Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 254709 Inspection date 22 March 2006 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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 registered in 1992. She is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years. She lives with her husband in a semi-detached house in Hempshill Vale, near Bulwell, Nottingham. There are currently 4 children under 8 on roll. Children over 8 also attend after school. The areas of the house used for childminding are; the living room, dining area, conservatory and kitchen on the ground floor, bathroom facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a securely enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog and guinea pig. The childminder holds a child care qualification and attends local groups with the minded 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the house is clean and good hygiene routines are followed. Children learn about keeping healthy through discussions with the childminder, for example, they understand to wash their hands after caring for the pet guinea pig, using the toilet and before having lunch. Children are well nourished; good systems are in place to ensure they are fed according to their likes and dislikes. The childminder works closely with any parents who choose to provide their own meals. Meals and snacks provided by the childminder generally promote a healthy balanced diet. Snacks between meals include fresh fruit and raw vegetables, young children talk about the benefit of these; 'carrots helping you to see in the dark'. Children are not always actively encouraged to make healthy drink choices, although water is available. Children are well cared for if they have minor accidents or become unwell. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder holds a relevant first aid qualification. There are clear systems in place for recording relevant medical details. Records relating to accidents and medications are comprehensively completed and shared with the parents ensuring continuity in children's care and promoting good working relationships. A sick children policy is shared with parents ensuring all work together to reduce the potential risk of cross infection. Children benefit from the exercise and fresh air gained through the regular walks at school collection times or when taking the family's, friendly pet dog for a walk. Younger children develop their physical skills when visiting local physical play sessions and through using resources, such as, bikes, balls and a slide in the childminder's garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. Space is organised effectively to ensure all can play, eat and sleep according to their own needs and in comfortable surroundings. Younger children sleep in peace while older ones are able to continue to play either at the dining table or in the conservatory. Children are relaxed and settled in the child friendly environment. They freely and independently choose from toys easily reached in the conservatory, and make use of space in the lounge and dining area. Additional toys are set up in the garden to offer wider play opportunities. The good organisation of toys promotes children's enjoyment and self esteem as they choose what they want to play with. Toys and resources are safe, clean and suitable for the varying ages accessing them. Children remain safe as they are closely supervised by the childminder. They learn about safety when talking

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about road safety on the walks home from nursery and school and through practising fire drills with the childminder. Children show their awareness of using toys and equipment safely. They talk with the childminder about keeping some resources on the table out of reach of younger ones when they attend. Children's welfare is safe-guarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection

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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 procedures. She has extended her knowledge in this area through accessing a training course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a good variety of activities to keep them active and occupied. They learn through play as they freely explore, for example, a child develops his thinking and physical skills as he manipulates small construction bricks to build a model he copies from a picture. His self-esteem and sense of achievement is fostered as the childminder offers support and encouraging words as the activity is challenging. Children choose their activities and the childminder also offers suggestions and plans some additional activities to extend children's enjoyment. Children use their own creative ideas when creating a collage model as a gift for mother's day. They select from a good range of resources and develop investigation skills as they explore ways of getting the different materials to stick together. The childminder has a good understanding of what children can learn through the play activities, but, does not

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

always use her knowledge to plan activities to help children build on what they can already do. She is at an early stage of using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to guide her practice for younger children. Younger children's individual needs are met as the childminder organises her time to ensure they receive high levels of adult interaction. A good variety of stimulating toys are provided for the younger age range. The younger children develop their social skills and benefit as they play with and observe the older ones. In addition they visit local toddler groups and play sessions to widen their experiences and further develop social skills when interacting with others of similar ages. Older children have good opportunities to relax, play quietly or be active after a busy day at school. During the school holidays trips out with the childminder offer a wider range of enjoyable experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident in the setting enabling them to voice their needs, for example, children ask for their snack of fruit or for additional toys to play with. The childminder swiftly and appropriately caters for their requests. Children become aware of their local community as they visit local places of interest such as parks, water ways and shops. They celebrate special days and events, for example, at Halloween children enjoy dressing up and baking tasty treats. They celebrate each other's birthdays, which enables each child to feel special and part of the group. Some activities are planned for children to explore the beliefs and customs of others, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. Toys reflect positive images and support children in positively exploring similarities and differences between them. Children behave well in response to the childminder's appropriate handling. They are polite and respectful in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

her care. All children are treated equally and are involved in the range of activities. The Childminder has a sound understanding of systems to support children with special needs, but has limited practical experience in this area at present.

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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 Good relationships with the parents are evident. Children's records are kept up to date ensuring children are cared for according to their individual needs and in line with parents' wishes. The childminder has developed good systems for ensuring parents are fully aware of her practices. She provides copies of written policies and procedures for them, enabling them to make informed choices about their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of good childcare practices. She uses the knowledge gained through her childcare qualification to provide a professional service for parents and children. Children receive good quality interaction and support from the childminder, she organises her time well to ensure that during the day younger children have the attention and resources they require. After school older children are able to make choices in play and relax after the busy and more structured environment. The effective organisation of routines offers children a balance of activities both in and out of the home. Space is utilised well to allow children to access toys and activities of their choice. Children's health, safety and well-being is promoted as appropriate adult to child ratios are maintained. Children remain safe as household members are appropriately vetted.

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Organisation

Children's individual needs are catered for as clear communication systems ensure the childminder has a sound knowledge of each child's requirements. All records required for the safe and efficient running of the business are in place, shared with parents as required and stored in an organised and confidential manner. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to devise and practise an emergency escape plan. The childminder has addressed this well. She has developed a written plan which is displayed for parents and children. The evacuation plan is practised whilst children are present, ensuring all can evacuate in an emergency, thus improving safety in the setting for children.

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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

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 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): • plan a further range of activities to help children to build on what they can already do, including, increasing the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning for children under three.

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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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