Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY302770 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Susan Riley Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 four children, in a suburb of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy and are protected from infection because the childminder follows sound hygiene procedures around her home and with the children. They are starting to understand simple appropriate health and hygiene practices and are learning about healthy living. Children are suitably cared for when they have an accident or are ill as the childminder has a suitable knowledge of first aid. They enjoy physical activities and have daily opportunities to be in the fresh air as they walk to and from school. Suitable regard is given to the routine of the day so that young children have opportunities to be active and to rest and play quietly according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of healthy eating. They have access to regular drinks which they can help themselves too. For example, their own beakers of juice are readily available. Which in turn encourages their independence. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of children's dietary needs and preferences, which ensures that their wellbeing is maintained.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder ensures that toys are set up for the children as they arrive to make it welcoming for them. This allows the children to settle easily. The home is clean and adequately heated and ventilated. Children have sufficient space to play freely and to be active. The outdoor space is fully secure and safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are easily able to select resources that interest them from the adequate range of toys provided. They are kept safe because the childminder has suitable systems for cleaning and checking the toys and equipment to ensure they are safe for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe because the childminder takes clear steps to minimise hazards. For example, all safety equipment is in place and all exits are kept secure at all time. The children benefit from the good supervision by the childminder who watches them as they play and keeps them within sight and hearing at all times. Children are kept safe when on outings as the childminder carries all appropriate information in case this is needed. They are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They interact easily with her and are made to feel welcome and part of the family. Young children gain comfort from being close to the

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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 childminder, who in turn is affectionate and interacts warmly with them fostering the sense of self-worth that this gives.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from routines established by the childminder so that their day has a structure, with snack and meal times and periods in the home as well as out and about. This helps young children feel secure. The children enjoy a suitable range of activities that aids their development. For example, when looking at books together the childminder encourages the children to learn about colours and counting. Children's social skills are fostered by the childminder who acts as a good role model as she interacts with them so that young children understand what is expected of them. They also visit the local toddler groups which helps them to socialise with their peers. The childminder has limited knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. For the younger children this does inhibit their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a sense of belonging; they clearly are at home and comfortable in the childminder’s house. For example, they know where to find toys, follow the routines and are aware of what is expected of them. The childminder is aware to value all children as individuals and work with parents to ensure children’s needs are fully met within their daily routine. Children benefit from this consistent approach between the childminder and parent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are clear on what is expected of them. They make their own choices as they have the opportunity to play freely. Suitable arrangements exist for exchanging verbal information regularly between the childminder and the parent so that parents have an awareness of what their children have been doing during the day. The childminder has a detailed welcome pack that is given to all parents, this ensures parents are fully informed of the childminder's practice. However, the childminder is not aware of the recent changes regarding action to take if any concerns are raised or complaints made.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive sound adult support and settle quickly and contentedly in the homely environment that the childminder provides. Satisfactory use of space in the areas that children are cared for, ensures they can access their play and rest comfortably. The childminder is aware to keep ofsted informed of relevant matters. However, she is not displaying her certificate of registration to offer reassurance to parents. Children's welfare is adequately promoted by the procedures and records maintained by the childminder. She keeps all documents secure to maintain confidentiality. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 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): • raise knowledge and understanding of birth to matters three framework • raise knowledge and understanding of the current guidance, with reference to keeping a record of complaints • display certificate of registration.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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