Childminder in RotherhamOfsted inspection, 24 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 302880 Inspection date 24 March 2006 Inspector Pauline Garfield

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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 1989. She works with her husband, who is also a childminder, from their home. The childminder lives with her husband and two teenage children in Wickersley in Rotherham. 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 is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children when working alone and a maximum of 12 children when working with her husband. The

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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 childminder is currently minding 7 children under 5 years old and 1 child over 5 years old on a part-time and full-time basis. The family have 2 cats, a rabbit and a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where the childminder helps them stay healthy. She uses her effective understanding of health and hygiene procedures to help children attend to their own personal care. For example, if young children have been playing in the garden she reminds them to wash their hands, makes the activity enjoyable and explains about germs. This together with regular cleaning routines contributes to protecting children from infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are encouraged to eat healthy snacks, for example, fruit, and they have access to drinks throughout the day. All snacks and meals comply with special dietary needs to ensure children remain healthy. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to good health. For example, they enjoy running and exploring the garden, playing football and bat and ball games.

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Helping children to be healthy

They enjoy visits to the local park on a regular basis where they can be physically active. This promotes their physical development and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children have a good understanding of safety, which is developed through discussions, for example, the childminder teaches road safety when taking children out. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has most required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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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 Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder and her co-childminder, who she works effectively alongside. Children play happily together and with adults, enjoying the use of resources such as a trains, books, bricks, dolls, crafts and outdoor equipment. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children, cooperating, taking turns and sharing. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and adapts activities appropriately according to the age and stage of development of the minded children. Children's activities include farm dominoes and jigsaws with the months of the year. Children stay for an extended length of time at the jigsaw activity, which contributes to children's developing concentration and intellectual capabilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children spend their time purposefully and are motivated and interested in a broad range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, which promote good levels of challenge. Children enjoy a range of planned and spontaneous events, such as outings to local parks. The children particularly enjoy building bricks to make bridges for the train to run under. This develops children's imagination and creativity. The childminder interacts appropriately to develop children's mathematical skills and they talk about the size of bridges and the height of bricks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make choices and decisions on what equipment to use from the meaningful range of activities and equipment provided by the childminder. They learn about the wider world through planned activities and routine outings to places of interest. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and develop self-esteem and respect for others as they consider their own needs and the needs of others. For example, they take into consideration other children's feelings when playing with equipment, take turns and share. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home; confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to toys which they independently access. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children enjoy imaginative activities and receive appropriate support where

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Helping children make a positive contribution

necessary. Children are praised, encouraged and respond well to spoken words and activities which promote their all round development and individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. The childminder manages her time well and works very efficiently with her co-childminder to ensure she gives children the attention and care they need to help them feel secure and content. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own

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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 play and learning. Most policies are in place and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, the written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not in place. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities and development. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last Inspection the documentation for administering medication has improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • seek written permission from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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:

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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 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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