Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236462 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Sharon Dickinson

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 8 and 4 years old. The childminder uses the adjacent 'granny flat' for minding purposes, which has a kitchen/dining area and bathroom on the ground level, the first floor has a sleep room/ changing area, a spacious play room, and office area on the landing. There is a large enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder also has use of the indoor heated swimming pool. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time

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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 when working alone and up to 11 children when working with a co-childminder and is currently minding 3 children under five all day and 20 children over five out of school. The childminder travels to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children with additional needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through consistent daily routines such as hand washing. The childminder has the appropriate documentation and training to support children’s health and care needs, including a current first aid certificate. Children learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet as part of fun activities for example by using props from a local dentist practice for role play and discussion. The childminder has an excellent understanding of providing healthy meals and snacks, as a result of this children benefit from a balanced and nourishing diet and learn about healthy lifestyles. She takes account of children’s individual dietary needs and personal preferences. Children’s views are actively sought about their likes and dislikes of meals and snacks provided. Drinks are readily available to children

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Helping children to be healthy

throughout the day. Children have access to a secure garden, which offers good opportunities for safe play. They frequently participate in a wide variety of active play for example relay races or riding wheeled toys, encouraging them to develop control of their bodies and keep fit and healthy. Regular outings help develop children’s knowledge of the wider world and promote social skills. Time is set aside for boisterous and quiet activities to ensure a good balance of rest and play for every child. A quiet area is provided within the main play room, enabling the children to sit and relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The warm and welcoming environment helps children feel secure and confident within their surroundings. They move around safely, freely and independently in the well-organised home where risks are effectively identified and minimised. The childminder has put in place a number of steps to ensure that the welfare of the children remains paramount. For example clear procedures for evacuation in the event of an emergency which are regularly practiced. Children are kept safe as the childminder and her assistant closely supervise activities; clear safety rules and boundaries are discussed with children before accessing the indoor swimming pool. There is ample space and suitable furniture in place for children to rest and play in comfort. The childminder provides a wide range of well-maintained toys and equipment which are stimulating and fun, consequently children are well occupied, challenged and interested in their play. Toys and play resources are made accessible

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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 to children, they are able to self-select and make choices about their play. The childminder carefully monitors the play materials, equipment and resources to ensure they are safe, clean and age appropriate. A steady knowledge of child protection, in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures, enables the childminder to protect the children she cares for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children clearly enjoy and benefit from warm, friendly interactions with the childminder. They build positive relationships with the childminder and their peers, helping to develop their confidence. Children’s self-esteem is promoted as the childminder seeks their views and ideas and involves them in planning and choosing activities. Children spontaneously extend group play into a talent show with support and encouragement from the childminder. The routine is well balanced to provide both structured and free play activities for all ages. Children become engrossed in an extensive range of purposeful, fun and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. They experience a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity for example musical instruments, model making and imaginative play. The childminder organises art and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

craft activities such as building miniature gardens and making pictures and patterns using beads, which children are able to complete to their own satisfaction. As a result, their interest is maintained, social skills developed and self confidence raised. Children are confident and can play well on their own or with others. The childminder offers praise and encouragement to children and sensitively supports them in resolving issues such as taking turns, helping them to develop their social skills and play harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of children's individual needs through effective systems to share information with parents regarding preferred care routines. Toys and resources reflect a positive view of the wider world and activities are successfully adapted so that all children are included and have equal opportunities to enhance their learning and play. Children behave well and respond to the childminder's clear guidance and praise. They grow in self-esteem and feel pride in their achievements as the childminder offers praise to reward positive behaviour, for example by recognising a child’s efforts for sitting well and enjoying the talent show put on by the group. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's activities on a daily basis. Policies and procedures are shared through a comprehensive prospectus. Their views and

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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 opinions are actively sought through annual questionnaires and they are welcomed into the setting to attend outings and coffee afternoons. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure. Their care is enhanced by the childminder's efficient organisation skills. Effective use of space, time and resources meets all children’s needs flexibly and fully. Suitable documents and procedures are in place to support the welfare and care of children, although attendance records do not clearly indicate hours of attendance. Documents are stored securely and safely in order to ensure children’s privacy. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Both recommendations have been met since the last inspection. Written parental consent is obtained for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment. A clear written fire evacuation procedure is in place and is practiced frequently helping staff and children become aware of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. These contribute to the continued health, safety and well being of all children attending.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been two complaints relating to Standard 2; Organisation and Standard 6; Safety. The provider was asked to investigate issues appertaining to ratios and supervision of children and respond in writing to the regulator. Ofsted considered the providers response and found no breach of standards and no further action was taken. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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

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 improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure attendance records include times of arrival and departure of children and staff.

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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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