Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252189 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Gill Ogden 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered for about 17 years. She lives with her grown up daughter and her daughter's fiancé in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. Amenities such as a park, shops, school and pre-school are within walking distance and the childminder also uses her car occasionally. The family keeps two dogs, three cats and a rabbit as pets.

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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 may care for one child overnight. She currently looks after one child under eight and three older children all on a part-time basis out of school hours.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where cross-infection is minimised because they are prompted about good personal hygiene routines such as washing their hands after using the toilet. The potential for children picking up contagious illnesses is also reduced as a result of the childminder ensuring that parents are aware that sick children cannot be cared for. An up-to-date first aid certificate shows that the childminder is able to deal with any accidents that may occur, however, she does not currently have a full first aid kit on the premises which means that she may need to improvise to deal with some accidents. Children get enough exercise and fresh air by walking from school, playing games such as tennis in a nearby field and also playing in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy cooked meals, if parents wish, and enjoy snacks such as fruit, biscuits and crisps. They are encouraged to drink water as well as having squash, milk or hot chocolate freely available. The childminder is aware of children's food allergies and ensures that they only eat and drink what they are allowed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after by a childminder who is aware of the need to take safety precautions. All the necessary equipment is in place or easily available, such as smoke alarms, stair gates and socket covers. Toys and play equipment are suitable for their purpose. Children learn about road safety on their walks to and from school and when they go to the playing field. The childminder is clear with them about the Green Cross Code and will not tolerate children walking along the edge of the kerb. Children handle potentially dangerous equipment such as scissors carefully.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the childminder has not got copies of current guidelines regarding the latest child protection procedures she is well aware of her responsibilities and confident about approaching the appropriate agencies if necessary. She is alert to any signs that may indicate abuse and so children are well-safeguarded in this aspect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder. There is a harmonious atmosphere and very warm and loving relationships between the childminder and the children. Children get plenty of attention as a result of the childminder throwing herself into activities with them and ensuring they have fun in their leisure time. For example, because paper would not fasten to the wall properly the childminder was quite happy to paint a Christmas tree directly onto the wall which the children could then stick decorations on which they had made. Children enthusiastically recall having a Hallowe'en party when they made sandwiches and cakes and drank 'witches' blood' (cherryade). Younger children recognise sticky shapes easily such as snowmen, angels and Santa's sleigh and mix paints to make different colours. Older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are able to do their homework if they wish. Children chat freely about their school work and the childminder is keen to help them do well with it. Some children enjoy watching television after school and are engrossed in programmes such as 'Jackanory'. A good range of play resources are readily accessible to children such as puzzles, board games, construction sets, small world, role play and craft materials. The childminder supplements her resources by downloading activities from the internet to ensure that all the children are happily occupied.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made welcome and their backgrounds respected and valued. Children develop good self-esteem because the childminder praises them and recognises their efforts and achievements. Children behave well generally because the childminder has high expectations of them and has clear house rules. When children occasionally push the boundaries she deals with it in a realistic way, asking them to think about what they are doing and how they may be making others feel.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are productive because the childminder has an open and honest approach. She is clear about the service she offers, especially regarding her expectations of children's behaviour. Information is shared regularly and the childminder ensures that parents receive all messages from school. As a result good continuity of care is maintained, however, there is potential for confusion because there are no written agreements with parents about service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's home is fairly well-organised for the care of children. There is a designated play room where play resources are set out so that children can easily choose what they want. They are free to 'make a mess' creatively because the room is not used for anything else and so restrictions are limited to safety. The childminder has a clear understanding of the need to ensure that any adults living in the home are suitable to be around children. Records and documentation are maintained satisfactorily to provide a sound framework for the care of children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not fully considered all the recommendations made at the last inspection but continues to maintain an overall satisfactory environment for the care of children. She requested the local fire officer to visit and ensure her home can be evacuated easily enough. She is confident, from past experience, that she can deal with child protection matters effectively and has some resources to help children learn about all members of society and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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 a full first aid kit is always available on the premises • ensure child protection procedures are in line with current national and local guidelines • ensure written agreements with parents, which set out the expectations of both parents and childminder, are in place.

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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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