Childminder in DerbyshireOfsted inspection, 22 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY229751 Inspection date 22 June 2005 Inspector Zoe Smith

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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 registered since 2002. She lives in the Hollingworth district of Hyde, with her husband and their two children, who are age six and ten. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools. The childminder is registered to care for five children, she is caring for six children on a combination of full and part-time places. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden where they can participate in physical and

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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 outdoor play activities. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy participating in physical play activities and are starting to gain control and co-ordination over their bodies. Regular visits to local parks and physical activity centres provide children with lots of fresh air and exercise. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. The childminder implements good hygiene practices and routines. Children are learning about the importance of cleanliness and personal care. This reduces the risk of infection and illness and helps to keep children well. Children enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary requirements are agreed with parents. Children’s preferences are well catered for. They receive drinks and food in sufficient quantities to meet their needs. The childminder provides activities and displays to promote the children's awareness of looking after their bodies and the importance of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for safe and well maintained home. Potential risks have been identified and safety precautions put in place to minimise risks. However one fencing panel in the garden is damaged. The childminder has made temporary arrangements to ensure the garden is safe and secure. Children adhere to simple rules to help keep them safe, such as holding hands when on outings and not climbing on the furniture. Children choose what to play with from a broad range of safe, good quality age appropriate toys and equipment. Children are well supervised and carefully monitored by the childminder. She makes sure they choose resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children’s safety and protection is of utmost importance to the childminder. She has up to date knowledge of first aid practice and is aware of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and happy at the childminder’s home. They quickly settle and make themselves at home. They enjoy being with each other and are beginning to form friendships. They have lots of opportunities to socialise with other children,

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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 through attendance at physical activity and toddler groups. Children have time to relax as well as to be active. Children become independent as they confidently choose what to play with. They relish the sensory experience of making models with the play dough. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a very good variety of age appropriate activities, toys and equipment, which are designed to stimulate their interest and development. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework, use of it will enable her to further enhance the range of activities provided for younger children. Children respond to the childminder who interacts with them frequently throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide range of books and equipment that provide positive images. They regularly participate in activities that help them learn about their own and the religious and cultural beliefs of others. At Chinese New Year they made dragons to display on the wall. This is increasing their awareness of wider society and helping them to understand others. Children are developing a good sense of belonging and knowledge of their local community. Excellent use is made of local amenities, children look forward to and enjoy visiting local parks, physical activity and toddler groups. This provides them with a broad range of interesting and enjoyable learning experiences. Children respond to meaningful praise from the childminder. They know the boundaries that are in place and play well together.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the friendly and well-organised environment. This promotes their confidence, so they feel at home and eagerly explore their surroundings and participate in activities. Children respond to and delight in receiving lots of encouragement and attention from the childminder. Children’s individual needs are well met and their welfare promoted through good practice, policies and procedures. Children benefit from having continuity. Their care is agreed with parents, through regular discussions and written contacts. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child's day, progress and any issues. Children are making progress in all areas of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children can play outdoors safely and to increase her knowledge of child protection procedures. She has applied

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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 safety film to the windows on the shed to reduce the risk to children of accident and injury. And she has obtained copies of relevant publications and used these to update her knowledge on child protection. Therefore if she does have concerns about a child's safety and protection she knows what procedures to follow and acts in the child's best interests.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two complaints in respect of numbers of children cared for (National Standard 1) and the safety of children on outings (National Standard 6). A visit took place on 6 June 2005 to investigate both complaints. The evidence examined demonstrated numbers of children are not exceeded and appropriate measures are taken to keep children safe whilst on outings. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • maintain the garden fencing in a suitable state of repair • increase knowledge and understanding of the Birth to Three Matters Framework to further enhance the care provided for babies and young children.

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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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