Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321247 Inspection date 25 August 2006 Inspector Gill Ogden

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and children, aged 13, eight and six years, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder uses her car to transport children to local schools. She visits local amenities such as shops, parks, toddler groups and the library. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She 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 good. Children are cared for in a home where a high standard of cleanliness is maintained and they are encouraged to develop good personal hygiene habits. They are learning about why and when they need to wash their hands, such as after using the toilet and before eating, and the childminder is persistent in reminding them about this. Consistent procedures for changing babies' nappies also contribute to creating an environment where opportunities for cross-infection are minimised. The childminder is clear with parents about the detrimental effects on others if children with contagious illnesses are looked after. Regular opportunities for children to get plenty of fresh air and exercise further contribute to their good health. They visit the park and enjoy learning to ride their bicycles as well as taking part in sports activities and going for daily walks. Indoor space allows children to enjoy physical exercise at any

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Helping children to be healthy

time. Babies are able to sleep according to their parents wishes, mostly in the safety and comfort of a cot. They are encouraged well to develop their strength by, for example, being supported to sit, stand and move around. Written diaries that the childminder uses for babies contribute very effectively to ensuring their good health. Children are provided with plenty of drinks throughout the day, especially water. The childminder provides a range of well-balanced meals for children which include fresh vegetables and fruit. Baby food and bottles of formula provided by parents are stored safely and prepared accordingly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after by a childminder who has a thorough understanding of safety issues and is conscientious about maintaining a safe environment for them. Risk assessments are carried out on an ongoing basis according to activities and the needs of children being cared for at the time. All the necessary safety equipment is in place or easily available and is checked regularly for its efficiency. Toys and play equipment that the children use are monitored for their suitability and safety. Children practise emergency evacuation procedures so they know what to do in the event of a fire. They learn about road safety when they are out and about in the community and everyday conversations during activities offer opportunities for discussions about keeping safe generally. Any minor accident a child may have can be dealt with well because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and maintains a suitably

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipped first aid box. Children are further safeguarded because the childminder has up-to-date knowledge of current child protection procedures having recently attended training. She ensures that parents are aware of her responsibilities in this area when they first take up a place and so has no concerns about dealing with any incidents that may arise.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home as a result of the effort she puts in to make sure she can meet their individual needs and the very good relationships they have with her family. They enjoy a wide range of activities that meet their developmental, learning and leisure needs. For example, school age children are able to relax after school but enjoy more adventurous activities in the holidays. They go out for bicycle rides and on bus trips to places such as the zoo. They learn to work together as a group when playing games and sharing out resources for craft activities. Children use their imaginations by developing their own games, such as a fishing game, and by painting and dressing up. They get the most out of activities because the childminder intervenes appropriately and is alert to any signs that they are becoming bored and need more stimulation. Children relate to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

each other as friends, joking and teasing happily. Babies develop well because the childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to reflect her practice. They respond to the childminder with smiles and begin to make sounds and respond to music and rhymes. They become increasingly aware of their environment and take an interest in toys, holding and exploring them. Daily trips to school and walks provide opportunities for them to become aware of the outside world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made welcome and their individual personalities and family backgrounds are respected. They spend lots of time out and about in the community and as a result become aware of their place in it and how to behave accordingly. They enjoy activities such as decorating Easter eggs and making greetings cards that help them reinforce their own cultural backgrounds. They also do things like drawing pictures of children from around the world that help them gain an understanding of the wider world. A variety of resources that depict all members of society are used by the children as part of their everyday play. Children behave well because the childminder is consistent in the approach she takes to calming them down when they become over-excited and they quickly respond to her prompting. Parents are very pleased with the care their children receive, commenting on how

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Helping children make a positive contribution

much their children enjoy being with the childminder and her family and what they have learnt. They praise the childminder's competence and reliability. Daily sharing of information ensures that good continuity of care is maintained for the children. However, not all verbal parental consents have been confirmed accurately in writing so children's welfare may be compromised.

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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 Children's care is significantly enhanced as a result of the childminder's organisation of herself and her premises. She is experienced in caring for children in both home and group settings and her commitment to providing a quality service is demonstrated partly by the interest she has in increasing and updating her knowledge and skills. The areas of her home where children spend most of their time have resources and toys set out where they can easily access them. Children can move freely and easily between the rooms and the garden according to their interests. The childminder is very keen to only care for the number of children whose individual needs she can guarantee to meet well. Records are maintained accurately and all documentation is stored appropriately for ease of access yet ensuring confidentiality. In this way they provide a secure

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Organisation

framework for the care of children. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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 parental consents are confirmed accurately in writing.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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