Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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302914 Unique Reference Number 19 November 2007 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a detached property in a suburb of Sheffield, close to the City of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor 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 five children under five, both full and part time and two children over five, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is warm, clean and well maintained. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs and are well protected from harm through the provision of appropriate health routines. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating, but only provides children with regular drinks as all parents provide their own child's food. The childminder takes

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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 into account the wishes of the parents regarding meeting their children's dietary and religious requirements. However, she has limited knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. For example, there are regular cleaning routines for toys and equipment and verbal arrangements for informing parents of the exclusions for illnesses. The childminder ensures all children are familiar with daily routines and the importance of practising personal hygiene skills. They know, for example, when to wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs, particularly after they have been to the toilet. The childminder verbally informs all parents of her sickness and exclusions policy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder sets acceptable examples for children to follow and helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe, both inside and outside the home. Road safety is encouraged during outings and walks. The childminder ensures children are cared for in a secure environment where risk of accidental injury is minimised through appropriate safety and security precautions. Space is used creatively and this means children have room to move around safely, freely and independently. Play areas are checked daily for any hazards and these are dealt with before the minded children arrive. However, children do not take part in regular fire drills and are not familiar with the emergency evacuation routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to ask for toys and activities from a wide range of resources. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, age-appropriate and in good condition. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys they have finished with to help them take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The childminder demonstrated a basic understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. However, there is no evidence pertaining to keeping a record of any concerns or incidents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children attend part time or full days, so the childminder ensures they spend their time purposefully playing with the toys provided. She sets out activities prior to children's arrival, making sure they are age-appropriate and stimulating. Daily rotation of toys ensures the children have access to a wide range of play situations to encourage interest and aid their natural development. They have a good relationship with each other and are happy and contented. The childminder encourages independence and self-help. For example, choosing toys they like and deciding what to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and resources are plentiful, provide children with stimulation and sufficient challenge, and give opportunity for them to explore and be active. Older children have access to more stimulating toys, resources and craft materials. The childminder ensures children have plenty of fresh air and exercise by going out to the park and local places of interest, such as farms, supermarkets and the local playgroups.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder encourages independence and self-help by encouraging the children to choose toys they like and deciding what to play with. She projects a calm and gentle approach to children, offering support in everything they do. Children show concern for each other, generally playing harmoniously together, and they behave well through clear guidance, praise and encouragement from the childminder. House rules are established and children are aware of what they can and cannot do. For example, completing simple tasks, such as helping to tidy toys away. They are beginning to understand right from wrong through consistent and achievable boundaries and are learning to develop a positive attitude towards each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the community and have access to satisfactory resources reflecting diversity. The childminder values and respects children as individuals, treats them with respect, and meets their needs as they follow their daily routines. Parents' wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs and all relevant information is recorded at the initial visit. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure the children's needs are fully met and ensures regular verbal information informs them about what their children do. However, parents have not been informed of the procedure for making a complaint and who to contact other than the childminder and there is no documentation to record any complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where adult to child ratios are maintained and children are fully supervised. The childminder has completed some of the relevant training regarding childminding practice and has a satisfactory understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder is organised and has most relevant documentation in place. She has organised her file to allow easy access for inspections.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps a record of the names and details of the authorised persons who may collect the minded children in an emergency. Emergency contact numbers are logged in her mobile phone to enable her to call parents quickly. Documentation is stored away safely and out of reach of persons not authorised to see it. Relevant information is shared verbally with parents and is confidentiality maintained. 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 was asked to complete a relevant first aid course for babies and young children. She has addressed this matter and has evidence of a valid certificate. This means she is familiar with new legislation and is able to respond quickly and appropriately should a child require emergency first aid treatment.

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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 any 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): • further develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure all children take part in regular fire evacuation drills • implement a method for recording any concerns about a child, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board • ensure parents have details of the procedure to follow when making a complaint and implement suitable documentation for recording such details.

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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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