Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316980 Inspection date 08 March 2006 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and sons aged 11 and 2 years in a house in Dinnington, a large village in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises, plus toilet facilities on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently has five children under 8 years on roll. The childminder walks to and from the local school to collect 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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 hygiene procedures which are part of their daily routine. They are encouraged to take care of their own personal hygiene, such as the disposing of tissues and wipes appropriately, covering their mouth when they cough and the washing of hands before and after eating. 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 contributes to their good health. They access a good range of outdoor play equipment freely whenever the weather permits. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs and enjoy regular access to the local park and daily walks to school. The childminder has a good attitude towards physical exercise and recognises the importance of fresh air and exercise. Therefore, children are beginning to develop their physical skills in a

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Helping children to be healthy

positive manner. A healthy and nutritious range of snacks and meals are provided. Clear records show dietary requirements, children's and parents' preferences are catered for well. The childminder encourages children to discuss options so that they do have choices, for example, whether they want water, juice or milk to drink. They are encouraged to try new foods, like the melon and pineapple offered at snack time. 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 satisfactory. Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around designated play areas independently. Potential hazards are effectively addressed in order to maintain a secure environment. For example, the use of a fire guard, safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms means children can move around freely and safely. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited and the emergency evacuation procedure is not practised with the children. The childminder talks to the children about safety issues and supervises them appropriately. For example, children understand the consequences of climbing on furniture or running around inside. This results in children developing some awareness for their own safety. They enjoy a good balance between the freedom to explore and the childminder's setting of safe limits. Good quality resources are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are very carefully monitored to make sure that they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 are adequately protected as the childminder has a reasonable understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of the Area Child Protection Procedures and recognises some potential indicators of abuse. This ensures that the safety of children in her care is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access an interesting range of activities and experiences. Activities provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to the age and stage of children's development and are what they are interested in. For example, the range of equipment is linked to the individual needs and interests of children attending. Therefore, children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. Children's curiosity is stimulated and they are motivated to play and learn as they independently self-select from the activities and resources available. There is a good balance between supervised activities, like the play dough and drawing materials and allowing children to use their own initiative and make choices for themselves. Children move around freely playing with jungle animals, the kitchen, the road and cars, jigsaws, making pictures using chalks and playing with play dough. The way

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

equipment is made available allows them to be independent and move freely from one activity to another. This results in children being involved and interested in their own play. Children share a very warm and caring relationship with the childminder, which ensures that they feel happy, settled and secure. They relate very well to the childminder and they enjoy each others company. Children are given a good level of support and encouragement, which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They are learning appropriate social skills and enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children. For example, they interact together well, show respect and kindness for each other and have the ability to share and take turns. This results in them being able to build meaningful relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content and are showing a strong sense of belonging. They are familiar with daily routines and have formed good relationships with each other, the childminder and her family. 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. This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure. Children are provided with an adequate range of resources that are not gender biased. However, there is only a limited range of equipment and activities provided to help children to learn about the wider world around them through their play.

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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 A clear approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. They learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. They are given clear instruction and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. For example, children follow simple house rules like, not accessing the stairs alone. They are given clear explanations when they are asked to conform, or in the case of younger children, distraction techniques are used effectively. Partnerships with parents and carers are good. This contributes to the children's overall wellbeing. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up to date about their child's care and helps to ensure children's individual needs are continually met. Children are clearly benefiting from the positive partnership and are

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease in the well organised environment. This means children are confident, relaxed and enjoy their time with the childminder. There are effective routines in place that are successfully implemented to ensure children remain happy and settled. The majority of regulatory documentation is in place, up to date and well presented. However, the childminder has no system in place for the recording of complaints. The childminder is committed to improving her practice though a programme of relevant training. For example, she has attended managing children's behaviour, basic food hygiene and Birth to three matters training. Children's experiences are enhanced as the childminder uses training opportunities to improve the standard of care on offer. Required adult-child ratios are met; this provides appropriate levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall,

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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 quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 emergency evacuation procedures are practised and the fire blanket is appropriately sited • ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • develop a system for recording complaints

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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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