Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 205852 Inspection date 29 July 2005 Inspector Jean Otter

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?

Ann Brocklehurst has been a childminder since 1973. She lives with her husband. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children on local outings for example to the park and shops. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 The family has two cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have a good understanding of the importance of a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents' and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet dietary needs. Children experience good routines which meet individual needs for active play and rest. They go out for walks most days and good use is made of the garden, ensuring children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. Music and movement and large apparatus used indoors further encourages children's physical development. The setting is very clean and hygienic, children have access to toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair keeping them safe and healthy. The clear policy regarding children who are ill helps to protect others from illness and infection. Effective procedures implemented by the childminder helps children to understand

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

when and why they need to wash their hands. Procedures are also in place for accidents and medication, further safeguarding the children's well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained home, which provides a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment. Good supervision and effective security measures encourages children to be independent and protects them from harm. In most instances the childminder has good awareness of potential hazards within the home and can demonstrate how these are reduced to ensure children's safety, however, sharp implements in the kitchen are not stored appropriately and are accessible to children which could compromise their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder discusses issues such as road safety with them. The childminder is secure in her understanding of child protection and as a consequence children's welfare is safeguarded, however, there is no system in place to record significant injuries to children which occur when they are not in the care of the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. The childminder and assistants are involved with the children constantly, supporting them with their play,

p.3

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 learning and development and as a consequence children are learning new skills and are achieving well. Children are praised and encouraged which helps to build their self-confidence and independence. Children's work is valued and displayed. The varied range of activities indoors and outdoors helps children to develop their curiosity as learners. The provision of imaginative and creative play, using a wide range of interesting supplementary resources is particularly good and maintains the children's interest well. Children's interest in the wider world is developed by regular local outings. Resources are displayed where children can see them, they play an active part in choosing which activities they play with and are encouraged to tidy away which promotes responsibility and decision making. The childminder and assistants are

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good role models in teaching the children to be kind and respectful to other people and animals.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The needs of younger children are met well, the childminder has a good awareness of developmental stages and babies benefit from routines which are consistent with their experience at home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They learn social skills at the setting and enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children. Children's individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Clear and consistent behaviour management methods implemented by the childminder helps children develop their understanding of what is right and wrong and they respond well to the boundaries set. Children have high levels of self-esteem, enjoying the constant praise given to them as they try to achieve different tasks. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world, a selection of toys and books reflect multi-cultural life, and the childminder and assistants talk to the children about everyday subjects, other countries and people.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents work well together to meet the individual needs of the child. Home books are completed for younger children detailing how their needs are met during the day. Informal discussions take place at each session with parents of older children to share important information about their needs and interests.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children and helps to promote their independence. Children's

p.4

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 routines are well organised to meet their individual and group needs and as a consequence they feel secure and at home in the setting. The childminder and assistants have a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare and they work well together to consistently extend children's play and learning. Most required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Children's records, including information from parents to meet children's needs are maintained. The childminder and assistants are trained in first aid. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her documentation which further safeguards the health, safety and well-being of the children. All records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises. A written agreement with parents is now in place that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child and the business arrangements. Signed parental consent forms are obtained as required and systems are in place to record accidents and incidents. Consequently, this improves the parents understanding of the childminding practices and respects their wishes, however, there is no system in place to record significant injuries which occur when children are not in the care of the childminder. Resources are in place that further improves hygiene practices in the setting and minimises the spread of infection. The use of space and resource materials has improved ensuring children's needs are met appropriately.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Fire safety precautions are in place, children are aware of emergency evacuation procedures and they are practised annually. Children's safety is further safeguarded as electric sockets are fitted with covers.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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):

p.5

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 • Ensure sharp implements in the kitchen are stored safely and children do not have access to them. • Keep a written record of significant injuries which occur when children are not in your care.

p.5

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