetch aprons to wear

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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 when eating and wipe their own mouths and hands with wet wipes following guidance from the childminder. They remind the childminder about wiping the table before having their snack and are eager to help with this, demonstrating that this is part of the normal routine. Older children are able to independently access bathroom facilities on the ground floor and are provided with individual towels for drying their hands to ensure any germs are not spread.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are fully met. For example, any medicines given are fully recorded and include parents' prior written consent. Children receive appropriate care in the event of any accidents as the childminder maintains a first aid certificate and makes appropriate records to be shared promptly with parents. This ensures children's ongoing care needs may be met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are successfully nourished because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children receive a balanced diet. She provides a range of healthy snacks such as banana or yoghurt and tries to introduce children to a range of new tastes. When meals are provided by parents she ensures these are stored and served appropriately. Children have easy access to drinks at any time during the day and the childminder routinely replenishes their cups so that they are never thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good use is made of the space within the home to allow children to be active in their play. For example, they run and dance within an organised activity. They benefit from fresh air as they walk to and from local amenities, play in the park and visit a local nature reserve. Their physical skills are further enhanced through the use of toys and equipment in the childminder's garden when the weather is fine.

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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 spacious, safe and secure home. The environment is made welcoming because the childminder displays posters at children's level and ensures a variety of toys and activities are set out before they arrive. This allows children to engage quickly in play and to make choices in what they do. The use of child-sized furniture allows children to sit comfortably together to eat and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and has effectively identified and minimised potential risks within the home. She has given considerable thought to protecting children from the risk of fire. Smoke alarms are provided within most rooms of the house and there are documented checks on these carried out monthly. She has a clear evacuation procedure, which is displayed and made known to parents and older children. Through everyday activities and through their play children start to learn simple safety messages. For example, they start to learn about road safety as they are out and about in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of her role in protecting children from harm. She is alert to the indicators of abuse and neglect and has the appropriate knowledge to enable her to act in a child's best interest in the event of any concerns being noted.

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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 have formed warm and trusting relationships with her that enable them to feel secure. The childminder knows each of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 well and provides activities that she knows will interest them and help them to make progress in their learning. Children are able to initiate their own play from the toys available and the childminder helps to extend their learning through questioning and support. For example, children's role play is enriched through the childminder's suggestions as they take on roles of being a police officer and fire fighter. Children enjoy being creative and enthusiastically make marks on paper, firstly using chalks and then crayons. With the childminder's support they begin to recognise and remember colours as they draw.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Daily routines offer children times to play actively and opportunities to relax. Children are generally active as they play although they also enjoy sitting and reading books alongside the childminder. They carefully examine pages to find the hidden bird and are delighted when the childminder praises their achievements. Young children are beginning to express their needs and are developing a large vocabulary. They are forming close relationships with their peers and making good progress in their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development and uses this to guide her practice. However, she has yet to fully implement the use of appropriate guidance materials such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework so that opportunities for children's learning are maximised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are clearly comfortable and have a sense of belonging in the childminder's home. They move around confidently and show a clear understanding of the routines of the day. Younger children are learning how to share and take turns. The childminder reinforces this with simple explanations that successfully build on children's ability to interact with others. As a consequence young children mostly play harmoniously with others. The childminder acts as a good role model as she treats the children with respect and sensitivity. She talks with them about how they feel and helps them to understand different emotions like happy and sad. She rewards them with her attention and praise so that their self-esteem is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands children's individual needs and meets these well. For example, she gathers information from parents about children's sleeping patterns and uses this to ensure they rest appropriately. Full discussions are held and agreements made to ensure children are cared for according to parents' wishes. Information is exchanged daily so that parents are kept well informed of what their children have done and their developmental achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a good understanding of the wider world because the childminder provides resources and activities that reflect diversity. Although the childminder does not currently care for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she does have some experience in this area and demonstrates a good understanding of working closely with parents and other agencies to meet the needs of all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of her time, resources and space within the home. She provides a safe home environment where children are relaxed and eager to use the activities and toys available. She gives the children lots of her attention so that they are constantly learning and their care needs are met.

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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 Children's welfare is promoted through the effective use of relevant records. All of the required documentation is kept up to date and stored in a well organised manner. Relevant information is displayed for parents so that they are aware of her conditions of registration, details of her insurers and her evacuation procedure for the home. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and ensures current certificates, such as first aid, are maintained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder increased her knowledge of the child protection procedures. Since then she has obtained and familiarised herself with all of the latest guidance and ensured this is readily available for reference if needed. By taking these steps she has improved the overall safety of children.

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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): • extend the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to maximise the learning opportunities for children.

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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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