Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207395 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Karen Ann Byfleet 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?

This childminder has been registered since 1991. She lives with her family on the outskirts of Chesterfield. The areas used by the children are on a split level site on the lower ground level of the house and upper ground floor, and there is also a secure rear garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit and goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder provides care all year round and there are currently nine children on roll who attend various sessions throughout the week. She regularly attends local children's groups and undertakes outings. The childminder holds a relevant child care qualification and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where their good health is effectively promoted because the routines and procedures implemented by the childminder encourage children to begin to take responsibility for meeting their own health needs. For example, they put on sun

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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 hats and have sun cream applied before going outside to play. Children are independent in their personal hygiene and positive steps are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection, such as clean towels in the bathroom on a daily basis, individual face cloths for all children and the use of anti-bacterial cleaner on surfaces. Appropriate measures are taken when children are ill or have minor accidents to ensure their health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a good range of healthy and nutritious foods that meet their individual needs. Sample menus inform parents of the types of food on offer. For example, fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, yoghurts and a variety of sandwich fillings, such as cheese and ham. Children have a choice of regular drinks throughout the day and with their snacks and meals such as fresh water, apple, orange and blackcurrant juice or milk. Parents supply baby foods which the childminder keeps refrigerated until required. She works closely with parents who are weaning their young children to ensure their healthy diets are maintained. The childminder respects all parents' wishes around their children's diets as any special needs or requirements are discussed with them and recorded on the children's individual records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to participate in active play, which encourages physical development. For example, they make good use of the garden, go for walks, and visit local toddler groups. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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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 safe and secure environment where risks are effectively identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely and freely. Good awareness and supervision by the childminder encourages their independence well and protects them from harm. Children develop a good awareness of how to protect themselves through regularly practising the emergency evacuation routine and because the childminder talks to them about safety issues. The home is very well maintained and offers good space and a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and interesting resources, which are suitable for the age range of children attending. Toys are organised well in low storage to allow easy access and help create a stimulating environment for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the procedure to follow with any concerns. She is aware of the types and signs of abuse to look for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. They are confident, co-operative and naturally approach the childminder for their needs which are met well. The childminder listens and talks to the children and values what they say and do. She develops their self-esteem by the positive use of meaningful praise and encouragement. The childminder supports the children well to develop skills. This is achieved by children having the opportunity of first hand experiences within their play. The children have good opportunities to develop their early literacy skills because of the childminder's love of books and stories. They have many opportunities to develop their creative and imaginative play through a range of activities. For example, the children have recently been making their own musical instruments and in the garden they have arranged activities around the lawn area, such as, hoopla, skipping and ten-pin

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 bowling, as they play at 'fairgrounds'. However, for children under three years the provision of creative activities is limited. Children are learning to contribute to their environment because the childminder involves them in the domestic routine, for example, helping in the garden to grow vegetables, observing the wildlife and tidying away after activities. Children benefit from a good range of social activities, they go to local toddler groups, to the local shops and for walks to the local park, which also supports their understanding of the community and wider world. Children are able relax or be active according to their needs and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding about the wider world and community through the positive opportunities, activities and resources provided by the childminder. Children's individual needs and any special requirements are discussed with parents in detail at the beginning of the placement and throughout the child's time there.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They begin to understand right and wrong because the childminder has a very positive approach to behaviour management. Children benefit from being involved in planning activities and are fully included in the daily family life of the setting. Children are encouraged to show mutual care and respect for others and enjoy the constant praise given to them as they achieve different tasks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good methods are in place to develop the partnership with parents with detailed written information given on how the setting operates. Regular newsletters are prepared for parents with information about trips or pertinent events. The wishes of parents are respected, for example, relevant written consent is obtained for procedures and activities where it is necessary. Children's well-being and how their needs are met during the day are shared with parents enabling the childminder and parents to work together to meet the needs of the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to choose their own activities and develop their own play and learning. Support from the childminder develops children's learning and helps them feel secure.

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Organisation

The childminder has recently renewed her first aid training and is committed to ongoing training to ensure her skills and knowledge are kept up to date and maintained. This enables a positive outcome for the quality of care provided and enables the childminder to further broaden children's experiences. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Children's records, including information from parents to meet children's needs are maintained. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make available to parents the contact details of the regulator. This has been implemented into her portfolio and the information given to

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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 parents, ensuring they have access to the correct information with the address and telephone number of Ofsted further embedding her partnership with parents.

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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): • further develop the range of activities for children under three, for example, by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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