Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252919 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Tina Garner 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 1994. She lives on a residential road in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham with her husband and two children. No pets are kept. Minded children use the ground floor of the house, with access to the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden which is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children all on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable home. Their good health is suitably promoted through the use of appropriate hygiene practices and daily routines, these help to prevent the spread of infection and promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene. For example, children have their own changing mats and are provided with their own towels. The childminder ensures they use their own cups and wash their hands after using the toilet. Children's dietary needs are suitably met. They benefit from a varied diet which is provided in

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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 accordance to parental wishes and children's individual needs and includes healthy options, such as fresh fruit daily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sick children are mainly suitably cared for, a written policy has been devised which gives clear and helpful advice to parents when children should not attend. The childminder has attended relevent first aid training and written consents have been obtained to ensure that children's needs can be met in the case of an emergency. However, parental consent is not obtained in writing before medication is administered and injuries children arrive with are not currently recorded. This impacts on the childminder's ability to ensure children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the physical exercise which occurs as they walk to and from activities each day. They have sufficient opportunities for outdoor play, such as accessing the rear garden and visiting the local park, where they have opportunities to develop and practise their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use the ground floor to play, rest and have their meals. They are able to move about safely from room to room because of the suitable regard given to minimising any risks. For example, electrical sockets are covered and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. The garden is fully enclosed and secure enabling children to play outside safely. Appropriate security procedures ensure doors are locked; this prevents children leaving the premises unsupervised. Outings are well planned to ensure risks to children are minimised. For example, the childminder carries child information sheets and parent's contact details. Older children are made aware of road safety which helps them to learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected because the childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke detectors. Written fire evacuation procedures have been produced to ensure children are able to evacuate the premises calmly in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are presented in the lounge, with furniture arranged so that children have plentiful floor space to explore them and move safely without risks of trips and falls. All resources are developmentally appropriate so that children are not exposed to items that may cause them harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's suitable knowledge and understanding of her responsibility with regard to child protection ensures children are protected in the event of any safeguarding children issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident within the environment. Their self-esteem is suitably promoted through the positive relationships they are developing with the childminder. They have consistent routines and are able to rest and take part in quieter activities. Very young children's language is emerging well because the childminder talks to them, listens to what they have to say and responds readily. New language is introduced as they look at flash cards together and they are encouraged to think and express their thoughts and ideas because of the generally good questioning techniques used.

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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 Children become independent as they choose between activities and resources which appeal to all. The majority of creative and messy activities are provided at the local childminding group, where the childminder and the minded children spend two mornings a week. These include activities, such as paint, collage and sand. This also provides children with appropriate opportunities to develop their social skills as they play along side other children. Activities at home include card games, jigsaws and small world. Toddlers have some opportunities to select toys from the large toy box which is placed so that they can investigate. However, resources within this box are mixed together, this prevents children from being able to make clear choices to initiate their own activities and play ideas. This limits children's potential progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are appropriately met through the daily routine. A range of relevant information is collated, to ensure suitable activities and meals are provided in accordance with the differing needs of children. Play resources, such as dolls and books, reflect positive images and help to promote children's awareness of diversity within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder handles them consistently in line with their age and stage of development. They learn acceptable ways of behaving through sensitive discussion with the childminder which reinforces behaviour boundaries, this helps them to learn right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's general well-being is well promoted through the forming of good partnerships with parents. For example, parents are kept well informed about how their child spends their day through the provision of daily care diaries and verbal exchange at the end of each session. This promotes continuity of care and ensures children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriate adult support, which nurtures their sense of security. Documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is mainly suitably organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for parents and children. A range of written policies and procedures have been adopted, these offer parents advice about the care and activities provided.

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Organisation

The quality of care which is offered to children is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement and development. She regularly attends additional training to enable her to further develop the care she offers and service she provides. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to develop existing provision for meals and snacks to actively encourage healthy eating. The majority of parents currently choose to supply their children's meals and snacks. However, children benefit from the ongoing discussions between parents and the childminder to ensure that what is consumed has a balanced nutritional content and is sufficient to maintain their good health.

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Improvements 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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 systems are in place to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • develop the organisation of resources to improve storage and enable children to make clear choices regarding their play and learning • continue to develop accident records to include injuries children arrive with.

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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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