Childminder in DerbyshireOfsted inspection, 12 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 207892 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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 registered 1998. She lives with her family in Draycott, Derbyshire. Local schools, shops and park are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding, with toilet and sleep facilities on the first floor. There is also access to an enclosed outside play area at the rear of the premises. The childminder is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years at any one time. Currently there are 6 children on roll, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the NCMA. The family has 3 cats.

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 cared for in a clean environment. They understand about the importance of good personal hygiene through washing their hands after going to the toilet. They are protected against the spread of infection, through a detailed sickness policy, ensuring that poorly children remain at home. Where required, medication is administered to make certain that children complete the course and so their good health is maintained. However, parents do not sign the medication record to acknowledge that the medicine has been given, hindering children's on-going health needs. They are sensitively cared for when they have an accident and the details of any injury are recorded. This ensures that they receive any on-going treatment. Children's dietary needs are suitably met, as the childminder pays regard to detailed information that is received from parents. Their likes and dislikes are considered

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

when providing food. Meals and snacks sometimes lack nutrition and do not always support children in making healthy choices. Children benefit from plenty of opportunities for physical activity. For example they often visit the park or the soft play centre where they learn to balance, climb and generally keep fit.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely within the home environment as the childminder effectively minimises risks. They access a spacious area for indoor play, which is organised to provide table top activities and floor activities. Domestic furniture is used effectively to support the children's comfort. Young children safely toddle around, as the childminder ensures that there are no obstructions and they are vigilantly supervised. Babies rest comfortably in a cot and are regularly monitored whilst sleeping. Children learn to take responsibility for their own safety through learning to cross the road and not to talk to strangers. Toys are stored in boxes that are easily accessible to children, promoting their independence. Children are well protected in the event of a fire, through good fire safety equipment and the practising of regular fire drills. Their welfare is maintained by the childminder's good working knowledge of child

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection and her understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They have a good relationship with each other and the childminder, which enables them to grow in confidence and demonstrate affection. They are confident to voice their needs. For example, they ask for a drink, or to do some drawing. Children access some toys and play materials that promote learning. These are easily accessible to them and enable

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 them to make decisions about what to play with, encouraging their independence. They have an understanding of each other and know right from wrong, as they learn to share and take turns. They enjoy talking to the childminder, who responds appropriately, supporting their language skills. They develop a variety of skills whilst playing. For example, older children count, and their imagination is fostered whilst accessing role play. Activities are not always organised purposefully, taking regard of how to promote children's learning and development. As a result, some areas of learning are not always well supported. Children enjoy opportunities to venture out into the community and visit the local playgroup. Consequently, they gain new experiences and learn to socialise with other people.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are appropriately met. They receive consistent care, because the childminder gathers a good level of additional information from parents to find out about their needs and preferences. They are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works well with parents to provide care to meet children's special needs. The childminder is aware of appropriate strategies used to manage children's behaviour, in line with their age and level of understanding. Positive re-enforcement is used to support a pleasant and calm environment. As a result, children's self-esteem is fostered. They behave well and show consideration for the feelings of others. A well worded policy ensures consistency with parents regarding behaviour management. Children benefit because the childminder is committed to working with parents. She provides them with good information on her practices and policies

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home environment is well organised to enable children to access comfortable areas to eat, play and rest. Most documentation is in place and accurately completed. These include details about the children and a contract between the childminder and parents. These are appropriately shared with parents to promote consistency of care for the children. The childminder is aware of procedures to ensure that children are safe from people who are not vetted. However, Ofsted are not always informed of changes to the home environment. Children benefit from the childminder continually updating her knowledge and understanding. A portfolio of policies and procedures support the childminding practice. These are shared with parents to ensure a service that, on the whole, promotes the on-going welfare of the children. As a result, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it

p.4

Improvements 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.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person about the suitability of an assistant to work with children. Ofsted wrote to the childminder and asked them to investigate this complaint and to provide information in response to it. The information provided demonstrates that the childminder is meeting National Standard 1 in relation to the complaint made and Ofsted will therefore be taking no further action. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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 that medication records are signed by the parent to acknowledge that medicine has been administered • consider what food and drink is given to children, ensuring that it is sufficient, nutritious and that individual dietary requirements continue to be met • improve the planning and provision of activities and play opportunities for children that support their learning and development • ensure that Ofsted is informed of any changes in the household, or any significant events.

p.5

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.5

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.5