Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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501545 Unique Reference Number 23 April 2007 Inspection date Angela Howard 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 13 years. She is also a registered foster carer. They live in Maltby, a large residential area in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the premises, excluding the main bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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. She currently has one child under eight years and one child over the age of eight-years-old on roll. However, there were no children present at the time of the inspection. Overnight care is offered for a maximum of three children at any one time. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. The family have goldfish, tropical fish and doves in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she has a clear understanding of the importance of promoting children's good health. She describes how she talks to children about the need for good personal hygiene and ensures they remember to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has appropriate documentation in place for administering medication and the recording of accidents. This further protects children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion the childminder demonstrates that she has a sound awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and encouraging children to make healthy choices, such as fruit at snack time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder states that children enjoy daily access to fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school daily and access the outdoor play area if the weather permits. There is an appropriate range of outdoor play equipment to develop a variety of skills, such as jumping, catching, pedalling and climbing. This allows children to develop their gross motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that she takes appropriate steps to ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. For example, she describes good supervision to be a key element in ensuring children remain safe. She regularly checks the premises for hazards and takes positive steps to remove them. Appropriate fire precautions are in place, for example, fire exits are clear of obstruction and smoke alarms are in working order. However, she does not routinely practise the fire evacuation plan with children. The childminder explains how she talks to children about road safety when walking to and from school. She shows a sound awareness of how to transport children safely in a vehicle through making sure that they are appropriately secured in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a safe and well maintained environment where the furniture and equipment meet the varying needs of the children that attend. Resources are safe, age appropriate, clean and well maintained. Appropriate furnishings and equipment, which are clean and in good order, enable children to feel comfortable and settled.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder verbally demonstrates her extensive knowledge of child protection procedures and recognises the indicators of abuse. She keeps herself up-to-date with current guidance which effectively contributes to safeguarding children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she has a good knowledge of children's interests and needs. The environment is appropriately organised to provide children with a wide, varied and interesting range of practical activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder describes how she provides a wide variety of experiences which are age and stage appropriate. For example, children can access an appropriate range of craft materials,

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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 read books, play board games, use the computer and games console and access a reasonable range of physical toys outdoors. Role play and imaginative play are encouraged through a varied selection of role play equipment. The childminder explains that she plays an active part in children's play and activities. She listens attentively and encourages children to ask questions and use their initiative to extend their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder aims for children to have a sense of belonging and ensure they feel safe and secure. This is achieved by obtaining as much information as possible prior to the placement commencing. She describes her daily routine as being flexible and responsive to their needs. She takes time to get to know the children and understand their likes and dislikes. The childminder shows a sound knowledge and understanding of creating a positive environment. She describes how she helps children to effectively learn about other people and is keen to support each child's individual needs, including any special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder verbally demonstrates that she promotes good behaviour and places a strong emphasis on politeness and good manners. She provides children with clear and consistent boundaries so that children learn right from wrong in a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains that she has developed a friendly and supportive relationship with the children's parents. From discussion, it is clear that she recognises that sharing information daily with parents helps to support links with home and increases children's sense of belonging. This ensures children's individual needs are continually met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space is used effectively to maximise children's play opportunities and evidence suggests the childminder uses her time sufficiently well to ensure she supports children's care and well-being. Documentation shows that the childminder has a reasonable approach to her childminding role. She has the necessary documents completed to meet regulations, which she says she shares with parents. Children's personal records and the necessary written consents are in place and are stored securely to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the National Standards. This promotes children's safety and welfare. Overall, evidence suggests the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was one action made at the last inspection. This was in relation to improving fire precautions. The childminder now has a fire guard available should it be required. This promotes children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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 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 satisfactory. 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 all minded children are aware of the appropriate actions to take in case of fire.

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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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