Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY311183 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives in Rotherham with her husband and their 2 children aged 11 and 14 years. The family home is situated on a quiet road within easy reach of the local shops, parks and schools. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently cares for five children, four of whom are aged under eight years. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children most days. She

p.2

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 attends the local toddler group and takes children on outings to local places of interest.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean environment where they are taught the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder effectively reduces the risk of infections and cross-contamination in the home by implementing good consistent hygiene measures. For example, the children have individual towels and flannels. Similarly, there are very good procedures in place to sterilise equipment for babies and young children who use dummies and teething equipment. Arrangements for dealing with accidents, first aid and administering medication meet all requirements, and effectively protect children. The childminder provides children with a varied and balanced diet that is agreed with their parents at the start of a placement. Consequently, their individual health and dietary requirements are successfully addressed. Menus are planned and displayed at the start of each week taking into account the likes and dislikes of all children. This

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

successfully avoids duplication and ensures that parents are fully aware of the types of food that their children are eating. Sugary snacks are provided infrequently and children are able to access drinks at all times. Mealtimes are enjoyable and unhurried occasions for the children. They are encouraged to increase their independence and self-help skills by feeding themselves. Children are provided with a good range of physical challenges. They receive regular opportunities to play outside in the rear garden and visit local playgrounds. They are encouraged to increase their co-ordination and balance as they climb, run and use balls and scooters. As a result, the children develop confidence and enthusiasm towards participating in physical exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is warm and comfortable. Positive steps are taken to ensure that the premises remain secure and welcoming. For example, all external doors remain locked and the childminder creates an attractive entrance to the premises by displaying children's artwork and providing eye-catching interest tables that supports the current theme. The range of equipment that children have access to is good. It is well maintained and regularly checked to ensure that it is safe and suitable for the use of the children. The childminder is vigilant and committed to caring for children within a safe environment. For instance, nursery equipment such as fire guards, safety gates, socket covers and finger guards are used daily. The childminder takes positive steps

p.3

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 to ensure that children are confident and prepared to deal with any incidents and emergencies. For example, the children practice fire drills to ensure that they can act quickly and do not become frightened should they need to evacuate the home in a real emergency. On outings, children are supervised at all times to maintain their safety. The childminder implements a number of effective procedures, such as checking the equipment in parks and using reins and harnesses with very young children to help keep them free from harm. The childminder has completed training, which helps her to understand her role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. However, she is not fully confident of the different categories of abuse and some of the associated indicators.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are motivated. They spend their time purposefully, increasing their concentration, language and imaginative skills. The childminder understands how children rapidly develop and learn throughout their early years, therefore, she is able to plan an interesting range of activities and play opportunities. The childminder constantly talks and listens to the children. For example during everyday routines, such as nappy changing and snack-times, the children are included in conversations. The childminder responds to young children's early sounds and gestures with interest. She smiles at the children, and encourages their confidence and ability to vocalise. The children enjoy the frequent repetition of familiar rhymes and songs. As a result the children's vocabulary is developed and they become confident communicators. The children receive lots of positive adult attention. The childminder joins in with the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's play and encourages them to recognise colours, count and increase their motor skills through building with bricks and manoeuvring small cars and trucks. The children are very happy and contented within the child-centred environment. The childminder is committed to providing children with an interesting curriculum that addresses their interests and developmental needs. The children are motivated and they benefit greatly from the forward planning and non pressured environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder meets the individual needs of the children very well because she takes time to get to know them, and she works with parents to ensure that their daily routine remains consistent. The children have equal access to non-gender stereotyped toys, and as a result, they enjoy a broad balance of play provision. Similarly, the children are taught to value diversity. They participate in activities that increase their knowledge and understanding of different religious and cultural festivals; including Diwali and the Chinese New Year.

p.4

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 There are warm and affectionate relationships between the children and the childminder, as a result, they behave very well. Praise and encouragement are used frequently by the childminder and positive behaviour management strategies, such as distraction and explanations, are used effectively to deal with disruptive or challenging behaviour. The childminder maintains an efficient and supportive partnership with children's parents. She ensures that parents are well informed of their children's daily achievements. Very good levels of communication are in evidence. Parents are provided with an informative range of policies and procedures that underpin the childminding service. As a result, professional relationships are developed and maintained.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are well cared for and feel secure because the childminder organises her home and her time successfully to meet their individual requirements. She plans her day very carefully to ensure that the children enjoy outings and home-based play activities. The childminder manages the different age ranges of children well. She competently ensures that the needs of the babies and toddlers are met, while the older children are happily occupied. The childminder has completed a number of appropriate childcare training courses which lead to her developing practices, which have a positive effect on the care that she provides to the children. She demonstrates a very keen interest in meeting children's varied developmental needs. She effectively uses government publications, such as Birth to three matters and the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. As a result, she is well prepared to plan and address children's

p.5

Organisation

individual developmental needs. The childminder accurately evaluates the activities that she provides and records children's progress. Children's development records are freely accessible to their parents. There are effective procedures in place for the safe and effective management of the childminding provision. For example, policies and procedures are comprehensive, accessible and very well organised. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

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

p.5

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 see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • increase knowledge and understanding of the indicators and categories of child abuse and neglect.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6