Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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254869 Unique Reference Number 30 June 2006 Inspection date Patricia King 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 1992. She lives with her husband, three children aged 11, 13 and 15 years and an adult child in the Wollaton area of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used 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 currently has four children under eight on roll. She takes children to the local school, pre-school and childminders' support group.

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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 enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle because they are learning about personal hygiene and self-care. For example, they wash their hands before eating and understand that putting their hands in front of their mouths when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of germs. They are well protected from health risks because the childminder has effective systems in place to promote good hygiene and safeguard children from the dangers of exposure to the sun. For example, children have their own washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the variety of nourishing meals offered by the childminder to meet the nutritional and dietary needs, personal choice and preferences agreed with their parents. They understand the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily and describe how this will help them to be healthy and grow strong. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks between meals including fresh fruit. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily outside play in the fully enclosed garden, weather permitting, where they use small physical play equipment such bikes and cars, play with balls and games. They are taken to the local park to ensure that they have opportunities to run around and participate in active play. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and as agreed with their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to become healthy individuals, for example by talking about healthy eating and personal hygiene.

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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 secure, stimulating, comfortable home where risks are identified and made safe. This means that children move around safely, freely and confidently making good use of the areas used for childminding. They independently select activities from a broad range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards, that are stored within easy reach. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, they respond well to simple rules about not running and climbing in the home and explain what they have done to behave safely. They show their regard for the different levels of understanding and capabilities of other children. For example, they describe keeping babies and young children safe by making sure that they cannot put small objects into their mouths. Safe behaviour is recognised and praised which means that children develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children eagerly talk

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about how they keep safe on outings and when out walking with childminder. For example, they describe holding hands, keeping close to the childminder, keeping to the side of the pavement away from the traffic and using stop, look and listen to cross the road with safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder

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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 ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children under three benefit from the childminder's informed use of 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer positive opportunities for children to learn how to keep safe in daily activities and routines, such as when out walking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A substantial range of toys and play resources is readily accessible to children. Careful planning provides them with interesting opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their learning. Children use their imagination well, for example, they enthusiastically made a transport system out of tracks, toy vehicles and construction materials. They chatted about what they were doing responding with pride to the childminders praise for their efforts. Everyday items are used imaginatively to create interesting learning opportunities, for example, the childminder has made up a treasure box of safe utensils for younger children to explore and play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play together harmoniously, take turns and share well. They confidently talk about themselves and their families and enjoy sharing news of their holidays and outings. They are very settled and comfortable in the childminder's care. She takes care to find out what they can do and plans effectively to ensure that they learn and develop well in her care which means that they have confidence and positive self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three benefit significantly from the childminder's informed and creative use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to offer interesting and stimulating learning opportunities appropriate for their care and development. All children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals and respond positively to the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's care and welfare is thoroughly discussed and agreed with the parents, establishing a close working partnership to keep them fully informed and included in the care of their children. For example, she completes a record of the children's daily routines such as food and drink intake. This means that the children's individual needs are carefully considered, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident with the childminder. She shows good understanding of how to manage the situation positively when recognising any health or special needs of minded child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave well, for example, the childminder has established sensible house rules, such as no jumping on the furniture which means they learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children listen intently to the childminder and respond positively to her consistent use of praise and encouragement which promotes a sharing and caring environment.

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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 Children are learning about the community in which they live, for example they enjoy regular outings to shops, libraries and local places of interest. However, they have limited opportunities to learn about the wider world with regard to different lifestyles and cultures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. This means they have confidence to make choices, express their needs and make good progress in their overall development. Arrangements generally promote children's, health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. However, the record of attendance has not been consistently kept up to date and proof of Public liability insurance was not available for inspection. Space and resources are organised well and a good range of activities provide children with interesting and appealing activities to broaden their overall development.

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Organisation

All adults in the household have been cleared and the children are well protected from visitors by the childminder's secure systems and procedures. Parents are kept informed and included in the care of their children by daily discussion and written records of their development which means they can contribute to their child's continued development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve documentation with regards to recording accidents and having a complaints procedure. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear systems to record any accidents and to deal with any complaints in accord with current requirements.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 • develop ways and extend activities to offer children positive opportunities to learn about the wider world with regard to different cultures and lifestyles • ensure that the daily record of attendance is accurate and up to date • make evidence of valid public liability insurance available for inspection.

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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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