Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294869 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 2004. She lives with her family in a residential area of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor of the home and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog. The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently cares for three children under eight years and two older children, on a part time basis. She works alongside her husband, who is a registered childminder at the same address. The childminder 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 stay healthy and have good opportunities to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines. They understand the importance of washing their hands before eating or after visiting the bathroom. Children's good health is further protected as they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where suitable steps are taken to minimise cross-infection. Suitable measures are in place to care for children if they become ill and effective steps are taken to ensure regular medication is given on time and in accordance with instructions from parents. Children begin to learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They enjoy a variety of meals that are home cooked using fresh ingredients. Their individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder liaises closely with parents to find out what children can eat and their preferences. In this way she makes sure that

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Helping children to be healthy

children eat foods that they enjoy whilst encouraging them to choose healthy options. Children learn first hand about different foods and their preparation as they frequently help with shopping for their snacks and take part in baking activities. Children have daily opportunities to be active outdoors in the fresh air. The childminder walks children to and from the local school and arranges daily outings to one of the three local parks. Children choose where they wish to play and have opportunities to climb, ride wheeled toys or to play ball games which all help to promote their physical development. Good use is made of the garden where children play imaginatively with tunnels and tents or search for frogs in the borders. Babies are given safe opportunities to extend their physical skills because the childminder plans and provides suitable activities indoors. They are able to pull themselves to a standing position and begin to move using appropriate toys.

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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 well organised, child friendly home which is clean and bright. A well equipped play room offers children suitable space to play freely with toys that are easily accessible, allowing them to make choices. Children also use an additional lounge, offering space for quiet play or rest and a kitchen for creative activities such as painting. They have a good choice of quality toys that meet safety standards. Older children show a clear awareness of safety, and help to ensure that babies cannot access toys with small parts. Children play safely within the home environment, as the childminder effectively minimises risks. She provides good levels of supervision, ensuring their continued safety. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example when they are walking to the park, and recall what to do if they need to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a suitable knowledge of the child protection procedures and is aware

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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 of the steps to take if she is concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and happy in the childminder's house. A good range of toys and play materials offer them fun, whilst supporting their learning. The childminder considers the children's ages and interests as she plans the day and thinks how they will benefit from the activities. They enjoy participating in a variety of planned activities, such as making salt dough or painting, as well as having time to make independent choices. The childminder makes good use of the local community to offer a variety of experiences. For example she makes good use of the local parks, where they can run, climb and play ball games, to enhance their physical skills. Children are confident speakers. The childminder listens to them and responds appropriately, supporting their language skills. She takes opportunities to extend their thinking and reasoning, for example when building a garage for a car, from

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

construction materials. Children extend their understanding of number as they add their scores when playing indoor darts, and express themselves imaginatively through making dough models and painting pictures. These activities help to support children's learning and promote all areas of their development. Babies and young children have their needs met because the childminder ensures she makes time to play with them and provides activities to help them learn new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to them and meets their requests. They play a full part in deciding which park they would like to visit, and understand the need for negotiation and agreement. They show a sense of pride as they see their paintings displayed on the play room wall and this increases their sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem. Children form good relationships with others and play together harmoniously. Children have clear boundaries and consequently they behave well. The childminder calmly encourages children's good behaviour by using positive praise and explanations appropriate to their age and understanding. Children benefit from the good relationship between the childminder and their parents. Clear systems are in place to share relevant information, such as babies' routines, in order to provide consistency of care for children. Relevant information is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

actively sought to enable children's individual needs to be met and daily conversations ensure this is kept up to date. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and the needs of others through the use of suitable resources and planned activities.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and relaxed in the welcoming and organised environment created by the childminder. Space within the home is organised to provide a child centred play room and an appropriate quiet area for rest. Children benefit from the childminder's dedicated support and her involvement in their learning. This means children are confident to initiate play, to voice their needs and are able follow their individual routines whilst in her care. Nearly all documentation is in place and the required records are generally appropriate. Some details are missing, in relation to dealing with emergency situations and parental acknowledgement that they have been informed about all accidents and medication administered. This gap in the communication with parents may adversely affect children's welfare. Children's

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Organisation

welfare is enhanced because the childminder ensures that relevant contact details and information are carried with her when taking children on outings away from the home. Children receive continuity of care as the childminder effectively shares information with parents. They are kept informed about the policies for the setting, for example how behaviour is managed, and their child's achievements. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 that the accident and medication records are always signed promptly by parents and that emergency consents are sought for all children.

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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 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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