Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 207921 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Debbie Rushworth

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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 1977. She works with her husband and daughter, who are also childminders, in New Mills. The whole of the house is used for childminding along with the enclosed garden. The family have a dog. The park, shops and other local amenities are within walking distance and are used regularly. The childminder takes children to the local school, playgroup and toddler group. The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently cares for seven children, some part time. She shares responsibility mostly with her daughter. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and uses the support of the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and have some opportunities to learn about personal hygiene during the daily routine, as a result of the childminder’s hygiene practices. They learn their hand washing routine from an early age, preventing the spread of bacteria. Sick children are given suitable care, protecting others from illness and infection. All documents relating to accidents and medication are fully complete. The childminder shares records and verbal information with parents so any after effects can be treated correctly. Children regularly participate in many physical activities, encouraging the development of their whole body. They enjoy races in the garden and chasing bubbles along with action songs and dancing. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition. As a result of this, children have a balanced and nourishing diet consisting of healthy home-made meals. Children have a diverse range of special dietary needs. The childminder consults

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Helping children to be healthy

effectively with parents to ensure that she meets these needs and all children eat varied, nourishing meals. Drinks are available regularly. Children gain from some involvement in the preparation of food giving them an understanding of healthy eating, for example through pizza making activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Daily routines result in a clean, well maintained and safe environment for children, with the effective use of space providing dedicated areas for them to play and sleep. The organisation of the playroom gives children a choice of activities including imaginative play and construction. Children often use the garden for physical activities and general play in warmer weather, giving them the freedom of the larger space. A display of art work in the playroom helps children to feel they belong. Toys are safe and easily accessible to the children. The childminder has a good awareness of hazards within the home and on outings. For example, children learn the habit of using the green cross code. Children follow boundaries set by the childminder to make play safer and will happily demonstrate how they wait at top of the garden path when welcoming their parents. Children are safe from harm due to the childminder’s clear knowledge of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and procedures. The childminder has increased her knowledge

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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 through training, giving her confidence to deal with any child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle well and play happily with the other children. They gain reassurance from the childminder through cuddles and quiet play. She responds to their interests and asks questions which encourage learning. Children reflect on their experiences, using photographs to recall outings. An interesting range of activities and resources provide challenge and expand all areas of children's development, although they are not fully used to support learning. The childminder provides opportunities for the children to start counting by comparing how many cups and people there are at lunch time. Three childminders work together in the home. They use their personal knowledge of child development and the individual children to work together and support children's care and learning. Children show an interest in exploring their surroundings, gaining knowledge of the local area on nature walks, farm and library trips. They have opportunities to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

investigate different materials when playing with water and dough. Children build their independence as they learn their own personal hygiene routine and help to prepare food. They learn from their peers, for example seeing others using the potty and wanting to do the same. Children enjoy a lot of action rhymes, singing and dancing. During National Childminding Week events, children dress up and perform for other children and carers developing their self confidence and enjoyment of music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children clearly know the behaviour expected of them and behave well. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to unacceptable behaviour. As a result of this, children have the security of knowing the boundaries in the childminder's home. Children receive regular praise for being kind, sharing and tidying up which promotes further good behaviour. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world through the range of resources and activities available. They are aware of different backgrounds and use different home languages to welcome each other. Children reflect the positive role models given in the childminding household, where there are male and female childminders. During role play, boys and girls pretend to iron and make dinner. When they first meet the childminder, parents receive a very clear and comprehensive portfolio including policies, menus and information about the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents share verbal information daily. This informs them both

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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 of the children’s care, especially for children who need extra support.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder completes ongoing training and uses her increased knowledge to support the children. All documentation is in place, it is very clear and in good order, sustaining the continuity of care between the children‘s home and the childcare. Good arrangements are in place which protect children from people who have not been vetted. Children are under constant supervision and the house is secure. The childminder plans the week to provide all children attending with an opportunity to take part in activities and outings. A mixture of organised and free-play activities each day give children choice and variety. Children have opportunities for active play and to rest each day. The organisation of resources allows children to access them easily. Children concentrate on one activity for longer as they tidy up one set of toys before getting another. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge and awareness of child protection issues. The childminder has completed training, expanding her knowledge of child protection procedures and enabling her to give appropriate care to children should issues arise.

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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):

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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 • further develop activities for younger children to support their learning, for example through the use of Birth to Three Matters.

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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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