Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY153087 Inspection date 14 December 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 2002. She lives with her partner and three children, twins aged 9 months and a 4 year old, in a large village in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play to the front of the premises and a decking area to the rear of the premises. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time when working alone. When her assistant is present then a maximum of five children

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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 between 12 months and under 8 years may be cared for at any one time. She currently has five children under 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She meets regularly with local childminders and attends local toddler and carer groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association and is the local area network co-ordinator.

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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 personal hygiene procedures, which are part of their daily routine. They are encouraged to take care of their own personal hygiene, such as the washing of hands before and after eating. Effective measures are in place to reduce cross contamination as children use liquid soap and paper towels. This results in children developing a clear understanding of their own personal hygiene needs. Children have access to a good range of physical activities, which contribute to their good health. They access a good range of outdoor play equipment freely whenever the weather permits. They enjoy playing on the ride on toys and playing treasure hunt and ball games. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs and enjoy regular access to the local park. The childminder has a positive attitude towards physical exercise and recognises the importance of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Therefore, children are beginning to develop their physical skills in an appropriate manner. Children are provided with a healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals. Clear records show dietary requirements, children's and parents' preferences are catered for appropriately. The childminder encourages children to discuss options so that they do have choices, for example, whether they want water, juice or milk to drink. This results in children being well nourished as they develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder gives a high priority to ensuring children are cared for in secure and safe premises. Hazards are identified and good steps taken to minimise them to allow children to move around freely and safely. For example, socket covers and safety gates are in place and low level cupboards are free from hazards. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited. The childminder talks to the children about safety issues and supervises them well. She is skilled in achieving a good balance between freedom and safe limits. For example, children understand the consequences of climbing on furniture or running around inside. This results in children developing an increasing awareness for their own safety.

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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's toys and equipment are of generally good quality, conform to safety standards and are presented appropriately to allow children freedom to access them safely and independently. Play provision is checked on a regular basis to ensure they remain suitable and present no hazards. Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She is well informed of the Area Child Protection Procedures and recognises potential indicators of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder, which ensures that they feel happy, settled and secure. Children relate well to the childminder and show a genuine fondness for one another. They are well supported by the childminder to value and respect each other. For example, they interact together well, show each other mutual respect and are able to share and take turns. Like when they take turns to be the shop keeper and take turns to talk and listen to each other. Children are listened to attentively, fun is encouraged and the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. Consideration is given to children's ages and stages of development to ensure that all children are included and can participate. This results in children showing interest in what they do. They confidently ask questions and respond to each others ideas to extend their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play, therefore developing their creativity, confidence and self esteem. Children access an interesting and age related range of activities and experiences. The childminder responds to the children's requests and ensures activities and equipment provide good levels of challenge. For example, the childminder involves herself in the children's play, encouraging problem solving and introducing language when talking about the value of money when playing shop. The childminder takes into consideration that older children have been in a structured environment at school all day and need time to relax and make choices for themselves. Children are happy and content and show a strong sense of belonging. The way equipment is made available for children allows them to take some initiative and make choices and decisions for themselves. This results in children being involved and interested in their own play. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and are valued as individuals. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed successfully. Good steps are taken to provide a suitable environment where children can grow and develop at their own pace. Children are very content and are showing a strong sense of belonging. They are

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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 familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self esteem. Children have equal access to all resources and they begin to learn about the wider world through using books, small role play equipment and dressing up clothes that positively address diversity. However, activities are not provided which enable children to learn about different celebrations, festivals and cultures of the world. A clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. Children are given clear instruction and guidance and this results

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in them knowing what is expected of them. Partnerships with parents and carers are good, which contributes to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up-to-date about their child's care. Due to this positive relationship children's needs are continually met and children remain settled in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises space and resources effectively and follows children's individual routines which enhances their welfare and development. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. They move around the home confidently and are clearly happy and settled in the environment, which contributes to their overall well being. All documentation is in place, up-to-date and presented very professionally. Parents have access to an extensive range of formal policies and procedures which are well written and appropriate to the setting. The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to improving her practice through a programme of good quality relevant training. She has completed a number of appropriate childcare training courses, which leads to her developing her practice. This has a positive affect on the care offered to children. Required adult-child ratios are met and provide good levels of care and supervision

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Organisation

to ensure children are appropriately supported. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made. Children's records to be completed and the assistants attendance to be recorded. The childminder now has in place comprehensive documentation which meets regulatory requirements. The improvement of this documentation ensures children's care, well being and safety is enhanced.

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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

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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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 • ensure children have access to a broad range of activities which reflect diversity.

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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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