Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302924 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a village in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has eight children under 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder meets regularly with local childminders and attends local toddler and carer groups.

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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 are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in clean and well-maintained premises. They are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, children wash their hands after accessing the toilet, before eating and after outdoor play. Children enjoy a good range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, daily walks to school and access to a well-equipped outdoor play area allows children to develop their all round physical skills. For babies there are a good range of every day objects to be sucked, pulled, squeezed and held to encourage exploration and development of physical skills. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health in a positive manner. Children are well-rested and alert and so enjoy their play. This is due to the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder following children's individual eating and sleeping routines that have been agreed with parents. This ensures babies thrive as their nutritional and emotional needs are met successfully. All snacks and meals are provided by the children's parents. The childminder uses appropriate storage to ensure that food remains fresh. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Babies are encouraged to share control of the cup and children are encouraged to feed themselves using fingers, forks and spoons. This provides opportunities for sensory learning and increased independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and well-maintained premises. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children access a safe and secure environment. For example, the use of a fire guard, socket covers, smoke alarms and a fully enclosed outdoor play area mean children can move around freely and safely. Fire safety procedures have been addressed, however the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and how to avoid accidents. For example, children are introduced to road safety procedures when off the premises and are given clear explanations about safe practice. This results in children being given the opportunities to practice what they can do in safe surroundings and young children learn some sense of danger. There are clear and consistent boundaries and reasonable, yet challenging expectations in place. Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 Children are well protected as the childminder has a positive attitude and is fully aware of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. However, the Area Child Protection Committee Procedures she has are out of date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access an interesting and stimulating range of activities and experiences. Activities provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to the age and stage of children's development. For example, babies are provided with a good range of toys to stimulate their sensory skills. When they are teething, teething rings and suitable toys they can put in their mouth safely are offered. Children are very happy, secure and show a strong sense of belonging. The way equipment is made available for the children allows them to take the initiative and develop increasingly independent skills. This results in children being very involved and excited in their own play. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. For example, children engage in concentrated creative play in which they extend their language and try out new ideas. The use of a toy camera created lots of fun, language and allowed children to take the lead and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

explore their environment, people and resources. Children are very settled and very confident. The quality of interaction shows mutual respect and trust, which enables them to build meaningful relationships. Children are given lots of support and encouragement, which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They are listened to attentively, fun is encouraged and the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. She encourages playfulness, taking turns and responses, including peek-a-boo and rhymes with young children. The quality of babies' and toddlers' learning experiences is being enriched very positively. This could be further developed by use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine consistently. The childminder recognises that children need a predictable environment in which to feel safe and secure. Children are encouraged to feel self confident and proud of themselves, and are given time to develop at their own pace. Clear and consistent expectations and trust in children's abilities help to increase a child's confidence. The childminder shows she values and appreciates their efforts. Lots of praise is offered whilst children are completing activities, like talking to children about what they are doing and how well they are doing. Children's behaviour is good and reflects the high expectations of the childminder, who provides them with clear and consistent boundaries. They learn right from wrong

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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 in a very secure and caring environment and respond well to the clear guidance and praise. Children's choices are respected and the childminder actively encourages children to negotiate and understand that there are times when she has to say "no". Children have access to an acceptable range of resources to learn about themselves and the world around them. They learn effectively about their own community and are introduced to the wider world in daily activities and visits around the local area. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Ongoing verbal communication keeps parents well informed of their child's care and progress. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are very settled in response to this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised. Space is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. This results in children remaining settled and feeling secure. Documentation is kept in a well-organised and professional manner and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Although, the childminder was not aware that the time medication is administered has to be recorded. The childminder has recently attended a Top Tots training course, is enrolled on a first aid course and shows an interest in completing Birth to three matters training. Therefore, she shows commitment to improving her practice in a positive manner. Required adult-child ratios are met; this provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider two safety issues. The telephone wire has been encased and alcohol is now stored out of children's reach. It was recommended that the range of resources which reflect equal opportunities was addressed. This has been addressed and she has purchased new equipment. The improvement of safety issues and the range of resources available ensures children's care, wellbeing and safety is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of 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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Complaints 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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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 fire blanket is appropriately sited • improve documentation with regards to the administration of medication.

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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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