Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252410 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2007 Inspection date Georgina Walker 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 outstanding. 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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. The whole of the ground floor in the childminder’s home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local schools and pre-school to take and collect children. She attends and helps to manage the local parent, carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis; five under five all day and four over eight before or after school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 outstanding. Children’s health and safety is admirably promoted. They learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and are made aware why they wash hands so there are no germs on them. All have individual flannels and towels, choosing their own colour each day. This prevents the risk of cross infection very effectively. Food handling procedures are exemplary as the childminder washes her own hands before the preparation of snacks. If children are ill or infectious a comprehensive written policy regarding exclusion is implemented. The childminder consistently follows procedures when dealing with accidents and medication. Accident and existing injuries records contain detail which safeguard children. 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 in place to ensure children's medical needs are met if a more

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Helping children to be healthy

serious injury occurs. This is also taken on outings to further protect children and promote their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are exceptionally well met and healthy eating is promoted. Individual needs are discussed with parents and recorded. Snacks provided are very healthy and nutritious, for example children enjoy snacks of banana and grapes or brown bread sandwiches after school. For lunches they have a warm meal provided by parents and suitably re-heated by the childminder. Children also understand about healthy eating by growing tomatoes, beetroot and parsley. Drinks are readily available and children ask or help themselves to their beakers on the work unit. Babies individual routines are appropriately followed and intake is shared with parents to confirm needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical development is prominent. Children have extensive opportunities to play outside and have a wide range of activities inside to encourage a positive attitude to healthy exercise. Wheeled toys to ride or push, balls to throw and kick, imaginary play resources as well as tents and tunnels are eagerly accessed by the children. Older children have free access to the garden off the kitchen and under fives are accompanied as they learn to negotiate steps carefully. They go to the park on the way home from school, developing stamina on the journey. Indoors they have a range of walkers and furniture to move around and puzzles to assist in development of fine motor skills. Rest periods on age-appropriate equipment are provided to effectively meet children's individual needs. Consequently, children are able to develop a very healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework pack, has attended training, is exceptionally well aware of the terminology and follows an approach in line with the framework. Children under three are progressing rapidly through the worthy activities she provides. Progress is recorded in an impressive diary of the child's placement with childminder and shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in warm and welcoming, safe, secure and suitable premises where there is ideal space indoors to play and learn comfortably. Their individual skills develop competently with the exemplary range of age-appropriate resources. Children independently select activities from the range of high quality toys and equipment. Resources are stored on low shelves, in

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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 drawers and cupboards in the play room and children eagerly help themselves, for example to the cars and planes. They can request activities or choose from those presented, depending on the ages and stages of those present. Older children take small resources to the dining table and engage in worthwhile activities without presenting hazards to younger children. They show respect of property and as they are careful this ensures the toys remain in good condition for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's safety is fully promoted throughout the premises as the childminder is rigorous in her risk assessments. An awareness of safety during a fire is promoted exceptionally well. Children have been engaged in an activity to draw the layout of the premises and suggest where they think the exits are or remembered from previous evacuations. Children are also developing an awareness of personal safety as they respond suitably to the childminder's expectations when they are on school journeys and outings. The childminder has a collection and departure policy which includes 'going to play with friends' section to accommodate older children's individual needs superbly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's well-being is given high priority as the childminder has an impressive understanding of child protection procedures and how to put these into practice. Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures have been received and training is regularly attended to update knowledge. Information of her duty to protect children is shared with each parent in the well written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children experience an extensive range of activities which contributes to their notable development inside and outside the setting. The childminder plans effectively and has stimulating ideas for activities and lets children help themselves to the range of resources. Aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework are promoted skilfully and progress recorded in the excellent record started when children first attend. These are passed to parents when the child moves on to school. Older children want to relax after school, some do homework and all are eager to instigate play outdoors which ensures individual needs are met. Creative play opportunities are carefully planned and enthusiastically enjoyed by all the children. Children become engrossed for long periods in drawing and painting activities, such as painting a bee. The children look forward to reading books and having cuddles as they sit in the cosy chair in the play room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They often bring their own books, such as 'The Hungry Caterpillar' and spontaneous crafts to make a collage caterpillar are instigated. Children’s individual needs are met and their welfare is expertly promoted through the childminder providing beneficial support. Children show great interest in activities and resources and gain valuable experiences. As they show the childminder letters from a puzzle she carefully pronounces the name to ensure children eventually pick up the correct sounds. They enjoy a range of musical experiences as they attempt to play the piano sited in the play room and eagerly use the wide range of instruments stored in a box on the shelf.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are fully supported to develop a strong awareness of self and the world around them. The childminder has a commendable understanding of equality of opportunity issues and meeting individual needs effectively. She encourages all children to access age-appropriate

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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 activities and develop life skills. A policy to support children's social development is included in the exemplary range of policies she has produced for parents. Individual needs are fully discussed with parents and children play with an impressive range of resources of positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities but has a solid understanding of potential need. She is aware to adapt activities to ensure inclusion and has a positive attitude to caring for children who have temporary difficulties. Children’s needs are met through discussion with parents and the childminder has a clear understanding of the need to work with parents and outside agencies to effectively meet needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective written policies and principles of good behaviour management in place to manage a wide range of children’s behaviour. Children behave appropriately as they respond to boundaries set and as they are always purposefully occupied issues are few. Consistent appropriate management helps children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Good use of praise and encouragement helps to build development of children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 emotional and physical needs very effectively. Children are settled and happy. Parents are updated on their children's well-being and development through the placement diary. The childminder ensures parents are fully aware of her policies and procedures and how children will be cared for during discussion at initial visits. No written information is given to parents to retain. The certificates and Ofsted poster included on the notice board in the kitchen successfully meets requirements. Parents are aware of the complaints process as the childminder has a comprehensive policy and the complaints log is in a prominent position. A confidentiality policy reassures parents their family and child's personal details are confidentially stored and information is only shared on a need

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children's needs are consistently met by the childminder to an exceptionally high standard. She maintains the regulatory records effectively and provides a service way above the required standards with regard to the policies she has produced for parents and the worthwhile activities she provides for children. All successfully promote the welfare, care and learning of the children at all times. The childminder meets the qualification criteria as she has attended the required first aid course during 2007. Children are supported skilfully by the childminder as they are under her direct supervision to ensure their time with her is enjoyable. She is exceptionally well-organised to meet the wide age range of children's needs. There is plenty of space and an interesting range of resources to stimulate the children. The childminder is caring and attentive to children's needs. They are very happy in the setting and enjoy the exciting range

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Organisation

of play opportunities, becoming absorbed in their play. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to extend activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice with particular regard to disability. She has obtained an excellent range of resources which are constantly available for the children to access. A commendable range of activities are presented, such as children engage in foot and mouth painting or feel and smell resources when blindfolded. These are followed

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Improvements 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 by discussion of how disabled persons adapt and issues on the news are included, for example about athletes with carbon fibre leg extensions. The children's craft work is shared with the parents or samples and photographs saved for the praiseworthy record of the child's time with childminder. This ensures children have an excellent understanding of differences in society, the need for equality and that positive attitudes are prominently promoted.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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