Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299849 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Linda Gail Moore

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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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her three children aged 11, 12 and 18 years, in a house in a suburb of Derby. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local park, library and childminder group. She presently cares for four children, who all attend on a part time basis. She is a member of the local childminder support group and also a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 good. Children stay healthy and benefit from a playing in a clean environment. The childminder follows good hygiene procedures, for example cleaning work surfaces, toys and equipment regularly, using different cleaning cloths for different areas, providing individual cleaning flannels and towels; this minimises the risk of cross infection. Nappy changing arrangements reflect good practice as the childminder wears disposable gloves, uses appropriate changing mats, wiping them down after use; and disposes of used nappies appropriately. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practice because the childminder takes positive steps to develop their understanding and awareness; for example discussing good routines for personal hygiene and eating healthily. Children’s personal care needs are met effectively as they receive encouragement and support with toileting,

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Helping children to be healthy

dressing and hand washing. Children are well nourished, their health and dietary needs are met effectively because the childminder works well with parents. She takes time to discuss individual needs with parents to ensure all children eat healthily. A full range and variety of meals are offered and the childminder encourages children to try new foods and tastes. Fresh fruit is available and offered instead of biscuits for snack times. Children have good opportunities to participate in active play, which encourages physical development. This is promoted through outside play and visits to the local park, where children have the opportunity to climb, balance and run freely. Children experience good routines which meet individual needs for rest and sleep in line with parent’s wishes, appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure the children's comfort and safety. Children's welfare is promoted and they are well cared for when ill, protecting others

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Helping children to be healthy

from illness and infection. Care arrangements are agreed with parents and appropriate procedures for contacting parents and collecting children are in place.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment that is suitable for its purpose. They are safe as a result of the childminders awareness of safety issues and the satisfactory attention she gives to safety inside and outside the home. Safe and suitable equipment are in place; for example safety gates, socket covers, smoke alarms and fire blankets. Children are well supervised throughout the day and use good quality toys and equipment that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. This means children can play and move safely around the home. Children are kept safe on outings with satisfactory arrangements in place for transporting children in the childminder's vehicle, for example using suitable seats

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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 and belts. Their awareness of safety issues is continuously developed through every day activities within the home and during outings; for example learning about road safety, not to talk to strangers. Basic rules for in the home are in place and explained; for example no running. These precautions contribute to children's safety. The childminder has devised a written evacuation procedure alongwith a form to record the frequency of her fire practice. However, she has yet to practice her emergency escape plan with the children. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection and is aware of the appropriate procedures to take if necessary, as a consequence children's welfare is safeguarded. Children are supervised effectively and never left alone with persons

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

who are not vetted. The childminder has regard for the well-being of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence and self-esteem. The premises are welcoming and child-orientated offering brightly coloured and well-maintained equipment that is organised at low level so that children can freely access. They are able to use their initiative and make decisions about what toys they wish to select and play with. Children enjoy what they do and play enthusiastically and imaginatively with the toys and activities. The childminder interacts positively with them; listening and responding to questions, teaching colours and introducing new words to extend their vocabulary. This encourages their interest, involvement and learning. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and provides a variety of activities and opportunities to help children develop their creative and imaginative skills and progress in all areas of learning; for example paints, junk

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

modelling, sticking and collage, imaginative and large physical play. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework but has limited knowledge. All children currently attending are under 3 yrs, therefore a better understanding of the framework would enable her to further develop the range of opportunities and experiences she provides. Children develop self-confidence through positive interaction with the childminder. Their individual needs are met well and they thrive in the positive environment. They receive a good level of attention and spend quality time on a 1-1 basis; for example sitting, reading and looking at books together, singing nursery rhymes and playing together. She communicates with children in a friendly and happy manner, smiling, talking calmly and giving good eye contact. She acts as a good role model, encouraging kindness, sharing and good manners. Children are encouraged to join in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

group activities with other children through attending local playgroups and joining in with organised soft play and book reading sessions.

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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 Children are cared for well by the childminder who works closely with parents to meet their individual needs, this ensures they are fully included in the life of the setting. They settle very well displaying confidence and ease with the childminder and her routine. This helps children to gain self-assurance and confidence with others. Children are fully stimulated and supported in reaching their developmental milestones. The childminder takes time to talk to parents and find out about their child's personalities and favourite play. Ability and preferences are taken into account when purchasing toys and equipment. She treats all children and parents with respect and consideration. Children understand responsible behaviour as the childminder uses a positive approach through praise and encouragement; explanation is given, time is allowed to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discuss and explain why? children are given time and space to think about their actions. She communicates well with parents and is happy to offer advice and support if requested. Her secure understanding of the needs of different age groups enables her to contribute effective ideas on managing behaviour. Children receive appropriate support as individual needs are identified and met effectively. They settle well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she follows the home routine and organises her time well to ensure all children are given quality one-to-one attention. They enjoy close physical contact such as cuddles and the childminder is warm and friendly in her interaction. Children thrive knowing that they are ‘special’ and well cared for, developing their self assurance and confidence with others and their ability to form caring relationships. Children benefit from a positive partnership between parents and the childminder as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they communicate well about their needs and interests. Parents receive well presented, clear and detailed information about the childminding practice and service, provided in a 'portfolio'. Children are becoming aware of wider society and the needs of others. Play resources and planned activities are used to promote discussion and increase awareness. The local library and toy library are visited, to lend books and toys and extend the childminder's ideas. She acts as a good role model to help children develop self esteem and encourage respect for others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the child friendly and welcoming environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's independence is promoted as the premises are well organised. Playroom space and resources are laid out to maximise play opportunities for children, toys are well presented and accessible, this encourages independence and self selection. Children's care is effectively supported through good adult:child ratios, this has a positive impact on the children's learning and development. Their welfare is ensured through good vetting procedures and the childminder's effective and supportive partnership with parents, for example collecting and dropping off children from home. All of the required records and documentation are in place and available for inspection. These are well organised, well presented and updated. The childminder is

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 very knowledgeable about all aspects of child care and is undertaking further training to become accredited, this will increase her knowledge and keep her up to date with new ideas and information. This has a very positive impact on the quality of care provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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 satisfactory. 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): • practice the emergency escape plan with minded children • continue to develop the range of opportunities and experiences for children under three, for example by using the 'Birth to three matters framework'.

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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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