Childminder, Out-of school day care in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

252331 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Georgina Walker 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 satisfactory. 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 1994. She lives with her husband and family including an adult son and child aged 11. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom upstairs in the childminder’s home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a hamster.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 10 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis before and/or after school. Two children are under eight and eight over eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. 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 satisfactory. Children’s health and safety is inconsistently promoted. They do not learn about personal hygiene through daily routines as they all share the same towels in the kitchen and bathroom which does not prevent the risk of cross-infection. A first aid box is available and contents are suitable to effectively meet the needs of the children. Written consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment is not available on school journeys to ensure children's medical needs are suitably met if a serious injury occurs. However, detail of minor injuries in the accident record system is well maintained to assist in safeguarding children. Written consent to administer medication is given as required, but is a rare occurrence as children stay at home if they are ill or infectious and a written policy regarding exclusion is implemented effectively. The children's needs are met appropriately if the childminder finds they have been ill at school and ensures

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

drinks and rest are provided until parents arrive.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met successfully and healthy eating is promoted to an excellent standard. Individual needs are discussed with parents and recorded. Meals provided are exemplary, being freshly prepared each day from organic products. The children's favourite is spaghetti bolognaise but they relish stew and cabbage followed by fresh fruit and yoghurt and clear their plates. Drinks of low sugar squash or water are available at any time for children to help themselves, but they always ask using good manners.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Physical development is promoted in a variety of ways. Children have opportunities to play outside in the enclosed rear garden on the patio in winter and enjoy using the swing ball, cricket or badminton sets, competently developing skills. They have access to sand in the covered sand pit and enjoy skipping. In summer the whole of the garden is used. In the home they have a range of construction and games to assist in the development of dexterity. They spend extend periods drawing and painting showing skill and talent and are very creative. Consequently, children are able to develop a healthy lifestyle and new skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children's safety is generally promoted effectively on site but not on the school run. An awareness of safety during a fire is promoted well. Evacuations have been practised and all children and parents are aware of the procedures to be followed. The written procedures are given to parents in the information pack. Children have an awareness of personal safety as they respond suitably to the childminder's expectations.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in welcoming, safe, secure and suitable premises where there is space indoors to play and learn comfortably. The conservatory is a designated play area. Children's individual skills develop competently with the age-appropriate resources. They independently select activities from the range of good quality toys and equipment from the toy box and lower shelves on a wall unit. Games and craft activity resources are easily accessible and well used each day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's well-being is of paramount importance and the childminder has an admirable understanding of child protection procedures and how to put these into practice. She has written information about the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Information

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 about her duty of care to protect children is shared in the written policies given to parents to retain.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children aged over five experience an exciting range of activities which contributes to their development on the premises before and after school. The childminder presents challenging activities and helps children to progress. The children help themselves to the interesting range of resources and share information with visitors about the activities they enjoy. Craft activities are a particular favourite and before school children often engage in painting, for example pictures of Easter eggs and rabbits. Children discuss confidently with visitors their craft interests and present finished cards to visitors as they leave. Paper lanterns are made to celebrate the Chinese New Year as children learn about the wider world and relevant customs. A game of 'GlobeTrotting' not only ensures children learn to take turns, they develop an awareness of geography and symbols of countries around the world. The children follow the routine after

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

school of a short play period before the meal, then they are free to resume the activities. Their individual needs are met and their welfare is promoted through the childminder providing appropriate support.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not care for children in this age range and has no plans to do so.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures parents are aware of how children will be cared for during discussion at initial visits and she provides them with a 'partnership with parents' pack. This includes the process relating to complaints, however this is incomplete. Positive relationships with parents and a desire to work in partnership with them to meet children's individual needs ensures the childminder is able to meet children's emotional and physical needs effectively. Parents are updated on their children's well-being and development through discussion.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to play with a range of non-stereotypical resources and any negative issues are addressed successfully. Understanding and acceptance of the wider community and the development of positive attitudes is effectively increased through discussion and activities. All children are treated fairly as the childminder has an open-minded approach to inclusion and meeting individual needs effectively. She encourages children to access age-appropriate activities and develop life skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but has a secure understanding of potential need. She is well aware of how to adapt activities to ensure inclusion and has a positive attitude to caring for all children, with their individual personalities. Independence is successfully encouraged, however a child with a mobility disability may have difficulty accessing the toilet facilities upstairs. The childminder has a clear understanding of working with parents and outside agencies to effectively meet children's needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder helps to build development of children's self-esteem. There are effective procedures in place to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour. Children behave appropriately as they respond to the boundaries set and

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 five house rules. These include the use of manners and no name calling. They are very well mannered spontaneously using both English and French words the childminder has taught them to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children under eight are aware they must hold hands when walking to and from school and all children follow road safety rules. Consistent management helps children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder generally maintains children's personal records to promote the welfare of the children. However, information is not always readily available to meet children's needs and full detail of the complaints procedures are not given to parents. Her written policies discussed with parents assist in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children.

p.5

Organisation

Children are supported by the childminder as they are under her direct supervision to ensure their time with her is enjoyable. The childminder is well-organised in her routines of delivering and collecting children from school and proving them with a substantial meal. There is a wide range of resources to meet children's needs. The childminder is caring and attentive to children. They are very happy in the setting and enjoy the range of play opportunities, becoming absorbed in their play. Overall children’s needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to address two recommendations. She was to devise a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious which is discussed with parents. A written policy is provided to parents during initial discussions and given to them to retain. Knowledge of the child protection procedures and practices within the government booklet were to be increased. The childminder has increased her knowledge since the previous inspection by attending relevant training each year and obtaining Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to ensure her awareness is current. The latest training and examination was attended in January 2008 and parents can be assured the childminder gives children's welfare top priority.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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.

p.5

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.

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 satisfactory. 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 all children's records, policies and procedures are collated and easily accessible for the efficient and safe management of the provision • ensure positive steps are taken to prevent the risk of cross infection and written parental permission to seek treatment in an emergency is consistently available to assist in safeguarding children • ensure parents are fully informed of the complaints procedures.

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