Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252463 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2007 Inspection date Ann Keen 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 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 has been a childminder since 1995. She lives with her husband and two sons, in a semi-detached house in the Mapperley area. Minded children have access to most of the ground floor, with toilet and washing facilities available on the first floor. There is a large fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. She has a pet corn snake.

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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 is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly attends meetings for childminders and their children, as well as local toddler groups. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder follows appropriate hygiene guidelines. Children are kept sufficiently safe from cross-infection by ensuring that only their own nappies from home are used, for example. Children are effectively protected from infection through using individual wipes and their own towels to dry their hands. Children have a good understanding about healthy eating; knowing that fish and vegetables are good for them. Children are well nourished because they eat healthy snacks and drinks. The children get lots of fresh air and exercise through walking to school whilst taking and collecting some of the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The design of the garden is used effectively to promote children's physical development because the paving is useful for wheeled toys, for example. Children are protected from accidents as the childminder keeps clear records of medicines given to children and seeks the parents' permission to administer them. Babies are treated well as individuals and have good opportunities to rest when needed and in conjunction with the parents' wishes. Children's dietary needs are taken into account particularly well, for example, children with a dairy intolerance are treated with great care to maintain their health. Children are kept very safe from the snake as it is kept upstairs and away from the minded children so they do not have any contact with it. Children have access to drinks and are offered regular snacks and drinks appropriately. Babies' emotional stability is promoted very well as they are able to express their feelings and they are treated

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as the premise are secure and suitable for the purpose of childminding. They have sufficient space to move around and babies have enough space to shuffle around and safely pull themselves onto their feet. Risks have been suitably assessed so children are safe from hazards. The furniture is child height so children can access the toys and resources easily. Children are well protected from the potential dangers of the gas fire as a guard has been fitted. Toys are kept in good condition and clean ensuring children are well protected from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as the garden is securely enclosed. Children are well supervised at all times which means that even in the garden they are protected from any potential dangers. Children are very aware about keeping themselves safe when outside; they know well that they hold the buggy when walking along the pavement and that the road is dangerous. Children are kept safe from harm as the childminder has been on a child protection course and can recognise signs of abuse. She knows to contact the appropriate authorities if there are concerns about a child and clearly understands her responsibilities. In addition, the childminder is very knowledgeable and has attended courses to ensure that children are kept safe.

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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 enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy, settled and developing their confidence well. Through kind and affectionate interactions with the adult, children's confidence and independence are growing. Babies receive cuddles and affection whilst drinking from the bottle, creating a sense of well-being and belonging. Children are building excellent relationships with the adults developing the children's self-esteem very well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

By participating in well-planned activities the children are successfully learning about their world. They enjoy watching ice melt and happily discuss what is happening, creating interest and excitement. They ask the childminder questions and the activities develop the children's curiosity effectively. They are involved in a wide range of activities to engage their interest. Children respond enthusiastically to the activities like making wind chimes and measuring the weather and rainfall. Children respond well to challenge and ask questions naturally. They are confident in requesting help from the childminder increasing their own knowledge and skills. They chat happily and listen with interest, discussing their observations. Children experience an excellent range of activities such as the childminder creating a bi-lingual Fruity Friday topic.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very well behaved and are able to discuss their own behaviour with the childminder, showing an awareness of right and wrong. Their individual needs are met very well as the childminder treats each child as an individual. Babies are fully engaged in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is recognised by the childminder, creating a sense of belonging and well-being. They have their needs taken into account at all times and are helped to feel good about themselves because they are praised regularly. Babies are developing a growing awareness of their identity and they are realising their own individuality. The childminder is very aware that some children have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and makes every effort to provide for their individual needs. She discusses children's development with the parents and works with the parents to provide suitable care. Children help each other and they are learning to work together well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well-behaved and confidently understand the house rules. They know they do not draw on the carpet, for example, and are very clear about the consequences of their actions. Children are encouraged to behave well and the childminder consults with the parents, if necessary to discuss any issues. Although the childminder generally understands the process of reporting complaints she has not yet set up a log to record any possible complaints. Generally, children are supported well by the partnership with parents. The childminder discusses the children's day with their parents, telling them about the food they have eaten and what they have done during the day. She consults with parents effectively to provide good information for them.

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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 satisfactory. Generally the children are safe and cared for as the childminder has most of the necessary records in place. However, the registers are not always kept accurately showing the times that the children arrive and leave. Children's safety is paramount and the childminder keeps accurate records of contact details so parents are contactable in an emergency. Children are well protected and cared for by a knowledgeable childminder. She has suitable adult-to-child ratios keeping the children healthy and safe. She has been on many courses and plans good activities to help the children progress. Overall children's needs are met. The childminder is aware of times when she needs to contact Ofsted or other authorities for the health and well-being of the children. Policies and procedures are generally in place to support the children's enjoyment and achievement.

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Organisation

Children are provided with consistent routines and clear guidelines for acceptable behaviour. The space is generally well organised and children have good resources to develop their interest. The days are suitably organised to walk the children to and from school. The childminder's home is generally well organised so children play and interact in safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One recommendation was raised at the last inspection. It required the childminder to check and replace the contents of the first aid box as necessary. The first aid box is full of suitable materials making it adequate to treat children in case of minor accidents. Therefore children are now suitably protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 by 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 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 the register is always maintained accurately to show children's arrival times and the times that they leave • improve knowledge of setting up a complaints record.

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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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