Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252357 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Patricia Bowler 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 1994. She lives with her husband, one adult child and two children aged 13 and 15 in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. The whole of the house 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 is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years and one child over five before and after school. She also cares for three children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends various care and toddler groups. The family has a pet dog and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where they receive excellent levels of care through exemplary working practice. Diligent hygiene methods actively prevent the spread of infection and children develop an acute understanding of personal hygiene through consistent daily routines. They show a real desire to become increasing independent in their personal care. They wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and talk knowledgeably about preventing the spread of germs. Children enjoy helping with the care of family pets and benefit from regular exercise while walking the dog. They talk enthusiastically about the foods enjoyed by the pet rabbit, including 'their favourite carrots'. They know to wash their hands following contact with pets as this is fully supported and monitored by the childminder. Excellent arrangements for the care of pets enable children to gain an awareness of their needs whilst

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Helping children to be healthy

Comprehensive documentation is recorded with parents to ensure children's health and dietary needs are met. Excellent procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as the childminder has knowledge of first aid, available first aid equipment and clear recording systems. A travel first aid kit and emergency information is taken on all outings to ensure children's needs can be effectively met in all situations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access a fully enclosed garden for outside play where they experience resources to enhance a range of skills. For example, children develop confidence and control of their bodies as they access wheeled toys and increase their coordination on large equipment including a swing and slide. They develop positive attitudes to exercise as they benefit from a wealth of opportunities to engage in planned visits to local recreational facilities. These provide additional opportunities for children to run freely and climb on park equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Very good arrangements ensure children can rest and sleep peacefully. The childminder works exceptionally well with parents to meet children's sleep routines. Younger children use rooms on the first floor so consistency can be maintained. Older children rest according to their needs with arrangements to use soft furnishings as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Food is hygienically prepared and children enjoy the meals provided. They benefit from the childminder's training and knowledge of food hygiene. Appropriate storage for meals provided by parents ensure these remain fresh until required by the children. Children benefit from a varied range of foods to develop healthy eating habits. They enjoy a variety of healthy snacks between meals including fresh fruit and drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from vigilant procedures which are extremely well maintained to provide a safe and secure environment. Systematic arrangements ensure the outside play area is safe and meticulous security ensures children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. An effective range of safety equipment minimises potential hazards and children are encouraged and supported to achieve a balance of independence within safe limits. They use high quality

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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 equipment and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development and systematic checks ensure these remain in good order and do not pose a risk to children as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Babies are kept safe with the use of harnesses in furniture and pushchairs to ensure they are securely strapped in. A strong emphasis is successfully maintained to ensure their regular sleeping routines are maintained as they use first floor rooms. A monitor ensures they can be heard by the childminder at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Household furniture is very effectively arranged to facilitate children taking part in active play and relaxation. Age-appropriate toys and play equipment are stored in a low level unit in the dining room to easily allow the children to select resources safely. Very good arrangements ensure those unsuitable for babies and younger children are inaccessible as these are stored in higher drawers. Children actively assist in tidying away toys before accessing others to avoid too many toys becoming a trip hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and a comprehensive written procedure is practised with children to ensure they know what to do in the event of emergency evacuation. Age-appropriate discussions ensure children of all ages have a clear understanding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Very good arrangements are established for walking to and from school. This time is used effectively to heighten children's awareness of road safety and they know about using pedestrian crossings. High priority is given to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe on any outings. They wear wrist bands with only a mobile telephone number identified and know through careful discussion what to do if they become lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. Clear information is shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of her role to report any concerns to maintain children's welfare. Diligent arrangements ensure children are not cared for by unvetted adults to further enhance their safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children make excellent progress in a vibrant and stimulating environment where they enjoy a very good range of toys and play resources as they make active choices about their play. They make rapid steps in their overall development through very good indoor and outdoor activities which provide levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Play resources and activities develop confidence and self-esteem especially through opportunities to instigate and develop their own play. They engage in familiar routines and develop sensitivity to individual needs as they tend to the needs of soft toys in role play situations. A dough activity, using a range of cutters, helps them to gain awareness of shape and size, and they learn about travel and other countries using a train track through the Channel tunnel to France. French landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, enhance their awareness of different countries and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they discuss cultural differences supported with an excellent range of reference books and those for shared reading. Children are mesmerised as they listen intently to a story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and communication skills are significantly enhanced by sensitive verbal interaction. Children express their thoughts and feelings and talk confidently about their play. They ask questions confidently and listen intently to the answers given.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to attend training, such as 'Birth to three matters' to enhance plans for their learning and development. She uses her experience and initiative to provide a stimulating range of play opportunities to capture children's curiosity and enhance their concentration skills. They explore and experiment with a range of creative materials and take pride in their finished work as these are displayed within the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy a range of planned outings and talk eagerly about past visits to the zoo and theme parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop very good social interaction and have warm relationships with known adults. They respond positively to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement and receive cuddles, hugs and close contact to provide reassurance and increase their sense of worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Very effective relationships with parents ensure the childminder knows the children well and they receive care appropriate to their needs. Comprehensive written and verbal methods are used effectively to discuss their individual needs. Children receive warm cuddles and affection, and build trusting relationships with the childminder, contributing to their sense of belonging. There is a strong commitment from the childminder to ensure all children are included giving considerable consideration to any additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make active decisions about their play. They develop an awareness of the needs of others as they engage in a range of activities including role play where they care for soft toys. They play confidently alone and socially and ask for appropriate help if required. Children are learning about the community in which they live as they engage in local walks, outings and various activities. A range of excellent play resources provide opportunities for them to develop an awareness of other cultures, disability and the wider world in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is excellent. They listen intently and gain high levels of self-control as they develop skills to negotiate and resolve some issues. They respond positively to the childminder's high expectations and respond positively to age-appropriate and consistent boundaries. Diligent use of praise and encouragement promotes positive behaviour and children have been pro-active in setting and maintaining simple house rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Excellent partnerships are established with parents. Children receive consistent care appropriate to their needs in line with parental wishes. Parents are kept very well informed about children's progress through written and verbal communication. A comprehensive parent information file clearly sets out business arrangements and informs them of daily working practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of children. She has attended various training events in order to provide a high standard of care. Excellent planning and organisational skills are very effectively implemented to promote and maintain children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised successfully, and spontaneous and well planned activities provide children with interesting experiences to broaden their overall development.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm, commitment and enjoyment and spend their time purposefully at activities to support their play and individual needs. She is highly motivated and regularly monitors and improves the quality of her care through feedback from parents.

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Organisation

Clear documentation is established to ensure children's specific needs are fully recorded and consent arrangements are maintained. Confidentiality is rigorously maintained, whilst ensuring parents are fully informed and involved in the care of their children.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to extend the range of equipment for children under one year-old in view of imminent care for a baby. A wide range of resources are available for babies. These are stored in a separate basket and arrangements ensure they are hygienically maintained and available as required. Young children's access to appropriate resources is enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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