Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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501538 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2008 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and eight months in semi-detached house in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, plus the first floor bathroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig and some fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As there are no children on roll, the quality of the provision cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gave verbal examples of serving children with healthy and nutritious food and drinks. She respects parents' wishes and would recognise children's individual dietary needs. Parents are given the option to provide their child's own food and she would also offer healthy, nutritious snacks. Children would be able to enjoy fresh air and exercise through visits to the local park and places of interest where they can develop gross motor skills. The rear garden is also available for children to use as a play area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder verbally gave satisfactory examples of her consideration to health and hygiene within the home to promote children's well-being and prevent cross infection. Children would be encouraged to practice personal hygiene skills by washing hands after toileting and before and after handling food. The childminder ensures toys are washed regularly and provides a clean and warm environment. She has a verbal statement regarding caring for sick children and would discuss potential risks to children's health with parents as issues arise. She is aware of the importance of obtaining parental permission for administering medication and dealing with emergency first aid treatment and for children to access the family pets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Evidence suggests that children's understanding of fire safety in the home is acceptable because the childminder would develop their knowledge of the fire evacuation procedures regularly. This means children's safety would be promoted as they are familiar with emergency fire drills and where to assemble outside. The childminder verbally demonstrated a sound understanding of child protection issues and has information regarding the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She knows who to contact should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safe, secure and include the necessary facilities for children. The childminder verbally demonstrated the ability to ensure that children are well cared for and safe. Evidence suggests all safety requirements are positively met and risk assessments are carried out on a regular basis. This means the childminder has taken some appropriate steps to keep children safe and secure. Furniture, equipment and toys provided are appropriate for their use and are in good condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder states that she would provide a varied routine for children, which takes into consideration time for snacks, meals, rests and activities, promoting their well-being. There is evidence to suggest that the childminder ensures that children enjoy outings and she takes them to various places of interest, such as parks, playgrounds and local places of interest. Parents' wishes would be fully considered regarding outings and their permission would be obtained beforehand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is evidence to suggest that the childminder informally plans activities for children, which are flexible to allow for diversion. This suggests she gives careful consideration to the individual needs of the children and ensures these are met appropriately. There is a good selection of

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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 toys and resources to suit all ages of children to allow for stimulation and variety and these are of a wide range and in good condition.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder verbally informs parents about what their child does during their time spent with her. She shares all relevant information and ensures she gives parents time to discuss their child's well-being. Evidence of relevant documentation, to establish a strong partnership with parents, is available. Evidence suggests the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and provides children with suitable resources that positively reflect diversity. This means she would promote children's ability to understand the wider world and people's differences and similarities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is evidence to suggest the childminder shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a consistent way, which promotes the child's welfare and development. She is aware that some children may have learning difficulties or disabilities, and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and other professionals to promote children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There is evidence to suggest the childminder has all written documentation in place and available for inspection. She is aware of the importance of sharing information, maintaining confidentiality and working within the conditions of her registration. Evidence suggests that parents are verbally informed of the complaints procedure and a suitable method for recording complaints is available. However, she does not keep a record of the specific times of children's attendances.

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Organisation

The childminder verbally demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of the vetting procedures for adults coming into contact with the children and ensures children are fully supervised. There is evidence to suggest that children's safety and well-being is generally addressed positively and safety requirements are in place. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children issues and the means to keep a record of any incidents or concerns. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection several recommendations were raised regarding resources, parental permissions, one item of safety, the parents' complaints procedure and recording the specific times of children's attendances.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken positive steps to improve her setting. She has extended her supply of resources to ensure children become aware of diversity, disability and the wider world we live in. She is aware of obtaining written parental permission for specific activities and outings and for the children to access the family pets. The fire blanket is suitably fixed in place and available for any fire emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is intending to change her verbal information regarding complaints to a written statement and has a suitable method in place for recording any complaints. She is aware that she should be keeping a record of the specific times of children's attendances.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of any 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • keep an accurate record of the times of children's attendances.

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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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