Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252642 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Alison Putnar 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?

This childminder registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and teenage son in a semi-detached house on the outskirts of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of the local school, shops and park facilities. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the property, with sleeping facilities provided in this area. The bathroom and toilet are on the first floor. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. There are currently two children under eight years attending part-time during the week. Children over eight also attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and suitable environment. Their good health is promoted as positive steps are taken to reduce the risk of spreading infections through stringent cleaning routines. Children who are unwell and potentially have infectious diseases do not attend. Details about the exclusion of sick children are shared with parent's at the start of the placement ensuring all agree to this good practice. Children are well-cared for in the event of minor

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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 accidents. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid qualification and has considered suitable procedures should more serious accidents occur. Clear records are maintained about accidents and any medication. These are appropriately shared with and signed by parents; promoting continuity in children's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are supported to develop healthy lifestyles. Meals are freshly prepared and promote a balanced, healthy diet. Children are encouraged to try new tastes and are involved in helping to make meals if appropriate. For example, they take part in selecting healthy toppings to add to their home-made pizzas. Drinks are readily available to ensure children do not become dehydrated. Good opportunities are provided for children to develop their physical skills and benefit from fresh air. Younger ones practise walking skills using push-along toys in the childminder's garden. Older ones benefit from walks out in the local area. During school holidays regular trips to local parks and visits further a field support children to develop a positive attitude to exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is protected as they are cared for in a secure and safe environment. Space is used well to offer a range of appropriate play resources and activities for the varying ages of the children attending. Provision is made for younger ones to sleep peacefully according to their own needs whilst others continue to play. The home is well-maintained and good range of domestic furniture ensures children can play and eat in comfort. Children sit together at the table for some meals promoting their social development. Toys are maintained in a good state of repair and are safe for those using them. These are rotated offering a suitable variety in the home. Equipment is available to further promote safety is the home if required. For example, safety locks on cupboards that contain hazards, are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety through discussions in the home with the childminder, such as, not to play on the stairs. The risk of accidents is further reduced as the childminder supervises children well. When outdoors, children learn about crossing roads safely and talk about other potential dangers, such as, not to stroke dogs they may meet. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of procedures to follow in the event of reporting concerns for children's safety in relation to child abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settle in the childminder's home. They relate well to each other and have good relationships with the childminder. Children make choices in play and are active in the childminder's home. They develop their imagination as they make tents in the childminder's garden and use, train sets, garages or farm toys. Younger ones act out familiar scenes when using role-play toys, such as, a play kitchenette. Younger ones develop social skills as they mix with others of a similar age at local toddler groups and the library during visits with the childminder. They explore wider experiences during trips to feed the ducks or to play football at the local park. Older ones benefit from the enjoyment of going on picnics, bowling and visiting places of interest during the school holidays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a varied range of activities in the home that support their creativity including model making, painting, cooking and mask making. Younger ones develop early skills of

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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 recognising numbers and letters through discussion with the childminder when out in the community. For example, they look at numbers on houses and look for letters in their name on signs. They learn colours as they talk about cars they see during walks out. The childminder has not yet begun to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a tool to further support the youngest children's development. Opportunities are provided for children to develop their physical skills when constructing and balancing building blocks and completing jigsaws.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their local community through regular outings to the library and local parks. They visit places of interest, such as, Nottingham Castle and 'Mansfield on sea', a summer play event provided by the local council. Books and activities about various festivals and special days help them to learn about the wider world. The various ages of children attending get on well together, appropriately supported and encouraged by the childminder. Older children develop a sense of responsibility as they help younger ones with a craft activity. They willing engage in playing board games supporting each other to learn the rules of play. Good systems are in place to encourage children to take turns and share. They willingly follow the rota to use popular computerised games. This ensures all children have equal access and that they use these types of games for an appropriate length of time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals, in response they show respect for one another, the childminder and her property. They are well-behaved. The childminder has a good understanding of appropriate systems for encouraging good behaviour in a way that promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. Daily routines are discussed and developed with parents ensuring children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Children's' written records include all required and relevant information enabling the childminder to cater for individual needs. The childminder has experience of working closely with parents to support children with additional needs ensuring they are equally involved and supported in all activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for as the childminder uses her knowledge of good quality childcare gained through many successful years of childminding. She organises time well to ensure children can eat, sleep and play, according to their own needs, in comfortable surroundings. The childminder has a sensible attitude to the amount of children she cares for at any one time. Sometimes restricting the number to enable her to meet individual needs effectively and ensure all children receive appropriate care and equal attention. As such a calm and relaxed environment, where children are confident to voice their needs and wishes, is provided. Time is organised well to enable children to enjoy activities in the home and to also benefit from extended experiences when accessing activities and groups in the local area.

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Organisation

Records required for registration purposes are well-maintained and stored in an organised and confidential manner. The childminder generally keeps abreast of changes to improve outcomes for children, for example, through updating her first aid certificate and reading relevant literature such as the early years foundation stage'. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop written agreements with parents about expectations for childcare. These have been developed and include relevant information ensuring that all parties are clear about the child care, activities provided and business arrangements. Thus improving and further promoting good working relationships between the childminder and parents.

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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.

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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): • improve outcomes for children under three years by planning and providing a further range of activities, such as, those described in 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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