Hammond, Elizabeth Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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252530 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her two adult children in the Woodthorpe area of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a level three National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for nine children under the age of eight years. Four of these children are of pre-school age and two attend on a full time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are developing an excellent understanding of healthy living and how to look after their bodies. They are cared for in a immaculately clean, warm home. Children are taught the importance of strict hand washing routines and all children have their own named individual

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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 towels which are hung on low pegs for easy access. Children gain an excellent understanding of good hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines. They understand for example, germs do not spread if they wipe their noses and dispose of tissues in the bin.

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Helping children to be healthy

The care of babies is exemplary. They have plenty of fresh air and benefit from undisturbed sleep outdoors. Children are warmly wrapped up in their pushchairs in cool weather and shaded from the sun on warm days. Nappy changing routines are thorough, each child has their own items for their personal care. They are kept separately in a cupboard in the bathroom. The clear, accessible health and safety policy, together with the childminder's extensive knowledge and experience, ensure that children are very well-protected from infection. She is trained in first aid and children suffer few accidents. Medical records and consent forms are extremely well-organised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished because they are provided with well-balanced, nutritional meals which are prepared by their parents. Their individual dietary needs are taken into account because discussions with parents are thorough. Children are unlikely to suffer stomach upset due to unsafe food because of excellent food hygiene practices. Children are offered or help themselves to drinks throughout the day depending on their age. Consequently they are kept hydrated. Children enjoy mealtimes because time is given for them to savour and enjoy their food. Meals are social occasions where the children sit together to encourage positive social interaction.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their physical health and well-being. They benefit from regular walks and visits to the park and soft play areas. Children enjoy music and dance activities indoors. They gain new skills and develop their confidence because the childminder has an excellent understanding of appropriate activities and the level of support individual children need. The garden is seen as an extended learning environment and toys and activities are taken outside on mats. Children are able to examine living things and notice plants, trees and the change in the weather. They learn that being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is that it helps build strong muscles and bones.

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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 safe and secure home. Their risk to injury is minimised as the childminder carries out visual checks on toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe for children to use. Children move independently around areas and access toys and equipment that are in good condition and well-maintained. Resources well-organised and stored at a low level in the playroom so children can make independent choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised both indoors and outside. They learn about their own safety through clear explanation and discussion. Children understand the importance of holding hands when crossing the road and younger children are securely fastened into a pushchair. Outings are well organised and a risk assessment completed before children are taken on trips. Fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder has practised the emergency escape plan with the children. Therefore, they know what to do in the event of a fire. Parents are familiar with all of the childminder's procedures with regard to their children's health and safety because they receive copies of the policies.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has attended training to ensure that her knowledge and skills are up to date with current practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the childminder's homely environment and they have a close relationship with her. Toys and equipment are varied and provide children with appropriate challenges. They learn to make independent choices from a wide variety of books, toys and activities which are rotated to keep children interested. Children are supported as they try out new activities and use resources which help them to progress in their learning. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and understands that children learn through their play experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to be creative. They experience painting using sponges and stencil onto cards. Young children enjoy looking at picture books and playing with sound toys. They listen to story tapes and many different kinds of music. Play is adapted to meet the individual needs of younger children, for example when playing with construction toys, babies have soft bricks or larger pieces. As a result they are making progress in their development. Children are shown care and affection and enjoy the childminder's attention. They are responsive to her suggestions and confident in asking for specific toys if they are not already out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience good learning and play opportunities outside and through visits and outings places of interest. They enjoy going to the local farm and regularly have picnics. Children socialise with other children in group situations, for example, childminding groups. They are able look at past and present photos and talk about their friends and the events that they have taken part in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared as individuals because the childminder has thorough discussions with parents about their personal needs. They follow their normal daily routine and make decisions about their play. Resources help children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Books and multi-cultural dolls show positive images of a variety of people and children have access to the library to enhance the selection. They are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards others through discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning disabilities and/or difficulties and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. All children are included in planned activities and have free access to a wide assortment of toys. However, resources that reflect positive images of disability are limited. Consequently, children are not fully extending their knowledge and understanding in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respect one another and are encouraged to share and take turns when playing. They play co-operatively together and receive lots of praise for their efforts. Older children have been introduced to house rules and are sensitively reminded of the boundaries which keep them safe. Parents are encouraged to share information about their individual needs and interests. Children are helped to settle in and benefit from a gradual introduction. Parents are

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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 regularly consulted with regards to their children's needs and good communication exists. They receive well written policies which cover all aspects of their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Play is planned around the children's daily routines and takes into account their individual needs. Space is well-organised to enable children to experience a broad range of activities which promotes their learning. Policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice meets the needs of individual children well.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to attending training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has completed many courses on all aspects of childcare. Information exchanged and regular discussions with parents helps to promote the welfare and care of the children. Records are very well-maintained, kept up to date and securely stored. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review documentation to ensure prior written parental consent was obtained for all medication administered to children. The childminder uses the National Childminding Association documentation for keeping medical records. All the required consent has been obtained, therefore positive steps have been taken to promote children's health and safety.

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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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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): • continue to develop resources which reflect positive images of disability.

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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 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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