Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318699 Inspection date 20 June 2006 Inspector Ros Church

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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 2006. She lives with her family in the Gedling area of Nottingham. Minded children have access to the ground floor, with toilet and sleep facilities available within this area, they also have access to the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a tortoise. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five part-time, and one child over five before school.

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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, and regularly attends childminding support groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-maintained and comfortable environment. They learn the importance of good hygiene through daily routines. For example, as part of the routine children wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and they begin to understand why this is important. The childminder shares her policy with parents regarding caring for sick children to ensure the risk of spreading infection is minimised. However, she has not obtained all written consents from parents to ensure she is able to meet all the individual needs of children in an emergency. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play within the garden where they enjoy playing with the sand, and joining in with ball games such as football, tennis and cricket. They explore the garden and play various games such as hide and seek

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Helping children to be healthy

where they hide objects. Children's individual dietary needs and requirements are met, the childminder works well with the parents and agrees individual diets and routines. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of eating healthily and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks which include fruit. They are offered regular drinks to ensure that they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means that young babies and toddlers who are crawling or learning to walk are able to move freely and safely as they play and explore. Children's art work is valued, it is displayed on the walls in the playroom which helps to make the environment attractive and helps children to have a sense of belonging. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment which are well-maintained and suitable for their interests and age range. Equipment is well-organised within the playroom which enables children to be independent and make choices within their play. Children's safety is a high priority and effectively maintained through the childminder's good knowledge and practice. Regular checks are made within the home to ensure that potential hazards are minimised whilst children are in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

For example, outer doors are secured and socket covers are in place. Children learn about safety through discussions and practical activities. For example, older children learn about safety during activities such as how to use scissors, and on outings how to cross roads. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures and knows

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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 what to do in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled within the childminder's care. They make positive and close relationships with the childminder who interacts well with them and becomes involved in their play. For example, a young child enjoys using her imagination she acts out various experiences such as going to the shops, the childminder enables her to do this by providing appropriate resources and actively taking part in the child's play. Children develop their creative and investigative skills through a good range of activities, such as painting, craft activities, making models out of junk materials, planting seeds and baking. Activities are planned around children's individual needs and routines. The childminder takes into account the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning for younger children to ensure that they experience a range of stimulating experiences. Children learn to share equipment and take turns when playing games with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder and one another, such as during a game of snakes and ladders, children learn to take their turn in play. The childminder extends their learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun. For example, the childminder encourages children's mathematical and language development as they count out and learn to recognise the numbers on the dice and game board. Children's confidence and self-esteem is developing well as the childminder provides encouragement as they take part in the activities, and gives praise for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs and respects them as individuals. She works well with the parents taking account of information supplied by them to ensure children's individual care needs are met. For example, she works well with parents to ensure consistency in toilet training and feeding routines. Parents show that they are happy with the childminder through positive references supplied by them. Various written information is available to parents, which ensures they are fully informed about the childcare practice. The childminder recognises the importance of careful liaison with parents to establish the care requirements for any child with identified special needs. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through walks and visits to the park, library and shops. They use a few resources and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities which help children to begin to appreciate some aspects of diversity in society, although this aspect of practice is not fully developed. Children behave well, they learn to play harmoniously together and to respect the needs of others. The childminder supports children's good behaviour through praise and encouragement, this helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's care. Space within the home is effectively organised to ensure children's individual needs and routines are met. Children choose activities freely and have space for active play, relaxation and sleep as needed. Children's safety and well-being are maintained, they are supervised at all times. Most records for the safe and efficient running of the setting are in place, these are kept confidential. However, not all written consents are in place. The childminder keeps up-to-date with all required training, such as first aid, enabling her to run her business safely and deal promptly with any accidents that occur when children are in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

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): • ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of placement to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • increase the resources available that reflect diversity to further develop young children's awareness of the wider world.

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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 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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