Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 260445 Inspection date 15 September 2005 Inspector Angela Hufton

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and 3 children in a semi-detached property in a village location, in North Nottinghamshire. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, with toilet and sleep facilities in this area. There is a garden area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children under 8. Currently there are 2 children on roll, attending on a part-time basis, including children over 8. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and uses the local facilities, parks and toddler groups.

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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 cared for in a clean home where they learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routine. From a young age children begin to gain an understanding of simple safe-care practices including flushing the toilet and washing their hands. Their risk of cross-infection is effectively reduced because the childminder shares her written 'sick child' policy with parents. Children have access to individual towels to ensure all possible risks are minimised. They receive good levels of care in the event of illness or accidents; effective procedures are in place and the childminder take steps to maintain a first aid certificate and first aid box. Children enjoy regular access to outdoor play to be active and develop an understanding of exercise for their health. They have fun in the garden including playing on the swing and with sand. These contribute to improving their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

skills. Children benefit from nutritious snacks and meals. They have their dietary needs met because the childminder works closely with parents to provide healthy meals, taking good account of children's preferences. For example providing vegetables, like corn on the cob, that they enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is secure, clean, warm and very welcoming. Their art work is displayed around the home, with toys suitably organised to be inviting to all. Children are able to access a good range of stimulating and attractive toys and resources for their needs. They use safe and clean resources because of the childminder's continued attention to cleaning and regular maintenance checks of toys and equipment. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised through suitable precautions, procedures and the childminder's understanding of the need to promote safety. Clear fire precautions are in place, the evacuation plan is displayed for children, ensuring they are familiar with procedures in the event of a fire. Children learn to keep themselves safe, they understand about walking sensibly to and from school and using toys carefully near the baby. They are kept safe when travelling in the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder's car because all required permissions and procedures are in place. Children's welfare is safeguarded in the event of child protection concerns. The childminder has a good working knowledge of local procedures and current guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have consistent routines enabling them to feel secure and be well cared for. They settle well at the childminder's home promoted by her warm and encouraging

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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 relationship with them. Children make very good progress overall across all areas of learning and their individual needs are met. They have easy access to stimulating resources and activities to extend their play and choose resources independently. Children experience activities that enable them to develop language and communication skills. For example, meal times are very social occasions and children talk freely about what they have enjoyed and plan for what they would like to do next. Children learn to count through everyday routines like setting the table. All children spend their time purposefully. They have fun dressing up, help to make birthday cakes and work well with other children of differing ages. Their overall development is catered for through a range of suitably planned activities, including

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

outdoor play and trips to toddlers for social play. The childminder is aware of materials such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not yet make use of this when planning activities for younger children. Each child's progress is effectively shared with parents through daily discussion and written diaries for babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have suitable opportunities to learn about the wider world and increase their understanding of others. For example, they read books, play with dressing up clothes and learn about common cultural events such as Diwali. Individual opinions are valued and children are respected. Their needs are met well; the childminder has an understanding of special needs enabling children to be suitably included in the setting. Children show care and concern for others and play happily together, such as when older children include young children in their activities. Children are well behaved, they play harmoniously with others and learn about right and wrong. They use good manners, effectively promoted by the childminder through praise and acknowledgement. Children have consistent boundaries and understand the need to share through gentle reminders, such as when taking turns with toy farm

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Helping children make a positive contribution

animals. They benefit from a positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. Some written information and daily exchanges, keeps parents suitably informed about most aspects of the provision and the activities their children are involved in.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have high levels of support and supervision appropriate for their age and stage of development, enabling them to feel secure and confident in the setting. They are well cared for because suitable use is made of space and the home is well organised for children to have free movement and play independently. Children are effectively protected from people who have not been vetted. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to on-going training to improve the service offered to children. Their welfare is promoted through all the required

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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 documentation and records being in place, well organised and used effectively. Children's continued welfare is promoted because significant changes to the provision are notified to the regulator to ensure conditions of registration are complied with. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder received two recommendations to improve the provision. She has extended the range of resources and activities to promote children's understanding of diversity and she has developed her knowledge of child protection issues and current guidance enabling her to promote the welfare of the children. Two actions were also given. The childminder agreed to ensure all toys and equipment are safe and regularly maintained. Suitable procedures are now in place with all toys and equipment in good condition, promoting the safety of the children. She also agreed to take positive steps to promote safety in the home and garden. All hazards have now been identified and effectively dealt with to minimise the risk to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted received a complaint about the safety of the swimming pool and the supervision of children when playing in the garden. This related to National Standard 6 - Safety. Ofsted conducted an inspection and the childminder was given one action to comply with. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • continue to develop planning and activities to meet each child's individual needs and promote their understanding of others, utilising resources such as 'Birth to three matters' framework

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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 • continue to develop policies, procedures and record keeping to keep parents fully informed about the provision and the activities their child is involved in.

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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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