Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252406 Unique Reference Number 26 October 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 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 registered in 1988. She may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She currently cares for several children on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her partner and adult daughter in Chilwell, a suburb of Nottingham. There are no pets in the household.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the house, with sleeping facilities provided on the ground floor and toilet and hand washing facilities on the first floor. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends meetings for childminders and their children as well as the local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy daily physical activity because the childminder understands the importance of this to promote their sense of well-being. Children look at leaves and insects in the rear garden

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 or go for weekly walks in the local woods. In addition to this, they have regular opportunities to climb and run around when visiting various toddler groups and using the facilities there. Children's continuity of care and welfare is promoted because the childminder keeps careful records pertaining to their health, including any accidents or medication administered. Written procedures of how to deal with accidents and emergencies and the maintenance of a current first aid certificate ensure that the childminder is well prepared for unexpected situations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to independently access drinks of water or milk and some are offered fruit juice according to parental requirements. They learn about the food choices that promote their healthy growth and development when selecting snacks such as a variety of fresh fruit. Children sit together sociably at mealtimes to eat freshly prepared and balanced meals that include daily vegetables. The childminder is sensitive to children's tastes and keeps careful information about any allergies or dietary requirements. Children learn about personal hygiene when they wash their hands with soap, using a step to promote independence, and the childminder supports them to ensure they know how to do this properly. Children are cared for in a clean environment. The spread of infection is minimised due to systems such as changing the hand towel on a daily basis as a minimum.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the environment in which they are cared for is made generally secure and the childminder maintains very good supervision of the children. They learn how to promote their own safety due to the explanations that the childminder gives them, for example, not to climb on the wall because they may fall off it. Organised systems ensure that appropriate action is taken in the event of any emergency because the childminder has written procedures to deal with emergency evacuation or a lost or uncollected child. Children are protected from abuse because the childminder understands how to implement her written procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy selecting from a good range of toys and equipment and are able to play and rest comfortably because furniture specifically caters for their needs. They are encouraged to initiate their own ideas because of the way the childminder sets up low tables with, for example, scissors, glue and mark making materials. The environment is child friendly, welcoming and attractive. It is warm, light and comfortable for children to feel at home. Important touches such as child-height coat pegs which the children use independently, enables them to feel valued and a real sense of belonging at this setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make good progress especially in counting and number recognition skills. They settle quickly because the childminder ensures that all children receive the attention that they need. Children's self-esteem is promoted because the childminder listens to what they say and praises their achievements. She interacts with children skilfully, asking questions that are relevant to what the children are interested in. This enables children to broaden their vocabulary and improve their language skills. Children engage in a good variety of activities that include a good proportion of practical and real life experiences, which is how children learn best. For example, children concentrate well whilst engaging in role play with dolls, making pictures with glue or exploring the properties of cornflour and water. This enhances their creative development and

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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 enables children to express themselves. A small proportion of the activities are more adult-led and formal, such as completing worksheets. Although some of the children enjoy these activities, they are not the best method for children to learn mathematical and handwriting skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy various types of games such as puzzles and matching games, when the childminder gives good support. Children benefit from sufficient challenge because the childminder is gaining a very good understanding of what stages they are at in their development. The childminder uses a system to plot children's progress and this enables her to plan good quality activities that build on what they already know, understand and can do. Children clearly enjoy the company of the childminder and cooperate well with their peers and siblings. Children look forward to visiting the childminder with anticipation because she make sure that activities are already set up for when they arrive. Regular visits to various mother and toddler groups enable children to develop their social skills whilst mixing with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are enabled to develop as individuals because the childminder gets to know each one and values them accordingly. An innovative system is used for collating all relevant information pertaining to the care of the child, and this is used in great partnership with parents as a tool for sharing information. The written agreement regarding business arrangements is not formally updated on a regular basis. This has the potential impact on children's continuity of care. Other information made available to parents is displayed for them to view at their leisure including certificates of registration, training and insurance. Parents are also made aware of the childminder's complaints procedure. This transparent method of sharing information fosters a sense of trust in the childminder and develops good relationships. This has a positive impact on the care of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children see both their own and other cultures and ethnic origins reflected in puzzles, dolls, books and small figures. These also show positive images of disability, therefore enabling children to understand and value diversity. The childminder is committed to inclusion and understand that children learn and develop at different rates. Children's behaviour is excellent. There is a very good, positively written behaviour management policy that focuses on praise, consistency and building on a child's self-esteem. This conveys the childminder's high level of understanding of how to promote children's behaviour in a way that fosters their welfare and development. Children feel safe to express themselves, including any frustration they may feel. The childminder understands that this is a normal part of development and deals with these situations very well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps herself abreast of current good practice and legal changes through liaising with other childminders and reading relevant publications. Although she has not attended any supplementary training, the childminder is committed to improving her practice. Children's well-being is safeguarded because consent is gained in written form from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, take photographs and administer medication. The legally required records are all maintained and stored efficiently and shared with parents. This, and the formation of a sound range of relevant and current policies and procedures which are also shared with parents, promotes the safety welfare and care of all

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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 children. The childminder is aware of the changes or significant events that must be reported to Ofsted. Children benefit from good adult support and an organised routine promotes their security. Space in the childminder's home is organised effectively so that children may move around freely and safely. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children have access to a full range of activities and information which promotes equality of opportunity. The childminder has improved the range of resources that reflect diversity as well as reflecting the race and culture of the children who attend. This, alongside information gained about each individual child and successfully meeting their needs, has served to promote equality of opportunity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to provide activities to develop children's mathematical thinking. The childminder provides a range of activities including those which are practical and play focused. This has enabled most children in her care to enjoy and progress very well in their mathematical development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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.

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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 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 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): • ensure that the written agreement with parents is updated more frequently to ensure that all relevant information is shared and up to date • focus on more first hand experiences which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners, develop their language and mathematical thinking.

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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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