Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 205879 Inspection date 26 July 2005 Inspector Jean Otter

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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 1993. She lives with her 2 children aged 4 and 6 and works with another registered childminder. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and takes the children on local outings.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices because the childminder introduces good routines, this includes children being able to rest and be active according to their individual needs and in line with parent's wishes. They are protected from illness and infection because effective policies and procedures have been introduced by the childminder and she ensures the setting is clean. Procedures for accidents and medication are clear and understood, however, neither the childminder nor her assistant have first aid certificates that are up to date, which may mean children's welfare is compromised in the event of an accident or emergency. Children's dietary needs are met. The childminder takes account of children's likes and dislikes and discusses the provision of snacks and meals with parents. Drinks are offered regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to participate in active play, which encourages physical development and helps them to learn the importance of exercise. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are clean and hygienic for the children to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Good security precautions contribute to children's safety and the childminder's awareness of potential hazards within the home effectively reduces risks. Fire safety equipment is in place and an emergency escape plan has been identified which further safeguards children's safety, however this is not documented or shared with parents. Children use good quality equipment which is safe and hygienic, and appropriate to their age and stage of development, including car seats and safety harnesses. Children's activities indoors and outdoors are well supervised, however, risk assessments have not been carried out on the use of the pool and the trampoline in the garden and there is no written parental consent for children to use these pieces of equipment or to take the children swimming to the public baths. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of current child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures and as a consequence the children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time at the setting. They are confident and approach the childminder and her assistant for their needs, which are met well. They enjoy close physical contact and relate well to the childminder, giving lots of smiles and constant verbalisation.

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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 The children are supported well with their language development because the childminder uses conversation well, talking to the children about familiar experiences and introducing new words through varied activities and good use of books. The range of activities provided indoors and outdoors, help children develop their curiosity as learners and maintain their interest well. Children are happy and enjoy exploring the easily accessible toys and equipment. They are beginning to develop their creative skills and imagination through the provision of art and craft projects and resourceful materials. Children further extend their social and language skills by experiencing varied activities outside the setting. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and knowledge of child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development, she is aware of their individual needs and helps them make progress in achieving their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder clearly values and respects children as individuals and they are beginning to learn about multi-cultural life through the introduction of relevant activities and resources. Clear and consistent behaviour management methods are implemented which helps children to develop their understanding of what is right and wrong and to respect others. Satisfactory methods are in place to develop the partnership with parents, including a basic information pack for new parents and written parental consent for most procedures and activities for which it is required. The childminder verbally shares information with parents about their child's progress, well-being and activities at each session and enjoys listening to what the child has to say about their time at the setting. The childminder details individual information about the child and family on the initial visit, which enables the childminder and the parents to work together to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

meet the needs of the child, however a complaints and compliments record is not maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and are at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to choose their own activities and develop their own play and learning. Good support from the childminder develops children's learning and helps them feel secure. The childminder and her assistant do not hold valid first aid certificates. These certificates require updating. Most required documentation is in place and although basic, contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. Recommendations have been made in the report to further extend some documents which relate to the children's safety when

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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 using specific pieces of outdoor equipment. Policies and procedures are verbally shared with parents, contributing to the continuity of children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated paperwork in line with the recommendations which means that parents/carers are now familiar with the procedures and the health and safety of the children is improved.

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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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the use of the pool and trampoline, document and take any required action to minimise these. Request written permission from parents to use these pieces of equipment and to take children to the public swimming baths. • document the emergency escape plan and share with parents and other adults working on the premises • ensure records of complaints and compliments are maintained • ensure current first aid certificates are maintained

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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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