Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252451 Unique Reference Number 08 June 2006 Inspection date Tina Garner 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 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children in a semi-detached house in Mapperley, close to the local amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with toilet and sleep facilities provided in this area. There is an enclosed rear garden which is available for outdoor play. The family has a rabbit and a tortoise as pets, these are both housed outside. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean child centred environment. Their good health is successfully supported through the use of effective hygiene practices and good daily routines. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

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 encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. This helps to prevent the spread of infection and promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children actively learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. Their dietary needs are appropriately met due to successful sharing of information with parents and the records which are kept. Children benefit from a varied diet which is planned in accordance with parental wishes and children's individual needs. Snacks are mainly healthy and include a range of fresh fruits daily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play, such as accessing the rear garden and walking to school or nearby activities. In addition, children have further opportunities to develop and practise their physical skills during trips to the local park. Overall, the childminder's knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment and written information ensures children receive good care and attention. However, the record of medication, which is administered to children, is not signed by parents. This potentially impacts on the childminder's ability to ensure children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Well planned use of space in the home and the good supervision of the childminder have effectively minimised the risks of accidental injury to children. This means that children move freely to access the variety of play materials in the main play area and sleep safely under the full supervision of the childminder. Space is organised so that it is child friendly. Toys are presented at the children's level and areas used offer plentiful floor space so that toddlers can explore them and move safely without risks of trips and falls. Good regard is given to risk assessing and adapting the environment as children grow and develop so that they have increasing independence. For example, a large rug is placed outside the patio doors to protect younger children from falls as they independently access the outdoor area. Children could be safely evacuated from the home in an emergency because there are suitable plans in place

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

which have been practised. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe, through the childminder's clear explanations of safe practices, such as, why they need to be careful when coming down garden steps. Children's welfare is safeguarded with regard to child protection. The childminder has attended relevant training and demonstrates a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's emotional well-being is effectively promoted through the positive relationships they are developing with the childminder and one another. They benefit from consistent routines which enables them to feel secure and well cared for.

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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 Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences which are suitable to their own needs and development. For example, very young children are provided with experiences which help them explore through their senses such as soft toys, rattles and activity centres. Children's early attempts at communication are rewarded which increases their confidence and encourages them to extend their range and increase their skills. Older children enjoy a wide range of arts and craft activities such as cooking, painting and making pictures out of collage materials. The childminder uses relevant guidance, such as 'Birth to three matters', to develop her practice and ensure that young children's needs are effectively met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also benefit from a good range of experiences away from the home. Such as, attending the local parent and toddler group, meeting up with other local childminders and the children they care for and make trips to local places of interest such as parks, farms and zoos.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met through the daily routine. A range of relevant information is collated, to ensure suitable activities and meals are provided in accordance with the differing needs of children. Play resources, such as dolls and books, reflect positive images and help to promote children's awareness of diversity within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies which are appropriate to the differing ages and stages of development of the child. Children are beginning to develop a sense of what is expected of them through daily routines and appropriate gentle guidance from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's general well-being is effectively promoted through the forming of good partnerships with parents. Carers' views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought and followed well in practice. Children gain from daily ongoing information being shared between the childminder and parents, promoting continuity of care. Written information on the childminder's business arrangements and care practices is readily available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from premises which are well organised to allow them freedom of movement and access to resources. Indoor and outdoor space is well laid out and utilised effectively to maximise space and play opportunities for children.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is safeguarded due to relevant documentation being successfully maintained and stored securely. A good range of written policies have been devised; these offer parents useful advice regarding the childminder's practices and procedures.

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Organisation

The quality of care which is offered to children is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement and development. She has attended additional training to enable her to further develop the care she offers, and service she provides. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was requested to make available to parents, more detailed information to follow if they have a complaint. The childminder has devised a brief written complaints procedure which is shared with parents and ensures Ofsted's contact details are displayed. This further improves the welfare of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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

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 the parent signs all written records which are kept of medicines administered to children to acknowledge the entry.

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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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