Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY104306 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Angela Howard

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner in a village in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities and one bedroom on the first floor, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has four children under 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She meets regularly with local childminders and attends local toddler and carer groups.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally well protected from illness and infection as they follow appropriate hygiene procedures and are cared for in clean and well maintained premises. They are encouraged to take care of their own personal hygiene, such as the washing of hands before and after eating. This results in children developing a clear understanding of appropriate personal hygiene. Children have access to an acceptable range of physical activities, which contributes to their good health. They visit local parks, go on walks daily and access an appropriate range of equipment when using the outdoor play area. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs and enjoy regular supervised access to the local park to take part in activities such as jumping, running and climbing on larger apparatus. Children enjoy a well balanced, healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals in

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

accordance with parents' wishes. This results in children being well nourished as they develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in secure premises and benefit from the use of an appropriate range of safety equipment. Hazards are identified and appropriate steps taken to minimise them to allow children to move around freely and safely. For example, socket covers are in place, low level cupboards have locks fitted, safety gates and fire guards are available should they be required. There are clear fire evacuation procedures but the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. The childminder talks to the children about safety issues and supervises them appropriately. For example, the childminder explains why they should not run, jump or climb indoors. This results in children developing an increasing awareness for their own safety. Children's toys and equipment are of generally good quality, conform to safety standards and are stored appropriately to allow children freedom to access them

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safely and independently. Children are adequately protected as the childminder has a reasonable understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of the Area Child Protection Procedures and recognises some potential indicators of abuse.

p.3

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 The provision is good. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder, which ensures that they feel happy, settled and secure. Children relate well to the childminder and they enjoy each others company. They are given lots of support and encouragement which helps to develop their confidence and self esteem. Children are listened to attentively, fun is encouraged and the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. She talks to the children about an activity and discusses what resources they may need and where they might find them. They are then encouraged to get things for themselves, so developing their sense of self assurance and ownership of their play. For example, the children wanted to build a house. They had a choice of three types of construction bricks,

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

selected for themselves which to use and independently carried out the activity. They only asked for support when it came to putting a roof on the building. Children access an interesting and stimulating range of activities and experiences. The childminder responds to the children's requests and interests. For example, children choose which DVD to watch at rest time. Activities and equipment provide good levels of challenge, are age appropriate and match the stage of the child's development. She takes into consideration that older children have been in a structured environment at school all day and need time to relax. Children are happy and content and show a strong sense of belonging. The way equipment is made available for children allows them to take the initiative and make choices and decisions for themselves. This results in children being involved and excited about their own play. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with the toys provided. They engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language and try out new ideas. For example, a number of people and animals lived in the house they had built, which led to the house being made bigger to accommodate them all.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed appropriately. Children are happy and content and show a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with the childminder. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self esteem. Children are confident to ask questions, voice opinions and make choices. Children's choices are respected and they are given the encouragement to negotiate and bargain. For example, the children did not want to help clear toys away. The childminder successfully negotiated with them allowing them to choose which toys

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

they put away themselves. Children are provided with an adequate range of resources which are not gender biased. There is an acceptable range of good quality equipment and activities

p.4

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 provided to help children to learn about the wider world around them through their play. However, the childminder does not always make the best use of these resources as her understanding of their use is limited. Children generally behave well. A clear approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. However, on occasions the childminder was inconsistent when giving explanations or restricting unacceptable behaviour. Partnerships with parents and carers are generally good. This contributes to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

kept up-to-date about their child's care. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are settled in response to this.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in the well organised environment. This means children are confident, relaxed and enjoy their time with the childminder. There are effective routines in place that are successfully implemented to ensure children remain happy and settled. All required documentation is in place, up-to-date and well presented. Required adult-child ratios are met; this provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review her policies and procedures, develop resources and develop her own understanding in relation to child protection procedures and caring for children with special needs. The childminder has reviewed all documentation and now has a number of written policies in place. She has purchased more resources and ensures that these reflect diversity in a very positive manner. She has taken time to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and the care of children with special needs. This reinforces the childminder's commitment to safeguard children's health and safety and enhances their continuity of care.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 the fire blanket is appropriately sited • develop understanding and knowledge of how to promote equal opportunities with young children • ensure behaviour management methods used are consistent.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6