Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY296862 Inspection date 10 October 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children in a suburb of Nottingham. Minded children use the ground floor of the home. They have access to the lounge, kitchen-diner and toilet. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two small pet snakes that are kept in locked cabinets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently cares for one child full-time. She supports children with special needs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean, the safe handling of food and encouraging good personal hygiene routines. Children are helped to understand the importance of washing their hands before eating and brushing their teeth afterwards, which contributes to keeping themselves healthy. Suitable arrangements are in place to care for children who are ill or injured, as the childminder is trained in administering first aid and has appropriate first aid items in place. She has not sought parental consent to obtain emergency treatment for children. Children are helped to enjoy food by taking part in baking activities and assisting with the preparation of their own lunches. For example, a child helps to mix his egg when he has scrambled egg for lunch. Children enjoy some healthy foods such as eating a

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

banana at snack time. Careful attention is paid to children's individual dietary needs and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure these are met. Children enjoy some time outdoors each day. They walk to and from nursery, which provides them with fresh air and exercise. In fine weather children play in the garden, for example with the sand pit. Sometimes they visit the park, which allows them to be energetic and develop co-ordination and control of their bodies as they kick balls or play games.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in the childminder's home because space is well-organised to meet their needs, enabling them to play safely. They use the lounge, kitchen-diner and garden to meet their needs for play and relaxation. Toys and equipment are thoughtfully organised to allow children to make informed choices in what they wish to do. Careful picture labelling means all children can find items of their choice from the storage units, thereby developing their independence. The use of small furniture allows them to work comfortably, for example when icing the cakes they make. Children begin to learn about what is dangerous and keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn about cakes being hot as they come out of the oven and why they must not touch them. They are protected from harm because the childminder takes steps to minimise any hazards, such as ensuring a safety gate protects the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stairs and that the fire is guarded. Suitable security ensures children cannot leave the premises and that unwanted visitors are not admitted. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards child protection, which has been raised through recent training. She has a good understanding of the appropriate action to take if she was concerned about a child.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the calm environment created by the childminder. They are confident in initiating their own play and are interested and excited by the activities. Daily routines are planned to meet children's needs and offer times to be active, to play closely with the childminder and also times to follow their own initiative. This ensures that children are making progress in their learning and developing increasing independence. Children learn new skills, such as cracking eggs and mixing ingredients, as they make cakes with the childminder. They make connections with other experiences as they talk about where eggs come from and recall a recent visit to a farm. Children's communication skills are very well supported by the childminder who uses a range of techniques to ensure they understand. The use of picture labelling on the accessible toys helps children easily select the items they

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

require. For example, this helps a child to find the accessories for the play kitchen. Children receive good levels of support from the childminder. She spends time playing and talking with the children, helping them to learn. She is skilled in responding to their interests and building on their experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder has taken many positive steps to ensure she is well informed about their particular needs and having thorough settling in periods. She is thoroughly committed to inclusion and has undertaken relevant training to help her support individual children. She is beginning to use basic signing as an additional form of communication, which benefits the children. Some resources are available to help children learn about diversity in society, although this aspect of practice is not yet well developed. Praise is given meaningfully to the children, ensuring that they develop confidence and self-esteem and understand when they have done well. Sensitive behaviour management techniques are used by the childminder to help children understand what is required of them. Consequently children are beginning to help to tidy toys when asked.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships between the parents and the childminder are honest, open and professional. Relevant information is exchanged and a thorough settling-in period precedes the children attending full-time. This helps to ensure children are settled and secure. Information about the child's day is exchanged verbally and supplemented by written detail, such as what has been eaten, at the parent's request.

p.4

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 benefit from a well-organised environment where they can easily access a wealth of toys and activities that are appropriate for the needs of the children cared for. Consistent daily routines provide a secure structure to the day, which helps children to settle. Careful use of time means that the childminder provides good levels of support to the children enabling them to participate in a variety of activities. All the required documents are maintained and support the children's care. Records are clear, up-to-date, accessible and stored securely. Suitable systems are in place to ensure all adults are appropriately vetted, which ensures children's safety. The childminder shows commitment to her own personal development and improvement of knowledge through her on-going commitment to attend training. She uses her

p.4

Organisation

knowledge effectively to support children's care, learning and play. Overall the needs of the range of children are met.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • extend the range of resources and planned activities that help children appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6