Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY240000 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Patricia King

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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 works with a co-childminder at that persons home in Chaddestone near Derby. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The co-childminders are registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently have five children on roll. The family at the registered premises have three cats and a hamster.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables daily to be healthy and grow strong. Their daily dietary needs, personal choice and preferences are established with parents and the childminder plans nutritious meals including fresh fruit and vegetables to provide a balanced diet. Meals are taken together seated at the table to encourage good eating and social exchange. Children are developing understanding of their personal care and respond positively to the childminder's explanations of how washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet or handling animals prevents the spread of germs and infection. They frequently put their hands in front of their mouths when coughing and sneezing and respond well when reminded by the childminder that this stops germs spreading to others. Children are well protected from health risks because the childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

good systems in place to handle food, promote good hygiene and guard children from the dangers of exposure to the sun's rays. For example, children have their own washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious. Their health and welfare are promoted by the clear systems and records kept to take appropriate action in the event of an accident, seek emergency attention and to administer any necessary medication. Children enjoy daily outside play in the fully enclosed garden and confidently use a wide range of physical play equipment such as a climbing frame, a small trampoline, bikes and cars. They are also taken to the local park and places of interest to ensure that they have opportunities run around and participate in active play. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and as agreed with their parents. Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of the 'Birth to three

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Helping children to be healthy

matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to become healthy individuals, such as talking about healthy eating and personal hygiene.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure, stimulating, comfortable home where most risks are identified and made safe. This means that they move around freely and confidently making good use of the areas used for childminding. However, the side rails to the staircase present a danger to young children accessing the first floor. Children independently select activities from a broad range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, that are stored within easy reach. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, they respond well to simple rules about not running and climbing in the home. They proudly explain what they have done to behave safely, for example, a child proudly explained how he climbed the steps safely and showed the others how to do it. They are learning to keep safe

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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 outside the home by practising stop, look and listen to cross roads with safety. This means that children develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children's safety and welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children are kept safe when travelling as the childminder has established good systems to use appropriate safety equipment and has documentation to establish the suitability of her transport. The childminder ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults. Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of the 'Birth to three

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to keep safe in daily activities and routines, such as when out walking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A substantial range of toys and play resources is readily accessible to children. Careful planning provides them with interesting opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their learning. Children use their imagination well, for example, they enthusiastically display the models and paintings they make out of the excellent range of creative materials provided. Children's overall development is considerably enhanced because of the childminders committed approach. They develop good social interaction and have warm relationships with each other and the childminder's family. For example they eagerly talk about the arrival of other children and what they will be doing during the day. Children's interest and curiosity are captured creatively to promote their learning and develop their self-esteem. For example, daily routines and spontaneous events such as a recent snowy day are used as fun opportunities to learn through their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three benefit significantly from the childminder's informed and creative use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer interesting and stimulating learning opportunities appropriate for their care and development. All children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals and respond positively to the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works effectively to promote their understanding. Children's care and welfare is discussed and agreed with the parents, establishing a close working partnership to keep them fully informed and included in the care of their children. For example, she has daily discussions about

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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 the children's routines, such as food and drink intake. This means that the children's individual needs are carefully considered, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident with the childminder. She shows good understanding of how to manage the situation positively when recognising health or special needs of minded child. Children's behaviour is good. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. Children listen well to the childminder and respond positively to her consistent use of praise and encouragement. Children show care and concern for each other, for example, they help each other dress for outside play and support younger children to join activities and games at their individual level

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. This means they have confidence to make choices, express their needs and make good progress in their overall development. Arrangements successfully promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised imaginatively and interesting activities provide children with stimulating and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children's welfare and safety is positively promoted by the comprehensive set of polices, guidelines and information accessible to parents. The childminder ensures that documents and records necessary for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. All adults in the household have been cleared and the children are well protected from visitors by the childminder's secure systems and procedures. Parents are kept

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Organisation

informed and included in the care of their children by daily discussion which means they can contribute to their child's continued development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a childminder registration course and ensure that the names of the persons caring for the children is recorded within the attendance register. The care and welfare of the children is supported by the training the childminder has attended and because daily records are maintained accurately and up to date.

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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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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

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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): • take positive steps to promote safety within the setting by with regards to the gaps between the uprights enclosing the side of the staircase.

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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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