Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 207417 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Tyas

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and one grown up son. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. She also cares for children up to the age of eleven. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained and clean home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines, for example, they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet to prevent cross-infection. The childminder ensures she has all of the required documentation to support children's health needs, including a current first aid certificate. Children actively learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They regularly practise and develop their physical skills by climbing, swinging, balancing, jumping and running in the garden and local play parks. Through the childminder's enthusiastic approach, children are gaining a sound knowledge of the positive effects of exercise on their bodies. Children enjoy nutritious foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables as part of their daily snacks and meals. They take part in the menu planning and as a result are keen to try new foods and tastes. Children are becoming

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

aware of the importance of having regular drinks and readily access these independently. As a result they become more knowledgeable about the importance of making healthy food and drink choices to help them to grow and develop.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment both indoors and outside. The childminder undertakes regular risk assessments of her home to ensure that potential hazards are minimised. She has suitable fire safety precautions in place, however, children have not practised a fire evacuation plan. Children are well protected by the childminder's close supervision and good safety precautions while out in the community, for example, she talks to children about all aspects of road safety, fastens them securely into age appropriate car seats. In order to keep the children in her care safe the childminder has gained the government's information about child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern. The environment used for childminding is effectively organised to enable children to have comfortable areas for play, meals and rest. Children confidently choose where

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to play and enjoy being independent as they make choices from the accessible toys. The childminder monitors the play materials available to children to ensure they are safe, clean and age appropriate.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care, they relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular outings to parent and toddler

p.3

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 groups, visits to the park and swimming. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. The routine includes times to be active and quiet times, both structured and free play is offered, for example, construction, and a variety of games to teach children the concept of numbers, letters and colour. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge. Children experience a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as painting, baking and imaginative play. Children are confident and can play well on their own or with others. The childminder offers praise and encouragement to children and sensitively supports them in resolving issues such as

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sharing toys and taking turns, helping them to develop their social skills and play harmoniously. Children experience individual attention. The childminder is skilful in making opportunities each day when she can have time to listen and talk to children. She joins their play and uses her observations to plan for the next stage of development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are at ease in their play. Children make themselves at home and confidently carry out domestic tasks, such as tidying away toys before dinner and taking cups and plates to the kitchen. This gives them a sense of responsibility and encourages them to help others. Their good behaviour is appropriately fostered by the childminder's positive reinforcement. Appropriate information is exchanged with parents to ensure children are cared for within their usual routines. Parents receive verbal information to keep them informed about the setting and their children's care and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about their local community through going on trips to the local park, toddler groups and shops. They learn about some aspects of the wider world through participating in craft activities related to festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Chinese New Year.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is enhanced by the childminder's effective organisational skills. Their time at the setting is arranged so they all receive periods of undivided attention further building their confidence and supporting their learning. The environment is organised well to allow them to choose and develop their play. The childminder has undertaken appropriate training and demonstrates her enthusiasm and enjoyment for childcare so that the children respond and develop well. Procedures and records are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children attending the setting. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about their child's progress. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it

p.4

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 provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her record keeping. She now has an incident record book available. This ensures any significant incident is recorded and shared with parents, ensuring children's welfare. Written consents from parents with regard to outings has now been sought. This ensures parents are better informed about practices and they have given their consent.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children are aware and understand the fire evacuation plan.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5