Blackmore, Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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254702 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2006 Inspection date Janice Broddle 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and her adult and teenage children, in the Sneinton area of Nottingham. Minded children have access to all areas of the ground floor and to the toilet and bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two pet cats.

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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 five children, four of whom are aged under eight years, of whom two are under five years. All children, except one aged under five years, attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has a vehicle available for her use and transports children to and from local schools. She attends the local parent and toddler groups, SureStart activities and is a member of the local childminding group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has been approved as a ‘Children Come 1st Network’ childminder and is a member of the Nottingham City Childminding Network.

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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 and warm home. The childminder’s high standards of cleanliness and clear procedures regarding sick children help to minimise the risk of cross-infection. This is supported as children are beginning to learn basic personal hygiene practices. They wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet as part of daily routines. The childminder has considered procedures in the event of an accident or emergency, and has mainly effective systems in place, such as written parental consent for urgent medical treatment. However, although there is a first aid box, it does not contain a list of contents which could compromise children’s health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The childminder provides freshly prepared meals and snacks that include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drinks are freely available. She works in partnership with parents, providing meals in line with their wishes and children’s dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that help to promote their physical development. They regularly access the garden were they play on bicycles, scooters and sit-on rides and practise pedalling and balancing skills. They also regularly visit the local park where slides and climbing equipment present climbing challenges. Children continue to have opportunities to engage in physical activities in poorer weather during their time at toddler sessions where there are bicycles and slides, and they also visit a near-by indoor soft play area that presents a varying range of physical challenges.

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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 warm and well maintained environment. The childminder organises her space effectively to allow children to comfortably rest, have their meals and to explore their toys and play materials, allowing older children to safely play with equipment that could pose a hazard to younger ones. Children use good quality toys and equipment that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder has efficient systems in place to ensure that these remain in good, clean condition so that they do not pose a risk to children. Storage facilities allow children to access them safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from the risk of accidents as the childminder supervises them closely and has identified and taken appropriate action to minimise potential hazards. For example, dangerous substances and equipment are stored in high cupboards out of children’s reach and gas and electric equipment is routinely serviced. Children remain safe when outside of the home environment as the childminder makes appropriate use of safety equipment such as wrist straps and car booster seats. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe through discussion and safe practices such as crossing the road and practising the emergency evacuation procedure. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to care for children in the event of an emergency and parents are aware of these.

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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 Children are well protected as the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and has attended recent training to reinforce her knowledge. She has a written procedure, which she shares with parents so that they are also clear of her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad and varied range of activities where they learn through play. The childminder organises her time well, providing a good balance of indoor activities, and time outside of the home. Within the home children access a variety of toys and play materials. They happily move around their identified play areas and begin to develop their independence as they freely select their toys. They show good concentration skills as they then sit and play with their selections for long periods. The childminder actively supports children’s growing independence as she encourages them to attempt tasks themselves, supporting as necessary to assist them in completing the task successfully. Weekly visits to mother and toddler groups, SureStart activities and the childminding support group introduce children to large group play and support their developing social skills. Visits to indoor play areas, the library and local parks

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enhance this and help to build children’s confidence and independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder, they engage in ongoing conversation and confidently express their needs and wishes, for example regarding the lunch they would like and requesting assistance to complete tasks. The childminder demonstrates appropriate physical affection and children enjoy stories whilst sitting on her knee and cuddles as they begin to tire. The childminder has a good understanding of children’s individual needs and ensures that they are able to eat and rest in line with home routines. She is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework although does not yet use this to plan and evaluate young children's progress in order to identify the next steps in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Information gathered from parents prior to children’s attendance enables the childminder to meet children’s individual needs and care for them in line with routines at home. Children learn about the local community through their daily visits to local groups and facilities. They begin to learn about the wider world as they access a good range of resources that reflect positive images and socialise with children within the local multi-cultural community. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully included in her setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder has clear rules in place which she gently but firmly reinforces so children understand what is acceptable and what is not. Children play well, showing respect for their play materials and the environment. The childminder supports this through her high levels of attention and positive interaction. Her use of praise to reinforce good behaviour, contributes towards developing children’s self-esteem.

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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 Parents receive a good range of written and verbal information, keeping them well informed about the childminder’s practices. The childminder has good systems in place to exchange ongoing information with parents both verbally and in writing. These help to promote consistency and continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder evidences a strong commitment to developing the quality of her child care provision. She has attended several courses to extend her skills and knowledge and is working towards a quality assurance scheme. She has all the required documents in place in order to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. These are appropriately shared with parents promoting close working relationships and continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

Children are able to comfortably eat, rest and engage in play activities due to the childminder’s effective organisation of space and resources. Toys and play materials are stored in low level units so children access these independently and make choices through daily routines. The childminder organises her time well, ensuring children spend a good balance of time indoors and outside of the home. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to one recommendation, to obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. This is now in place which contributes to children’s safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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):

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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 • ensure that first aid box includes a list of contents so that they may be checked effectively • improve activities for younger children in line with practice set out in the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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