Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339810 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 2006. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a suburb to the south west of Nottingham. The house is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. Minded children have access to the whole of the downstairs of the house and to a secure rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, five of whom are under eight years of age and all attend part time. She 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 and encourage good personal hygiene routines. Children begin to understand the importance of hand washing and how this contributes to keeping themselves healthy. As they wash their hands after playing in the garden they explain how they do this to wash away any dirt and germs. Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure babies' nappies are changed in a clean environment and that older children are well supported during potty training. Any accidents to children are treated appropriately as the childminder is trained to administer first aid and she has an appropriate first aid box readily available within the play area. She completes all the relevant documentation to ensure parents are well informed and to provide continuity of care. Relevant policies are in place, including the exclusion of children

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

who are infectious. This contributes to ensuring all children's good health is promoted.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children choose from a range of healthy snacks during the morning, such as breadsticks, raisins or fresh fruit. Sample menus indicate what children may be given for meals and show how healthy eating is incorporated into a balanced menu. Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are taken into account, particularly when offering a choice of fillings for sandwiches. Drinks are regularly offered during the day. For example, children enjoy fresh fruit juice with their snack. Further drinks of water are provided after outdoor play. This ensures children do not get thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Good emphasis is placed on children playing outdoors. They have opportunities to put on shoes and coats and play in the garden most days. They enjoy riding small wheeled toys, using the large play equipment and kicking balls, which helps them to develop coordination and control of their bodies. Their physical development is promoted because the childminder plans activities, such as throwing and catching, to extend and build on their existing skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised home that is clean, bright and welcoming. The play room in the conservatory provides a child-centred environment where toys and activities are readily available to interest the children. Additional use of the lounge as a quiet area means children can rest in peace while still being within the hearing of the childminder. Children benefit from a good range of age-appropriate toys that are stored in accessible units, meaning they can make choices in what they wish to do and reach items independently. Careful supervision and organisation ensures toys are appropriate for the ages of the children using them. A good range of equipment is available to support all children's needs. For example, the childminder has a double buggy and buggy board, which allows her to walk out safely with three children. She uses a high chair and booster seat to enable children to sit around the table

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 Children begin to learn about what is dangerous and keeping themselves safe. For example, they learn to sit still on chairs and not to run indoors as they may fall on the smooth floor. They are protected from harm as the childminder takes steps to minimise any hazards and provides high levels of direct supervision. Robust arrangements are in place to safeguard children in the event of a fire. The childminder has sought advice from the fire officer, has appropriate smoke alarms and fire blanket in place and has devised a clear evacuation plan should this be needed. The plan is practised when children are present, which raises their awareness of what to do in an emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards child protection. This is well documented in a

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

policy that is shared with parents. Her sound knowledge of the current procedures ensures children are suitably protected.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They are confident to initiate their own play and are interested and excited by the planned activities. Daily routines are carefully planned to meet children's needs and offer times to be active, to play closely with the childminder and 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 pedalling a tricycle and throwing a ball. The childminder uses the children's own interests to inspire them and they draw pictures of a favourite toy brought from home.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the childminder who spends much of her time playing with them. Her warm, caring, calm attitude provides a good role model for the children to follow. Her skilful use of language and questioning of children promotes their learning and increases their self-esteem. For example, children retell a story from the picture clues and prompts supplied by the childminder. They identify colours, shapes, letters and begin to count as they play with cars, trains and draw. Children drawing a dinosaur find crayons to match the colour of the eyes and notice that the teeth are shaped like triangles.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies are cared for according to their own routines and parents' wishes. They have suitable access to toys that stimulate their development through exploration. The childminder has begun to take account of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning for the younger children in her care. This means she ensures activities promote all areas of younger children's development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are familiar with the routines of the home, such as where to place their shoes, coats and bags. They see some of their art work displayed in the playroom and this helps to promote their self-esteem. Children behave well. They are confident, well mannered and know what is expected of them. For example, children willingly tidy away toys before fetching more out. They learn to respect others and to treat toys and books with care through the childminder's clear guidance and use of praise and encouragement.

p.4

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 Children's needs are being met because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure she is well informed about the children before they start with her and has planned settling in periods. A variety of toys and books that promote positive images of diversity are available to the children and this helps them learn about our society and the wider world. Children begin to learn about the wider community through visits to the park and trips on a local bus. Parents have access to an informative welcome booklet that explains about the childminder's policies and practice. They enter into suitable dialogue before children start and relevant information about the children and their needs is recorded. However, parental agreements are not yet established and this weakens the overall partnership with parents as the care and business

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

arrangements are not clearly agreed. Appropriate consents are in place to ensure the childminder works in accordance with parents' wishes. Current systems to exchange information about the children are mostly informal and verbal.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's organised approach to her childminding. They feel settled and at ease because the childminder organises her time well to give them individual attention. Thoughtful use of space in the home allows all children to play and rest in comfort. Activities and resources are presented within their reach, allowing children to make choices in their play. This leads to children being happy and purposefully engaged.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder uses her policies to effectively promote the welfare of the children. She has attended all the necessary training and used the information gained to enhance her practice. Records are mostly complete and readily accessible. Good levels of detail are recorded, for example in accident records, so that parents are well informed. Overall children's needs are met.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 agreements that set out the expectations of both parties as to the care, activities provided and business arrangements are established with all parents.

p.6

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

p.6

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