Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252399 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Lynn Dent 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 was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Chilwell, Beeston in Nottinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day, three children over five before and after school and additional children in the school holidays. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local childminding group and takes children to the park. The family has three pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand how to maintain their good health and personal hygiene. As a result they routinely wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They learn to blow their nose and to cover their mouth when they cough and wash their hands after handling the family

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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 pet cats. Children are independent in managing their personal care. Therefore, they ask the childminder for drinks when they are thirsty and independently use the toilet. All children are protected from infections because the childminder implements effective procedures for children who are sick. This means children with diahorrea and sickness are not cared for until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit because the childminder provides a balanced diet which includes organically grown fruit and vegetables. Snacks consist of fruit, crackers or similar foods. The childminder encourages children to eat their snack and meals. She explains that eating healthy foods helps to make them grow. Consequently, they develop an understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Information about children's individual dietary needs and preferences are detailed on their records. Consequently, menus are adapted to ensure these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has recently updated her first aid qualification. As a result she is up to date with the latest information and techniques. Therefore, children receive the appropriate care following accidents. Children's physical development is enhanced through daily opportunities within the home. They play with construction toys, use scissors and a range of different crayons and pencils to draw and colour. Children can competently fill buckets and trays with sand. Active outdoor play is provided in the garden and the local park. During these times the children can push and ride on wheeled toys and use the park equipment to develop their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. Their safety and welfare is maintained well because the childminder implements a range of safety devices. For example, plugs are either covered or in use and all low-level cupboards are kept locked. A gate prevents younger children from accessing the hall or stairs without the childminder. Children are only allowed access to the dining kitchen when supervised. They are not allowed access to the kitchen when the oven is being used. Therefore, the risk of burns is minimised. The childminder has implemented a checklist to ensure that the premises remain safe for children to use. As a result children can safely explore their environment. They can independently access a wide range of toys and resources that are in good condition and meet the required safety standards. When buying new toys and resources, the childminder ensures that they are of good quality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Babies and younger children sleep in a travel cot or buggy according to parents' wishes. The childminder checks them regularly. As a result the risk of cot death is minimised. Before allowing children to play in the garden, the childminder checks for animal droppings. A hose is used to remove anything that is found. Consequently, the garden is safe. A sand tray in the garden is kept covered when not in use. Therefore, this helps to keep the sand is clean. Children understand the reasons for house rules and how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know they must put their shoes away so that they do not pose a trip hazard. Children understand the emergency evacuation procedure as this is regularly practised. The childminder places pictures of a fire at various exit points. This helps children to understand that they may need to find an alternative escape route.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare continues to be maintained outside the home because the childminder implements clear procedures. For example, a buggy and reins are used to keep younger children safe. The childminder uses the appropriate seat belts and chairs when transporting children in a car. Consequently, they are safe. The childminder can clear explain the indicators for child

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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 abuse and neglect and how to implement the Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures. A clear child protection policy is in place. The policy does not currently include the contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board, police or Ofsted. Therefore, these numbers are not easily accessible to parents. However, the policy clearly explains the childminder's responsibility to report possible child protection concerns and records are kept of injuries that children arrive with. Therefore, these help to build an accurate picture of the child. Consequently, their welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference. Therefore younger children receive a good range of appropriate activities that promotes their overall development. The childminder provides good care. As a result children's social skills and personal development are enhanced. All children benefit because the childminder spends time dedicated to interacting with them. She provides good quality play and experiences for children of all ages. Consequently, they are interested and engage in play for sustained periods of time. For example, the children and the childminder are playing with farm animals. The child chooses a giraffe. The childminder asks questions about where a giraffe lives. This is extended to talk about which animals live on the farm and in a zoo. Children use their prior experiences well to re-enact role play situations. This is shown as a child changes a doll's nappy, sings to her and sits the doll on her knee to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good imagination. They play in the sand and make a birthday cake. They decide the cake needs to be cooked, so it placed in an imaginary oven in another area of the garden. The childminder extends this play well by asking how long it will take to cook. After a few minutes the child fetches the cake from the oven and puts five imaginary candles on it. The childminder asks the child to count the candles. Then they both sing 'Happy Birthday'. Children can independently access a wide range of appealing and stimulating resources which support their play. Consequently, they develop decisions making skills. Children receive regular opportunities to interact with other children outside the home. This enables them to develop their confidence in different environments and their social skills are promoted. Children are very confident and have good self-esteem. This results in happy children who enjoy their time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with the childminder. The childminder knows the children well. Therefore, she can effectively meet their individual needs. The childminder is effective in ensuring that activities and resources are available to meet the needs of older children. Consequently, they engage in developmentally appropriate play and messy activities. For example, they play games and make large pictures of characters from books for display. They use collage and painting to make a life size picture of 'The Little Princess' which is displayed in the dining kitchen.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are encouraged to take responsibility and play a part in the setting. They can do this because activities and resources are adapted to ensure all children have equal access. Children make decisions about their play, the toys they wish to use and what to eat throughout the day. Therefore, they develop confidence and independence. Children learn about others in the world and the local community by attending local childminding groups and pre-school. The childminder works alongside the pre-school to promote a range of festivals and events throughout the year. Consequently, this effectively supports children's understanding. The

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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 childminder cares for children from a variety of backgrounds. She encourages children to ask questions and uses everyday events, for example, parents who are separated, to help children learn about different lifestyles. This means she explains to children that their friends are not being cared for because they are visiting their parents who do not live with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They willingly follow instructions and understand the reasons for these. The rules set are realistic and promoted in a positive way. For example, children know that they need to consider the feelings of others, to say sorry and that name calling is hurtful. Consequently, they develop positive behaviour which takes account of the needs of others. Children have well developed self-esteem because they receive consistent praise and encouragement. This is shown as the childminder uses phrase like 'Thank you for putting your shoes away' and 'well done' when children independently use the toilet. Children are treated with respect and kindness. As a result they treat the childminder and others in the same way. The childminder shows a very clear understanding of the importance of working in partnership with parents. She believes it is important to ensure that she provides consistent care for the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children. For example, when training children to use a potty. Therefore, children's current care needs are identified and met. Parents receive written information at induction about the service provided. General information is shared through informal discussions and written daily diaries. Consequently, parents are kept informed of their child’s day and achievements. Good procedures ensure that children are only released to nominated adults. As a result their safety and welfare are maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder uses 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference to ensure that she is providing appropriate activities for children in this age group. Consequently, their development is enhanced. The childminder shows a commitment to improving the service she provides by attending a range of courses to update her knowledge and skills. The premises, time and toys are organised effectively to enable children to play. The childminder uses everyday routines to help children develop and learn. Children are confident to choose activities, initiate their own play and learning and are happy to interact with the childminder. The childminder knows the children well. Consequently, their individual needs are met. Children's welfare is protected at all times because the childminder maintains constant supervision of them. Younger children are cared for in very small groups. As a result they receive dedicated time and interaction from

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Organisation

the childminder. Documentation is organised well. This means that information about the children is readily available. Overall the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to share records with parents and provide details of the procedure for parents to follow if they have a complaint. The childminder has taken the appropriate action to meet the recommendation. Documentation has improved and information is shared with parents. Therefore, this helps to underpin the care of the children.

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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. 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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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

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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): • update the child protection policy. This is with reference to the contact numbers for the police, Local Safeguarding Children Board and Ofsted.

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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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