Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207679 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Linda Gail Moore 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a house in Derbyshire. All of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park, playgroup, library and soft play sessions. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 15 children all on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is well promoted as a result of the childminder's effective procedures. These include thorough daily cleaning of all areas prior to children's arrival. Toys and equipment are washed regularly and kept well maintained. The childminder uses fridge and freezer

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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 thermometers to ensure food is maintained at the correct temperature and is aware of how to store food appropriately. She wears disposable gloves when changing nappies or administering first aid. These measures reduce the risk of cross-contamination and ensure children benefit from a clean environment. Children learn the importance of good personal care as they receive encouragement and support to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. They use anti-bacterial soap, hot water and paper towels. A step is available to help small children reach and develop independence. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder obtains appropriate information from parents about individual care needs and relevant documentation is shared such as an illness policy. Accident records are kept and signed by parents, including

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Helping children to be healthy

permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. The childminder is trained to administer emergency aid and to use an EpiPen or nebuliser should they be required. These measures ensure parents are well informed and children's needs are met should they become ill or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthily and are well nourished. Their dietary needs are met effectively as the childminder consults with parents to ensure she is clear about each child's diet and preferences. An example menu is shared with parents on enquiry. Snacks and meals are provided that are nutritious and sufficient in quantity, such as pasta, jacket potatoes, soup and bread. Fresh fruit is offered daily and children particularly enjoy fruit salad. Drinks are readily available throughout the day so that children do not become dehydrated. The childminder monitors the water bottles children take to school to check how much they have drank and gives encouragement to drink more if needed. Posters showing healthy foods are displayed in the kitchen and these are used to promote discussion. Children learn that eating different fruit and vegetables will have a positive effect on our body. The childminder and children talk about the importance of exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

They enjoy a range of physical activities and these contribute to their good health. The rear garden offers a good selection of outdoor toys and equipment including skipping ropes and hoola hoops. They enjoy dance sessions in the home, the childminder is also a dance teacher. Children regularly visit the local park and walk along local trails where they can see horses. These activities improve their physical skills, co-ordination and fitness level.

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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. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise hazards, such as undertaking a risk assessment to identify and reduce the risk of accidental injury. Appropriate safety equipment is in place, for example corner and plug socket covers, safety gates and fire guards. Fire safety equipment is checked regularly to ensure all are in good working order and a log is kept. The childminder is fully aware of her evacuation procedure and this is practised regularly with the children. The premises are well maintained and uncluttered, allowing children to move around easily. Their creative work is displayed and this brightens areas and creates a child-friendly environment. Good quality resources are available, that comply with British Safety Standards and are appropriate for the age and stage of development of children attending. They can choose freely from a wide range of toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment which are stored in low-level boxes and shelving so they can help themselves. The childminder gives high priority in ensuring the good condition and safety of equipment, discarding or replacing any broken items. The rear garden is secure and fully enclosed and procedures are in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. The front entrance door is kept locked and the childminder ensures children are collected by authorised persons only, using a password system as a further precaution.

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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 Children are kept safe on outings and good arrangements are in place when transporting them in the childminder's vehicle. Appropriate car seats and harnesses are used and these are checked regularly for wear and tear and replaced when necessary. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe, such as how to cross the road safely. These precautions contribute towards their safety. The childminder has developed a written policy that demonstrates her sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has obtained and read through relevant documentation and has a good understanding of the indicators of abuse and the procedures to follow. Children are supervised effectively and never left alone with persons who are not vetted. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy in the welcoming environment. The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn and develop. She plans a range of activities and experiences to stimulate their interest and motivate them to learn. Children enjoy choosing from a range of resources that are arranged within easy reach so they can help themselves. This promotes independence and enables them to use their initiative. They create and design pictures with a variety of mediums and materials including pens, crayons and glue; they become absorbed in their play and concentrate well. Children are beginning to identify and form letters and the childminder gives encouragement and support as they attempt to write their name. Value is placed on their work and achievement as their pictures are displayed on the wall, this raises self-esteem. Children play imaginatively with dolls and pushchairs and enjoy dancing to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

music. They can choose from a good selection of puzzles and games. These promote language and mathematical skills. The childminder understands how her interaction during play extends their learning and enjoyment. She sits alongside them on the floor and looks through the books they have chosen discussing the story and pictures, responding positively to their questions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to support her practice and provide ideas and support. She is confident in her ability to provide for the all-round needs of children under three and has a good range of resources to support their care, learning and play. She plans ahead and is able to adapt activities to each child's level of ability. Examples of the children's work demonstrate their progress, however no clear system is used to monitor this and identify the next steps in learning. Children form good relationships with the childminder as she is warm, caring and creates a relaxed and happy environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to feel at home and this helps them develop a sense of belonging. At the beginning of placement the childminder dedicates time to talk with parents about their child's needs and requirements and they receive good information about her practice and routine. Parents continue to be fully informed about their child's routine, progress and general well-being during daily discussion and review meetings. Children make choices and decisions about how to spend their time and the childminder helps develop their interests. When new equipment is purchased the children are involved in helping to choose, such as new musical instruments including drums and shakers. All children have equal access to toys and equipment, including a good range of resources that promote diversity such as books and dolls. The childminder uses the resources well to stimulate discussion and extend children's knowledge

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of people's similarities and differences. As a result they develop respect and understanding for

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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 others. The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She would adapt the routine and activities to accommodate individual children's needs and work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure their welfare is fully promoted. The childminder would undertake training and research to further develop her knowledge regarding any specific condition or need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries. Rules are displayed in the kitchen and reminders given to share and take turns. She believes children behave well when well occupied and rewards this with praise and encouragement. Children display confidence and ease with her and clearly enjoy her company. The childminder has established good partnerships with parents and this helps to promote the learning and welfare of the child. Good documentation is in place to ensure parents are well informed, such as organisational details and policies and procedures. Further information is displayed in the kitchen. Reviews are held annually and these give parents the opportunity to discuss their child's progress and share their views about the service. Parents are highly complimentary about the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of the National Standards which ensures good quality outcomes for children. She organises her home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment. Space and resources are well used to maximise play opportunities. Toys are well presented and accessible and this encourages independence and self-selection. The level of support and supervision given to children is good, this promotes their all-round development and keeps them safe. Appropriate vetting procedures are implemented and positive steps are taken to ensure that any persons who have contact with the children are suitable persons. All of the required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection. These are well-organised and regularly updated, this has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. However, some records lack sufficient detail. Reviews are held annually with parents, giving

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Organisation

them the opportunity to discuss their child's progress and their views about the service.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete records with regard to seeking permission from parents to seek emergency treatment and travelling in the car. These are all in place which ensures parents are consulted and well informed. She was asked to renew her first aid certificate including first aid for babies and children. This has been addressed as the childminder has undertaken emergency aid for child carers. This ensures the welfare of children should they have an accident or become ill. She was also asked to review the children's attendance records regarding parents signing the record. Parents signatures are now obtained, however further improvement is necessary to ensure the attendance record contains sufficient detail. A further recommendation has been raised.

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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

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 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): • continue to devise a system to monitor children's progress and identify their next steps in learning • ensure the attendance record contains sufficient detail.

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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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