Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303090 Inspection date 28 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 1995 and lives at North Anston in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children. The childminder is also minding three children over the age of eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, attends a local

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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 carer and toddler and a childminder drop-in group on a regular basis The childminder has one pet cat.

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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. The childminder provides nutritious food and children are encouraged to try a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. 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, with the local childminding group, provides excellent opportunities for children to enjoy fresh air and to 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.

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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 safely and independently. 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 strong relationships between all involved in keeping children safe. Because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, this effectively ensures that children remain safe. Children independently select toys from a good range of resources, which meet safety standards. This enhances children’s overall progress and development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they are safe and age appropriate. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as, for example, the childminder has a current first aid certificate and relevant polices and procedures are in place.

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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. The children are confident at the setting and in their relationship with each other and the childminder. They develop independent skills as they choose from the varied selection of toys placed at their level. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful activities, which provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder is not yet using the birth to three matters framework, though shows some good practice with young children, for example, when singing repetitive songs with actions. . Children play cooperatively and enjoy positive feedback and encouragement from the childminder. 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. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help. Outdoor activities and experiences promote children's learning and imagination, for example when visiting the local butterfly house, this is discussed and followed up with relevant activities.

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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 complements the child's existing knowledge and home experiences. Children are able to progress because the childminder provides an interesting and stimulating environment, for example, the children happily engage with each other whilst playing with the wooden train set. 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 have developed with parents and children. The childminder keeps parents well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

informed about their child and gives verbal feedback on a daily basis.

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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 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 her 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. All relevant 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 completed relevant training courses and has effective skills to care for children Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved the systems for recording attendance, significant issues and concerns. The first aid box is appropriately stocked and there is an effective procedure to ensure the contents are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. The childminder's first aid qualification is valid for three years and all relevant written parental consents are in evidence. Safety at the premises, inside and out, has improved as the external door keys are kept out of reach of children and the padlock on the side gate is locked when minded children are present. The fire and it's surround in the lounge is adequately protected and all potential hazards in the rear garden have been removed.

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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 There are no complaints to report.

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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 that the reason for medication to be administered is recorded • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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