Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303165 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Lynn Masterman

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and two children, of which one is a mature adult and the youngest child is 15 years old. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Toilet and hand washing facilities are located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She supports children

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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 with special needs. The childminder takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to observe and develop good hygiene practice. They are familiar with the daily routine and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day and toddlers are given hand wipes after nappy changes. This provides positive steps for good healthy practices, prevents cross infection and contributes to their personal care and comfort. Good procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed, which ensures children are cared for appropriately. Children have access to a well balanced diet. Food and drink meet the nutritional requirements and promote children's awareness of variety, taste and texture. Young children are offered the opportunity to experience a variety of finger foods which

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Helping children to be healthy

develops their manipulative and social skills. A warm and caring relationship is fostered which enables children to explore food, feed themselves and develop confidence. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's individual choices to provide a healthy and suitable diet. She recognises the importance of children receiving a regular intake of fluid and they are offered and are able to access drinks easily. The childminder has a positive approach to physical exercise and recognises the importance of fresh air and exercise which develops their skills and maintains a healthy life. Children have the opportunity to access a good range of outdoor play activities which develops their confidence, physical movement and social skills. Regular outings include visits to local parks and play areas. The individual needs of children are given careful consideration to ensure the physical exercise is a positive

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Helping children to be healthy

experience, for example the childminder is responsive and has the skills to recognise when children need to rest. Younger children are provided with play resources that develop their physical stages, for example the development of hand - eye co-ordination, crawling, climbing, jumping and participating in simple games and action songs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised environment where most risks are identified and appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. Written fire evacuation procedures are available, however children are not aware of the procedures and how to evacuate the premises safely. Children are well supervised,

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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 which ensures accidents are minimal and they are able to move around safely and independently. For example, children are encouraged to tidy toys away to ensure they don't fall and hurt themselves. This helps children to become aware of their own safety and foster a sense of responsibility for others. Particular attention is given to children on outings and walking to school. For example, the childminder uses opportunities to promote road safety and simple ground rules ensure children are familiar with acceptable levels of behaviour. Children are independently able to self select from a good range of age appropriate play resources and equipment, which are easily accessible, clean, well maintained and of a high standard. This promotes their independence, confidence and the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

opportunity to make informed choices about their play. Resources are checked on a daily basis to ensure they are safe, for example there are no sharp or loose parts that may cause a child injury. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to the protection of children. She is aware of Area Child Protection Procedures and able to recognise some indicators of abuse. The childminder is aware of the importance of protecting children and is looking to further her knowledge with appropriate training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a warm and welcoming environment, where they are happy and confident. The childminder is skilled in promoting children's self esteem and they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement for their achievements. Children are encouraged to be independent, make informed choices and have fun through play. They have access to a good range of planned activities which promotes their learning and development both inside and outside the premises. For example, children regularly visit the mobile library. They are encouraged to look and choose a book. This helps to promote early reading skills and to develop an understanding of the purpose of books. Consideration is given to children's age and stages of development with a view that all children are included and can participate. For example, children were asked to draw an imaginary insect, give the insect a name

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and write about it. This helps to develop children's imagination, the opportunity to be creative and to practice writing skills. Children's work is displayed, which fosters a sense of belonging. Babies are responsive to the warm and soothing manner of the childminder. They are given lots of eye contact and adult interaction. For example, young child playing with home corner equipment wanted to feed the dolly. They looked for the bottle and the child fed the dolly. The child held the dolly in a caring embrace and the childminder praised the child for their kindness. This help foster children's confidence, a sense of caring and links with familiar experiences at home.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident. They are valued as individuals and routines are discussed with parents, which ensures appropriate steps are taken to provide a suitable environment where children can grow and develop. They have the opportunity to access a variety of activities, which promotes their global development and resources are used positively to provide sufficient challenge. The childminder makes good use of discussion and children's own experiences to promote a positive and sensitive view of the wider world. Play resources to promote children's awareness of diversity are limited. The childminder is aware she needs to further develop her existing resources. Children are offered positive praise and encouragements for achievements. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develops their confidence and self esteem. Good strategies ensure the effective management of children's behaviour. They are offered reason and explanation with the use of distraction and alternatives. Eye contact and facial expressions are used to help babies understand expectations of their behaviour. Good communication systems with parents ensures that relevant information is shared effectively and children are provided with appropriate care to meet their daily needs. Parental involvement is encouraged and there is a positive relationship. Information is shared on a daily basis with parents about their child's day and achievements. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are fully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children move around the home confidently and are clearly at ease with the environment. Space is used effectively and consideration is given to ensure children are able to access a variety of play opportunities and experiences. The home provides a safe and secure base for children which enables them to feel secure and express their individual needs. All statutory documentation meet the requirements of the national standards and is appropriately stored to maintain confidentiality. Policies and procedures and parental agreements contribute to the organisation of the setting, ensuring children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Parents are kept well informed about their children's achievements and the daily routine. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved children's safety and well being. Written documentation in relation to the recording of children's arrival and departure and visitors to the premises whist minded children are present are now in place. The childminder has sought professional advice on how to lift and support a

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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 child with limited mobility. She has made some improvement to her knowledge of child protection issues and procedures with reading materials and the national standards. She has an up to date copy of the child protection procedures, however further training is needed to consolidate her learning and to ensure the safety of children.

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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 children are aware of the procedures for fire evacation • further improve knowledge of child protection issues • ensure children have access to a range of resources and activities which reflect diversity.

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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

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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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