Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207557 Unique Reference Number 02 January 2008 Inspection date Jean Otter 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 1993. She lives with her husband and one adult child in a village close to Chesterfield in Derbyshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 seven children at different sessions, of whom four are under eight years. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and takes children on local outings. The family has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the childminder's consistent daily routines. They know for example, to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children access toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair and they can rest or be active according

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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 to their needs. They stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate guidelines, policies and procedures, for example the administration and management of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children mainly bring their own lunch to the setting and the childminder provides additional healthy snacks for children attending all day and for those that attend after school. Children state that the childminder is always looking for new and healthy items for them to try, for example wraps with healthy fillings. They also have opportunities to bake and prepare their own snacks, for example scones and fruit salad, which supports the children's interest in food and healthy eating. Drinks are available at all times which ensures children remain hydrated. The childminder respects the wishes of parents with regard to any special dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise. They go, for example, to the local park and soft play centre and use the garden under supervision where a range of equipment is available to support their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory range of practical safety measures in place to protect children from harm, for example socket covers are in place and hazardous materials are stored out of the children's reach, however not all sharp implements are stored appropriately in the kitchen and the keys to the front door are left in the lock. This means that keys are accessible to the children who could leave the premises unsupervised. Children are beginning to learn aspects of safety because the childminder practises emergency evacuation with them, which helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe in an emergency situation. Fire safety equipment is in place and the outdoor area is fully secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. They are able to self-select which helps to promote their independence skills. Equipment and furniture is functional and clean ensuring a comfortable environment. Children are well supervised by the childminder which further safeguards their welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection, ensuring that children remain safe. Procedures that relate to the Local Safeguarding Children Board are fully understood.

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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 and approach the childminder for their needs which are met well. She demonstrates good communication skills with the children and has a regard for their interests and aspirations, which helps them to become confident individuals and skilful communicators. She listens and talks to them, values what they say and do and develops their self-esteem by the positive use of meaningful praise and encouragement. Children are learning various concepts such as how to weigh and measure ingredients when they are baking, and basic problem solving skills such as how to put together a puppet theatre kit. The childminder supports the children to become independent as they choose which activities they want to play with. She makes good use of local resources such as the toy library and the sensory room at the Sure Start facility, introducing a varied selection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of resources and opportunities to enhance the children's interest. There are good opportunities

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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 for children to develop their imagination and creativity as they take part in a wide range of craft, painting and drawing activities. Children are introduced to wildlife as they search for bugs and insects in the garden using 'bug sets'. They also benefit from a good range of outings and social activities, for example the children go for walks in the local area, they visit various parks and go to the library, which support their understanding of the community in which they live and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in the life of the setting. Children's understanding of the wider society is developed by the childminder's positive approach to diversity, which enables them to learn to respect the differences of others. The childminder is aware of children's developmental stages, consequently she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate behaviour management methods are in place which support children in their understanding of what is right and wrong. They are encouraged to be helpful, to be kind to one another and to animals. The childminder sets realistic boundaries for behaviour depending on the age and stage of development of the child. The use of praise and encouragement as children try to achieve different tasks helps them to develop their self-esteem. Behaviour is discussed with parents and the behaviour policy outlines the importance of a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents, for example the childminder spends time at each session sharing information with them about their child's well-being and how their needs are met during the day. A 'Welcome brochure' has written information for new parents which outlines policy procedures. The wishes of parents are respected as written parental permission is sought for various activities such as going out on trips and to take photographs of the children. Written contracts are used with parents and the childminder is aware of the appropriate procedure in the event of receiving a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the premises ensures children are well cared for, and contributes positively to their good health, enjoyment and achievement. Space and resources are organised well to effectively meet their individual needs. Most safety issues are addressed, however improvement to the security of the premises, in relation to keys being accessible to children, is required. Children are supported appropriately to achieve their potential and the childminder works closely with their parents to enable this progress. The childminder develops her childcare knowledge and skills by attending suitable training which impacts positively on the well-being and enjoyment of the children.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder has all the required documentation in place which contributes to their health, safety and well-being. For example, children's records, which include information from parents, supports the children's individual needs and the daily register showing children's times of arrival and departure impacts positively on their safety. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure parents provide written consent for children travelling in the car. Parents wishes are fully respected as their written consent has now been obtained for this activity. The childminder was also asked to make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. The childminder has acted to meet the recommendation by providing a written complaints procedure in the 'Welcome brochure' for new 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. 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): • ensure all sharp implements are inaccessible to the children • ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, in relation to the accessibility of keys.

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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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