Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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506407 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children on the outskirts of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. All of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and this provides several separate rooms for the children to use including toilet facilities. There is a secure garden for outside play. The family has four rabbits that live in hutches outdoors. There is also a hamster in a cage indoors.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and currently has nine children on roll, three of whom are under five years of age. Most children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification. She walks to local schools to collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning how eating a good balanced diet contributes to their overall health. They make daily choices in what they eat from a menu prepared by the childminder and this helps

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 them to take some control over their own eating. Older children often help to prepare meals and snacks and cooking is a favourite activity. Through the use of appropriate television programmes such as 'Big Cook, Little Cook' children learn about different ingredients and see recipes they can follow themselves. Young children enjoy a range of healthy snacks such as dried and fresh fruits as well as familiar biscuits. All children readily access drinks with older children pouring these for themselves. Younger children have individual bottles or cups and regularly drink throughout the day so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is supported through good hygiene practices. For example, all food is stored and prepared appropriately due to the childminder's sound understanding of the principles of food safety and hygiene. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and understand how this protects their health. The use of paper towels means the risk of cross-infection is minimised. Simple routines such as removing shoes indoors ensure children crawl and play on clean floors. Clear arrangements are in place to ensure children who are ill or infectious do not attend. This reduces the risk of infections spreading. Children receive appropriate care and treatment following any minor accidents because the childminder has maintained a current first aid certificate and has relevant consents in place. This enables her to provide appropriate care in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good opportunities are provided for children to rest or be active according to their needs. Younger children sleep according to their own routines and arrangements ensure they are made comfortable and safe. All children enjoy periods of physical activity both in the garden and at the local park. Use of a good range of toys and equipment allows children to develop their coordination and control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe through a combination of the childminder's good supervision and ability to minimise any risks in the environment. For example, activities for the older children are presented on an adult sized table so that they are out of the reach of the younger ones. This means older children have appropriate challenges without compromising the safety of the younger children present. The home is very secure and children understand that they do not attempt to open the door to callers. Children have a good understanding of which rooms are available to use and the considerable space available means they are able to engage comfortably in many types of activities. For example, there is a separate computer room where older children can work uninterrupted. Children are fully aware of the fire evacuation procedures and these are displayed prominently for visitors safety. Appropriate precautions are fitted in the home and contribute

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of age appropriate toys and play materials. These are set out before children arrive and changed during the day to meet their needs, interests and planned activities. Some items such as books are readily accessible in a cupboard, allowing children to make choices for themselves. Clear procedures are in place to ensure all toys remain in good condition and conform to safety standards. Children show some understanding of maintaining their own safety. For example, when playing outdoors all children readily find their hats and put on their sunscreen because they understand that this protects them from the negative effects of the sun's rays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Her knowledge is updated through regular

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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 attendance at relevant training, which ensures she is aware of the latest guidance available. Relevant written materials are displayed on the childminder's notice board ensuring these are readily accessible if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from taking part in a wide range of activities that are thoughtfully prepared to develop their skills and knowledge as well as to provide fun. Planning for the younger children takes account of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is informed by observations of what each child can do. This means younger children's learning is effectively supported and that they make good progress in all areas of their development. For example, younger children are active and confident to explore their environment. They all work with the childminder as they build with large bricks and this helps them to relate to others and develop strong relationships with their peers. Children's self-esteem is promoted as the childminder supports and encourages children to be independent. She joins in their play and clearly enjoys their company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children choose what they wish to do from the wide range of activities available to them and have good opportunities to follow their own interests. This ensures they are engaged and appropriately challenged. For example, they enjoy making jewellery and small accessories from craft materials. Their opinions are valued as children suggest further activities and organise their own outdoor games and activities. They have fun putting up a tent and organising imaginative games. Routines are clearly planned to offer a balanced day whilst meeting individual children's patterns for rest and eating. In the school holidays the childminder arranges some outings so that children have opportunities to benefit from the use of the wider community. For example, children take a picnic to the local park and have opportunities to play vigorously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They show a good understanding of what is expected of them and are fully involved in making decisions that affect their care. For example, older children make choices from the menu as to what they have for their lunch. All children show an understanding of the expectations for their behaviour. Older children see simple house rules displayed and follow these as they respect others, share and take turns. They show kindness towards the younger children, for example, by helping them to put on their shoes to go outdoors. Younger children learn to share toys and play harmoniously with others through the childminder's positive promotion of their good behaviour. She ensures children are busy and do not become frustrated. All children are able to participate fully in the activities because the childminder is able to make any necessary adaptations to meet their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met through a good partnership with parents. Clear information is exchanged at the start of any arrangement so that the childminder is aware of children's needs and parents' preferences. Some useful notices are displayed in the hallway so that parents are aware of the childminder's conditions of registration and business arrangements. However, at this time the availability of further information is limited. Therefore, parents are not fully informed of factors that potentially impact on children's well-being. General information about

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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 children's care is exchanged daily. The childminder completes diary sheets for younger children so that parents have a clear record of their food intake, sleep times and activities undertaken.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and welfare benefit from the childminder's commitment to extending her personal knowledge of early years practice. She holds a recognised early years qualification and is continuing with her professional development. She regularly attends short courses that support all areas of her service. Secure and clearly organised documentation supports all aspects of the care and meets requirements. This means the childminder has all the relevant details on the children and uses these to ensure they receive good levels of care.

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Organisation

The home environment, both indoors and out, is organised flexibly and creatively so children can choose to enter certain areas to extend their play. Effective use is made of the local community to offer a variety of experiences to the children. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that when children of widely differing ages attend at the same time sufficient activities are provided to interest everyone. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure all adults were vetted. She immediately responded to this and checks were completed satisfactorily. This further improves the safety for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • develop further the information for parents regarding routines and child care practices.

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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 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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