Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303134 Inspection date 22 July 2005 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and their two adult children at Woodsetts in Rotherham. There is access to public transport, shops and children's play areas Schools and pre-school facilities for younger children are situated within easy walking distance. The areas of home used for childminding are the lounge, dining room and conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time, when working alone. When working with a childminder assistant ,the maximum number can be increased to ten children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently minding a total of 14 children under the age of 8 years and a total of 7 children over the age of 8 years. Children attend for a variety of days and times. The family have a small pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and dietary needs are met well as the childminder works effectively with parents and shares information daily about all aspects of the children's day. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet because they are encouraged to try a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Children learn about healthy living and understand simple good health and hygiene practices, for example, the childminder explains the reasons why children need to wash their hands. The children's clear understanding of hygiene helps to reduce the risk of infection. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their general health and well-being, for example trips to places of interest provides excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and mix socially with other children. As children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies, the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder ensures there is provision for drink, rest and relaxation. Relevant written parental consents are in evidence, which contributes to the general health and welfare of the children.

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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 clean, warm and welcoming home where the childminder identifies and minimises potential risks, which allows children to move around freely and independently. Children's safety is paramount as the childminder is vigilant regarding safety and takes all reasonable steps to ensure the environment is safe for young children. The childminder maintains daily communication with parents, which helps to develop

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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 strong relationships between all involved in keeping children safe. Children independently select toys from a good range of resources, which enhances children’s overall progress and development, for example, activities are prepared in advance and the individual needs of children are taken into consideration. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and age appropriate. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a sound knowledge of relevant policies and procedures. Children remain safe because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection and has a good knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures in this area of childcare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home because the childminder provides a readily accessible range of activities, both indoors and out, which encourages children to learn independent skills as they choose from a variety of resources. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities, which provide good levels of challenge suitable to their age and stage of development. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder's consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help. Although the childminder is not using the birth to three matters framework, children’s personal, social, emotional and intellectual needs are effectively met as the childminder has a sound knowledge of how young children learn and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources, which increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children are respected as individuals and their needs are effectively met as daily routines, likes and dislikes are discussed with parents, ensuring that care compliments each child's existing knowledge and home experiences. Children are able to develop skills because the childminder provides an interesting and stimulating environment, for example the child present happily engages with the childminder whilst using the tactile resources making a variety of different sounds. Children show good levels of independence, curiosity and imagination, which is encouraged by being able to freely access resources. Effective transition at the beginning of the day shows positive, trusting relationships

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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 have developed with parents and children. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child and gives verbal feedback on a daily basis. Children develop self -confidence as the childminder responds to their individual differences and similarities. Behaviour is good as children are aware of the house rules and boundaries. The childminder offers frequent praise and encouragement to reassure and promote children's self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease with the well-organised environment, which helps them to develop confidence to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully, which enables children to follow their individual routines promoting their overall care and development Children’s welfare, care and learning are successfully promoted as the childminder effectively implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures these are readily available to parents. Daily sharing of information, ensures that parents are well informed about their child's progress. Documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of the children and this is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Children's personal records are up to date and efficient strategies are in place to ensure that they are reviewed regularly.

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Organisation

The childminder has continued to access further relevant training, though does not have a current first aid certificate. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the systems for recording children's attendance and ensuring that relevant written parental consents are in place. Children's safety has improved by ensuring the fire and it's surround is protected and all new contracts do now include the role of Ofsted in the child protection statement. There is evidence to show that the childminder's husband, son and daughter are suitable to act as childminder assistants.

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Complaints 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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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): • request written parental permission to administer sun cream to children • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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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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