Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207389 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2007 Inspection date Tara Street 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 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 1997. She lives with her parents and adult sister in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 and is currently minding six children under five all day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has a variety of pets including four cats and a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a professional childcare qualification and supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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. Children's health and hygiene is appropriately maintained. Babies and toddlers experience hygienic nappy changing routines and are assisted to wash their hands before and after meals. Older children confidently go to the toilet unaided, flush the toilet and turn the taps on and off. However, the children share a communal hand towel, potentially impacting on their health. Children's progress towards independent personal hygiene routines are positively reinforced such as receiving regular praise and encouragement from the childminder as they achieve a new skill, for example, dispensing their own soap. A clear policy regarding childhood illness is shared with parents, contributing to children’s health and well-being whilst in her care. Written permission is obtained from parents for the childminder to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. Appropriate care is given if children have minor accidents as the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate and renews this regularly. Any administered medication is clearly recorded and parents are informed on the day. However, the childminder does not consistently obtain parents' signatures to show acknowledgement of being informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are well met. They experience a variety of healthy snacks and meals which are freshly prepared to meet their individual dietary requirements. The childminder takes time to get to know the children's preferences and provides food that they will enjoy such as toast, fresh fruit, sandwiches and pasta dishes. She ensures the safety of food through good storage, preparation and cooking routines. Children's awareness of healthy eating is effectively promoted as they regularly discuss the types of foods that are good for their bodies and are well supported by the childminder to try new foods. Meal times are sociable occasions with children and the childminder sitting and eating together. Children are encouraged to take their time and enjoy their food. They are provided with age-appropriate utensils to develop their independent eating skills. Children are well hydrated as fresh drinks are available and freely

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Helping children to be healthy

accessible throughout the day in their individual cups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience regular opportunities to be active during the day. They experience a balanced range of regular activities both inside and outside which develops their co-ordination and balance skills. The childminder encourages children to be active and is developing their understanding of how exercise helps to keep their bodies strong. Children have access to a good sized outside play area with a range of wheeled toys and balls, sandpit and trampoline. Their physical skills are further supported because the children regularly take the dog for walks in the surrounding area and help to look after the childminder's horse and rabbits. They enjoy dancing to music, singing songs and using musical instruments to create their own sounds. Children are enthusiastic about trips to the local play centre, participating in group games and going on nature walks such as collecting conkers, acorns and looking at frog spawn. They are

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Helping children to be healthy

learning to become aware of their bodies' needs such as using sun screen on sunny days.

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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 welcoming, secure and homely environment where they are always within sight or hearing of the childminder which ensures they can move around safely. Children's artwork such as drawings and paintings, are displayed, promoting their sense of belonging and boosting their confidence and self-esteem. They enjoy a broad range of toys and activities that are age and stage appropriate and well maintained. Children relax and sleep according to their

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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 needs because the childminder plans her home and routines to offer opportunities for rest and quieter activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder, who is vigilant in her supervision of the children. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of risk assessments and carries out ongoing checks which enable children to play without risk of harm or injury. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to ensure hazards are reduced such as stair gates and fire guards. A clear emergency escape plan is rehearsed regularly with the children to promote their understanding of safety within the home. Children's awareness is further promoted though regular discussions and planned activities such as road safety, to increase their awareness of personal safety. Parental permissions are obtained to transport children and to take them on outings. For example, children visit the local garden centre to look at the lizards, snakes and fish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and how to take any action required to protect children. She has established a clear written policy to ensure parents are fully informed of her responsibility to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of suitable and challenging activities across all developmental areas. The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of child development. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities and ensure they meet children's individual learning needs. Children's suggestions and requests are valued, and planned activities are adapted to suit their interests, stimulating their play, learning and enjoyment. The childminder has a good awareness of child development. She organises the space and activities well to give babies, toddlers and older children space to play and develop their skills without interruption. Children experience a good range of themes such as 'on safari', along with regular activities. For example, children enjoy attending the local play group and library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has developed strong relationships with the children and they are confident to seek her support or help when playing, enabling them to feel secure. She is very responsive to children's needs, offers good levels of support and shows an interest in what children have to say. For example, when children are drawing she asks about the colours and patterns they are creating and listens intently to their answers. Children are encouraged to experiment and explore with the materials available and develop their creativity and imagination such as using oats, sand, chalk and dough to experiment with. They eagerly participate in a small world beach set the childminder has made, creating patterns in the sand and making up stories. The childminder is effective in promoting language skills through the use of questioning, songs and books that encourage repetition of words. Children experience appropriate rest times and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy cuddling with the childminder. Out of school care is focused on giving children time and space to relax and unwind, as well as offering planned activities such as playing group games, sticking, painting, threading activities and reading books together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being treated as individuals. The childminder takes the time to get to know the children well, enabling her to provide appropriate care and promote their well-being.

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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 She meets the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as she has a good awareness of how to adapt activities to offer suitable levels of challenge. She works closely with parents to discuss children's needs and to ensure their requirements are met whilst in her care. Children's awareness of diversity is raised well through a range of activities and resources such as puzzles, imaginative play equipment and dressing up clothes. The childminder uses age-appropriate books to discuss and develop young children's understanding of a diverse culture and beliefs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in a secure environment where the emphasis is on positive behaviour. The childminder applies consistent boundaries and offers regular praise to promote good behaviour and develop children's self-esteem. A behaviour management policy is in place and is shared with parents to ensure the care offered is appropriate. Young children are well behaved for their age and respond well to gentle discussions about behaviour. Older children happily share toys and take turns with equipment. Their knowledge and understanding of the rules is promoted well through discussion and general day to day interactions with the childminder and other children. For example, children are reminded to play nicely together and share resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds professional and friendly relationships with parents from the start of placement and gathers valuable information about the children's needs. She uses effective communication methods to meet parents' needs such as a parent's notice board and daily discussions at collection time, which inform them of their child's progress and day to day care. Information provided is clear and useful to parents, which promotes continuity of care for children. A clear complaints procedure is in place and detailed policies have been written which are shared with parents to keep them informed of the setting's aims and objectives.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time well because she ensures that it is spent supporting the children in play. Consequently, children develop sound relationships with the childminder and each other. Suitable information about children and their contact details are obtained at the time of registration and are regularly updated, ensuring that parents can be contacted in case of emergency. Children benefit from the care of the childminder who is proactive in updating her skills and knowledge on a regular basis such as completing a safeguarding children and 'Birth to three matters' course, which ensures appropriate care can be given.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to ensuring that children's individual needs are met. Most documentation is well maintained and suitable for its purpose. A clear register of attendance is in place with the children's times of arrival and departure, which ensures ratios are maintained and that children receive a high level of support and attention. The privacy of parent's and children is maintained through the childminder's sound understanding of confidentiality and record keeping. Written policies and procedures are discussed with parents, helping to promote the welfare, safety, care and learning of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; ensure that information regarding child protection is updated. This is now in place and as a result children's safety is well supported.

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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

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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

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 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): • ensure medication records are consistently signed by parents • review procedures to ensure children experience hygienic toileting procedures in relation to hand drying.

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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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