Mycroft Sara

Inspection report for early years provision

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205978 Unique Reference Number 17 September 2007 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler 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 satisfactory. 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. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 17 years, in the suburbs of Derby City. The whole ground floor, except the front room, of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the first floor bathroom. 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 nine children aged two to ten years. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy and are cared for appropriately in a clean, welcoming environment. For example, children use liquid soap and towels to clean their hands, kept in the bathroom, which

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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 are changed regularly. Children are learning the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routine. For example, younger children are encouraged to independently help themselves to tissues to wipe their noses. Children are adequately cared for when they have an accident or become ill. The childminder has relevant permissions for her practice and maintains well- written records. However, she has not maintained a current first aid certificate, which compromises children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished. They enjoy a varied range of meals, snacks and drinks that are healthy and nutritious. Parents provide a mid-day meal which is stored appropriately by the childminder and snacks are provided by the childminder. For example, children enjoy grapes in the morning and children after school benefit from selecting different fruits from a fruit platter. Children are offered drinks of squash at regular intervals and are able to ask for a drink throughout the day, provided in their own individual beakers. The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements, which are recorded appropriately. This ensures children's individual dietary needs are well met and according to the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access fresh air and exercise daily and are learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, they walk to and from school and visit local interests in the community. They feed the ducks, play football and have picnics in Markeaton Park and collect leaves in the woodland at Stanton Harold reservoir. They also enjoy playing in 'Bumpi's' soft play area. In the Summer the children benefit from participating in a 'Get active' project organised by the local council. They enjoy various physical activities planned in the local park and collect stickers for attending. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. All children can rest by selecting quieter activities such as watching the television in the playroom and younger children have access to a travel cot if needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder uses the available space effectively to meet the children's needs and promote their development. Children benefit from using a spacious playroom where they can move around safely and independently which helps them to settle and feel confident. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised because the childminder has identified all hazards both indoors and outdoors and takes positive steps to prevent accidents. Children are also learning to keep themselves safe. For instance, there is a well-written emergency evacuation plan which is discussed with the children and they practise good road safety when walking outdoors. In addition, during the summer, they participate in a well-planned activity checking the toys and play resources for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Toys are stored appropriately in toy boxes and in storage cupboards to enable children to reach what they want to play with. This fosters their independence and allows them choice. The childminder uses effective methods to ensure that toys and resources are well maintained and rotates the toys that are available on a daily basis to ensure children have variety and use toys appropriate to their age and needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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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. Children settle and play well in the setting because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support. They benefit from a homely and stimulating environment in which they are happy, content and secure. Children are developing confidence and good self-esteem because the childminder uses praise and encouragement and values the children's efforts. Some of their work is displayed in the playroom, which also helps to give children a sense of belonging. Children are developing positive relationships and interact well with the childminder. She provides a broad range of activities to help children's development in all areas of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They are well motivated and interested in activities and experiences that are purposeful, developing their independence. Some activities are planned and organised, whilst others are initiated by children themselves. Children particularly enjoy activities which develop their imagination. For instance, they dress up as a doctor and pretend to vacuum the carpet and iron the clothes. They concentrate well as they thread laces onto a board and complete puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who listens to what children say and responds appropriately. Their language and communication skills are promoted effectively by the childminder through constant conversation and selecting books to read.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder ensures all children present are included and takes care to ensure the activities offered meet their needs. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of equality issues and cares for children with disabilities and/or additional needs. She ensures she understands and meets their needs appropriately by communicating with parents. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through some play resources which reflect positive images. For instance, books include 'All kinds of people' and 'All kinds of beliefs' and children benefit from playing with a variety of ethnic dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and boundaries and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. They are learning to share resources, take turns and play well together. Children benefit from seeing their work displayed in the playroom, which positively develops their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported well by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children appropriately. Information is shared daily to ensure parents are aware of the activities that their child participates in and they benefit from an informative folder containing information about the setting. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to manage complaints, but does not have a system in place to record complaints made. This may compromise children's welfare.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met appropriately through the effective use of space and resources. Children benefit from a stimulating and interesting environment, where resources are displayed and easily accessible. The childminder has much experience of caring for children and meeting their differing needs. She is willing to improve her knowledge and understanding by undertaking training, which ensures children are cared for by an appropriate adult. However, she has not accessed first aid training and maintained a current first aid certificate, which compromises children's well-being and safety. She has a good regard for the well-being of children and arrangements effectively promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play.

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Organisation

Most records and procedures are in place, and used effectively in practice. This actively promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All documents are reviewed regularly and stored securely.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to devise and practise an emergency escape plan and ensure the children have a range of activities and resources to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Sufficient improvement has been made. The emergency evacuation plan is displayed in the kitchen and discussed with children and there are some resources which now reflect positive images. This enables children to learn how to keep themselves safe and learn about the wider world.

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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 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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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 satisfactory. 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 a system for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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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