Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221524 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2007 Inspection date Esther Darling 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 registered in January 2002. She may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. Currently, the childminder is looking after six children on both a part-time and full-time basis. The childminder welcomes children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties. She lives with her family within the Meadows area of Nottingham city. Areas of the house used for childminding are the playroom, kitchen, hall, toilet and occasionally the lounge area on the first floor. There is a small enclosed garden for outdoor play. There are no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends a local childminder's group and other local childcare facilities with the 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 enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. Regular opportunities are offered to enable them to develop their large physical skills outside, such as visits to the local outdoor play area. Children benefit from fresh air on a daily basis whilst walking to and from various places in the local community. They are cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder raises children's awareness of washing their hands properly after using the toilet and before eating. Younger children are supported and encouraged to be independent in their self-care, such as visiting the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good, clear systems are in place to obtain parental consent before administering any medication and for sharing these records responsibly with parents, to ensure consistent care is given to the children. Accidents are recorded in clear detail so parents know what has happened to their child and are informed of any treatment given. Written parental consent is obtained for the childminder to seek urgent medical advice or treatment if required, so delays are avoided if they cannot be contacted in an emergency. The childminder is currently waiting to attend a course to renew her first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the importance of a well-balanced diet. The childminder takes careful account of both the wishes of parents and the children's individual dietary requirements. Freshly cooked meals include vegetables every day, and interesting packed lunches encourage children to broaden their tastes. Methods such as praising children for choosing water instead of dilute fruit cordial have a positive effect on older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the safety and security of the environment in which they are cared for. They move around freely, making use of the designated playroom which is bright and attractive. This includes displays of children's artwork, enabling them to celebrate their achievements. A very good range of toys is stored in the playroom and additional equipment is kept elsewhere to supplement the choices available. The resources are well organised in transparent containers that are labelled and some are within reach of the children, so they can select what they want to play with. Toys are very well maintained in a clean and safe condition and young children do not have access to any toys that are unsuitable or unsafe for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder undertakes regular risk assessments of the premises to ensure that hazards are minimised effectively. Clear explanations given by the childminder, such as tidying away toys or road safety rules, enable the children to think about their actions and learn to keep themselves safe. Children know what to do in the event of a fire because clear procedures are explained to them and practised on a regular basis. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has access to the required procedures and a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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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 a good range of activities both inside the home and in the local community which promotes their play and learning. They are becoming skilled communicators and the childminder uses praise and encouragement to support language development with young children. Children benefit from attending sessions at the local children's centre to encourage and foster their love of books. Art and craft such as painting, sticking and gluing promote children's creativity and the childminder encourages them to follow their own ideas. Children make choices and select from a very good range of toys that are suitable to promote their development in all areas. Some children are content to play independently whilst others relish in the close attention of the childminder. Children are tolerant of each other, confident and sociable because they have frequent opportunities to mix with others. Children concentrate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well at their chosen activity and show pleasure in their achievements, such as a piece of artwork.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain a burgeoning understanding of the wider world through the sound provision of resources, such as dolls, dressing-up clothes and posters. These depict positive images of race and disability, and complement the celebration of various festivals that enables children to value both their differences as well as their similarities. Children's individual needs are capably supported by the childminder's method of informing parents about her provision. This is done via an informative introduction booklet, including statements on behaviour management, illness, fire safety and child protection. Written information on each child's specific needs, and daily activities such as eating and sleeping is thoughtfully presented in the form of a daily diary that parents are encouraged to contribute to. This enables parents to feel included in the care of their children. The childminder respects parental wishes, and parents in turn greatly appreciate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know what is expected of them and display good levels of behaviour. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children and uses methods that promote their welfare and development. For example, children are kept well occupied and this distracts them from any potential problem arising. All children are included and valued as individuals, ensuring that they grow in confidence, whilst playing within set boundaries. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively supported by the childminder. Her understanding of including all children enables them to develop to their full potential.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's practice demonstrates that she generally has a high regard for the welfare of children. However, her first aid qualification has expired so she does not have up-to-date knowledge of first aid procedures. This has the potential to compromise the well-being of the children, consequently the overall judgment has been affected by this. The required records are securely held, maintained efficiently and available for inspection. This supports the

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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 childminder in delivering an effective service, whilst promoting the care and welfare of children. A minority of the accident records lack a parental signature, and this has the potential to affect children's continuity of care. Good quality written policies and procedures clearly demonstrate the childminder's practice.

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Organisation

Children feel secure and confident in the care of the childminder, who makes every effort to give them good support. She plans the day to give children various experiences and outings, following a routine that closely resembles their home life. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to improving her skills and knowledge through the attendance on courses such as 'Birth to three matters' and a communication workshop. Overall the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to the following: inform parents of the complaints procedure including contact details for Ofsted; to develop further the emergency escape plan to include details of all escape routes available, and to make this clearer for parents, and to gain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment if necessary. Good improvement has been made by the childminder. Information on how parents may complain is now displayed, as well as very clear fire evacuation procedures. Written permission from parents is now gained, so that children are offered emergency medical treatment if necessary.

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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 my 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 that all records of medication are signed by the parents • ensure that a first aid course which includes training for infants and young children is completed, and that a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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 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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