Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301254 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 13 years. The ground floor of the childminder’s 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. She is currently minding three children aged under five and three children aged over five before and after school. The childminder drives to the local schools to take and collect children each day. She attends the local toddler group and takes children takes children on outings to local places of interest.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are taught the importance good hygiene and personal care. The childminder effectively reduces the risk of infections and cross contamination in the home by implementing consistent hygiene measures. For example, the childminder institutes good procedures for hand washing including the use of individual colour coded flannels and towels for each of the children. The range of food and drink that is provided is varied and suitable to address children's personal dietary requirements. Sugary snacks are provided infrequently and healthy options such as fruit or raisins are offered as an alternative. Meal times are well organised and flexible enough to meet children's individual routines, as agreed with their parents. Some older children play an active part in planning and organising meal times. They are encouraged to self-serve, make choices and

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Helping children to be healthy

complete some small tasks, this successfully helps to develop their independence. Each day children are offered opportunities to go for a walk or visit local parks and playgrounds. This provides children with the opportunity to extend and develop their physical skills as they begin to understand the positive effects of exercise.

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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 home which is welcoming, comfortable and suitably furnished. Toys and resources are regularly cleaned and checked frequently to ensure that there are no broken parts that could cause injury. The childminder implements good standards of safety within the home. This means that children are able to move around freely and demonstrate growing independence as they chose the equipment they wish to play with. On outings the children are carefully monitored by the childminder. She ensures that basic safety precautions are always implemented in order to protect children from danger. For example, public play areas are always thoroughly inspected before children are allowed to use any of the equipment and effective supervision ensures that children remain free from harm. The childminder has a sufficient knowledge of the indicators of child abuse and she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understands that she has a responsibility to safeguard children. However, she does not have a clear enough understanding of the procedures to follow and who concerns should be reported to.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and contented at the childminder's house. They are encouraged to build friendly and supportive relationships with each other. Older children are helpful and caring towards the younger ones, and as a result relationships between the children are very good. All children spend their time purposefully. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which promote good levels of challenge. The childminder ensures that children of all ages have free access to lots of appropriate resources. She plans developmentally appropriate activities that are designed to meet their diverse needs. Very good levels of interaction are in evidence which leads to language and communications being particularly well developed. Older children are confident to share their thoughts and they are listened to appropriately. Children demonstrate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoyment during their play and a good ability to concentrate. They use a variety of materials for example musical toys, train tracks, books and board games. The childminder shares her time between the children very well; they each have time to play and explore independently and at their own pace. The children are motivated to learn new skills; they are happy being cared for in a child-centred environment which caters for their individual needs very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats all children with equal concern but she only has a limited range of toys and resources to help children recognise and value diversity in the wider community. She implements a clear, consistent and sensitive approach to managing behaviour. As a result children are happy and they and show consideration and respect for each other. They are supported to learn right from wrong in a secure and loving environment and they respond well to the clear guidance, praise and encouragement that they receive. Good systems are in place to talk to parents and establish children's meal times, rest and sleeping needs. This positive approach to working with parents helps to building trusting relationships and ensures that the needs of the children continue to be successfully addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed appropriate training courses and demonstrates good

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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 effective child care skills. She provides a service to children which is well organised but flexible enough to address children's differing needs. Children's personal records are up-to-date and well ordered; they are stored appropriately in order to maximise children's privacy. All other mandatory documentation including the systems to obtain and store the necessary written parental consents are well organised, this adds to the efficient management of the childminding service. Parents have access to information about the setting through the range of clear and well written policies and procedures. Parents are informed of the steps to take should they need to make a complaint. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the Area Child Protection Procedures • increase children's access to resources and equipment which provides positive images of diversity with the community.

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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:

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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 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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