Deborah Judy Kelsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY233652 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Anne McKay

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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 2002. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house on the outskirts of Nottingham. The house is close to local schools, shops and parks. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the house and to a secure rear garden. The family has four pet cats. The childminder is registered to care for five children aged under eight at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for three children aged over eight. She regularly attends local toddler groups with the younger children and takes and collects children

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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 from local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to exercise daily when they play outside in the garden, during trips to the local park and walking to and from school. They have access to fresh drinking water at all times so they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. Children are well nourished through a balanced diet of meals and snacks. Children's individual dietary needs are catered for and food is supplied according to the wishes of parents and carers. Children can have all their meals supplied by the childminder or can bring a packed lunch. Children's health is promoted by the childminder's health and hygiene practices. Children learn to wash their hands at appropriate times and have use of their own flannels and towels to prevent the risk of cross infection. They are also protected by the childminder's policy to exclude children who are ill or contagious. Suitable systems are in place to record parental consent for any medication to be

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Helping children to be healthy

administered and records are shared with parents to ensure children receive continuity of care. However, parents are not so well informed about accidents their children have had as the childminder does not record sufficient detail to state clearly the site or extent of injuries sustained or of the treatment given. Parents are not therefore given enough information to ensure consistency of care for their children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely and confidently because the environment has been assessed for potential hazards and action has been taken to minimise risk. The available space is well organised so that children can move about comfortably and freely. Children have access to a large selection of toys and activities that are maintained in good, clean condition so they can play with them confidently and safely. Outdoor equipment is also well maintained and organised to minimise the risk of accidental injury. Suitable and appropriate safety equipment is in place to protect the children, including a fire blanket and smoke alarms. There is a clear and well understood evacuation plan that is practised by the children so they know what to do if there is an emergency. Children are supervised at a level that is appropriate to their age and level of understanding so they receive sufficient support while increasing their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

independent skills. They are protected while on outings and learn about road safety while walking to and from school. Children are protected by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child protection.

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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 The provision is good. Children have positive relationships with the childminder and with each other so they settle well and are confident to play and learn. Children have good levels of confidence and self-esteem, demonstrated by their interactions with the childminder and with each other, the way they access the resources, ask questions and help each other. Children are encouraged to learn while they are playing through the childminder's skilful questioning that encourages them to think. Their questions are answered and they are given an appropriate level of information and challenge, according to their age and stage of development. These discussions also promote children's social and communication skills and develop their confidence. Children can access a very good range of resources that are varied and suitable for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

all stages of their development. Children show curiosity and are interested in what is available to them. They enjoy playing individually and with each other. They have opportunities to play freely, choosing from what is available. They also enjoy planned activities where they have different experiences and learn new skills. Children are taken on outings during school holidays. They are involved in the planning so trips are chosen to meet their interests. Younger children's development is very well promoted in all areas through the childminder's good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her planning. They also regularly attend play groups and sessions in the library to access different resources and socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals by the childminder who knows them well and recognises their differences and individual likes and dislikes. They develop a sense of belonging as they are included as party of the family while they are in the childminder's care. Children's individual needs are discussed with them and with their parents so the childminder can ensure she provides them with continuity of care. She accommodates younger children's routines as closely as possible so they are settled and comfortable in her care. Children have any special or additional needs met through close liaison between the childminder and their parents. Children's parents receive clear and regular information both verbally and in writing regarding their children's welfare and progress. Children become aware of wider society through access to a good range of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

access these toys and activities on a daily basis alongside all the other resources. There is a particularly good selection of story and reference books and children enjoy learning about different cultures and different children's experiences. Children behave very well in response to clear guidance from the childminder. She focuses on rewarding good behaviour through praise and encouragement. Any inappropriate behaviour is clearly explained so that children understand what they have done wrong and learn to improve their behaviour.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child development and her commitment to continuing to develop her knowledge. She plans appropriate activities and organises her time efficiently to meet children's needs as individuals and as a group. Children are cared for in a well organised and safe space where they can play, rest and eat in comfort. Resources are stored within easy reach of the children and are organised so they can access and choose toys and activities that are appropriate to their age, interest and ability. The childminder's good practice is underpinned by clear policies and procedures that are shared with children's parents in an information pack. Essential documents are in place and records are kept up to date. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made a number of improvements with regard to safety, as agreed at the last inspection. Children can now play safely within the house because all electrical sockets are covered and within the garden because an old broken desk has been removed. When children go on outings they are transported safely and are closely supervised to ensure their welfare at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there has been one complaint, made by a parent, about the care her child received. This was investigated under national Standards 2: Organisation, 6: safety and 12: working in partnership with parents and carers. There was no evidence to suggest any breaches in these standards and the provider continued to be suitable for 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):

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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 • ensure that all accidents are recorded in sufficient detail to identify the site and extent of the injury as well as the treatment received.

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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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