Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 254719 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1994. She lives with her husband and 4 children, in the Mapperley area of Nottingham, within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor is used for childminding purposes, with toilet facilities in this area. There is a secure garden that is used for outdoor play. The childminder holds an NVQ level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare and Education. She is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years at any one time. There are currently 5 children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups with minded children. The family have a pet rabbit.

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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 demonstrate good personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing before meals. They are independent in their personal care due to the accessibility of tissues and wipes. Children have an understanding of why good hygiene is important and older children can explain this when asked. The childminder is active in promoting good hygiene through keeping the home clean and ensuring that toys and equipment used by children are also clean. This promotes children's good health by ensuring that potential cross infection is minimised. Children have access to a large garden in which they have space to climb, play and run, supporting their overall physical development, confidence and health. Children have meals that cater for their specific dietary needs, ensuring that they are well nourished. They are encouraged to be independent with feeding and accessing drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment that is spacious and suitable for the purpose. Children and parents are supported in feeling welcome due to the organisation of the rooms used for childminding. The main play room is homely and an information notice board is available for parents. Children's safety is promoted through the childminder's 'common sense' approach. She takes steps to keep the environment safe, preventing any potential hazards from occurring, for example, toys are regularly checked for sharp edges. This approach ensures that children are safe from harm and are able to enjoy their play, eat comfortably and rest peacefully. Children are offered a range of good quality toys and games. On occasion these are not organised to allow children to choose independently or safely self-select. Children are protected from child abuse by the childminder's ability to recognise early signs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and confident with the childminder. They enjoy a variety of planned and spontaneous activities. A good range of toys and play materials are used effectively to enhance children's learning opportunities. For example, different types of puzzles and dressing up that reflects other nationalities. Children are able to play independently or co-operatively with other minded children. They are given opportunities to have fun and gain social skills through visiting toddler groups. Children are given sufficient individual attention, from the childminder, to ensure that they can feel secure and settled. They are listened to, and responded to, appropriately. Children develop good language skills as a result of the childminder's

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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 effective use of questioning and conversation. Specific occasions, such as moving house, are discussed in an age appropriate manner, enabling children to be reassured about expressing their feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through a range of resources that positively promote race, disability, ethnicity and gender. Cultural and religious festivals, such as Chinese New Year, are celebrated, enabling children to develop an awareness and understanding of other people. Children play well together, sharing toys and books. Older children enjoy helping the younger children, for example, with feeding, playing games, and giving them a cuddle. This promotes a caring attitude and builds self-esteem. The childminder has a calm manner, which encourages positive behaviour in children. Children are given meaningful praise that helps them to recognise their abilities and develop self-confidence. The childminder is supportive of parents, ensuring that children are offered consistent care that supports their welfare and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has an early years qualification and is experienced in childcare, which has provided her with knowledge that appropriately supports children's development. The home is organised to enable children to be relaxed and have plenty of free space. This promotes independence and confidence and allows children to initiate their own play. A detailed portfolio of information is available for parents to see, which creates consistency of care for children. Verbal communication is carried out on a daily basis that enables parents to share in children's on-going progress. All relevant documentation is in place, with systems and policies effectively supporting the welfare of the children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it is providing.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • create a safe and accessible system for organising children's resources, which enables them to freely make choices from a range of toys and play materials.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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