Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252462 Unique Reference Number 21 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and 16 year old child in Woodthorpe, a suburb of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 seven children, all of whom are in full-time education and attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand good health and hygiene procedures and learn routines which minimise the spread of infection. They know for example, that hand washing is important before touching food. Children are independent in their personal care and rest and sleep following their home

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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 routines. Toys and equipment are in a clean, good condition. Positive steps are taken when children have an accident or become ill. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and accident and medicine records are well maintained. The first aid box is properly stocked and readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because they are provided with an excellent range of healthy meals. All food is freshly prepared using local or home grown produce if possible. The menu includes lentil and vegetable soup, chicken and rice, fajitas, home made pizza, and pasta with a tomato and basil sauce. Their specific dietary needs and parental preferences are taken into account. Water is always readily available to ensure children are hydrated. Mealtimes are relaxed, sociable occasions. Children enthusiastically comment on their favourite meals. They sit at a table to eat their food and good manners are encouraged.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide variety of activities which effectively promotes their physical development. They bounce on the trampoline, play swing ball and keep fit trying to see how long they can keep a hoop around their waist. Children have a positive attitude towards being active and the dance mat is a regular feature in the play room. They learn that being active promotes good health and the impact on their body is healthy heart, bones and strong muscles.

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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. Space is well organised to enable children to experience a wide variety of play opportunities. Toys and activities are out ready for when the children arrive and artwork, pictures and photos are displayed in the play room. This creates a welcoming environment. Children are able to self select from resources which meet required safety standards and their developmental needs. Toys and equipment are regularly checked and repaired to ensure that they are safe. Potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment such as socket covers. Security lights ensure that children are safe as they approach the home in the dark. The childminder is prepared for severe weather and has a supply of rock salt to treat paths if they become icy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised both indoors and outside and learn the importance of staying safe because they are sensitively reminded of house rules and boundaries. Children know not to jump on the furniture and 'to keep hands and feet to themselves'. Children take responsibility for their own safety when outside such as crossing the road safely by using patrolled crossings and listening to instructions. They understand stranger danger because of sensitive discussions about adults that they should not talk to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order. An emergency escape plan is in place and has been practised by all children. Therefore, children know what to do in the event of a fire. Children’s welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has attended training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of these procedures and ensures that parents are fully aware of her role in protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and have a good rapport with the childminder and her family. They are cared for in a homely environment and confidentially make decisions about their play.

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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 choose from a wide variety of toys and activities and move freely around rooms. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and provides activities which reflect the children's interests. Children's achievements are regularly praised to maintain their self-esteem. Ideas are shared and children are encouraged to ask questions and problem solve.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are busy and having fun. They particularly enjoy being creative and art and craft materials such as card, glue, paints, glitter and paper are plentiful. They have each decorated a file to keep their artwork in and design cards for birthdays and other special occasions. Children use their imagination well and can vividly recall the fun they had playing in a tent and making dens. They have a keen interest in cooking and make pizzas and cakes for tea. School-aged children are supported with their homework and can access safe internet sites to help them research projects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Routines and everyday situations are used to develop younger children's knowledge of colours, shapes, letters, numbers and textures. Children currently attending are cared for during term time only, before and after school. The childminder has plans in place for children to experience learning and play opportunities outside of the home if needed during school holidays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder consults with parents about their personal requirements. They follow familiar routines which helps them to develop a sense of belonging. Children have equal access to an appropriate range of books and play figures which positively promote culture and traditions. The Chinese New Year is celebrated and the use of a festivals calendar helps a child to gain information and complete a project about Buddhism. Resources which reflect disability, however, are less evident. Consequently children are not fully extending their knowledge and understanding of some people in society. The childminder has experience of caring for children with additional needs and learning disabilities. Children of all abilities are welcomed and are fully included in play activities with support. Activities enable children to make progress in their learning and the childminder willingly works

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Helping children make a positive contribution

alongside parents and other professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of rules regarding behaviour and learn to share, take turns and consider others. Their behaviour is managed consistently and strategies include distracting young children and ensuring that all children have clear boundaries and guidance. Children are well behaved and learn to develop respect for themselves and others because they know the consequence of their actions. Children respond positively when praised and are rewarded for behaving as expected. The childminder focuses on raising children's self esteem and is a good role model as she takes into account different levels of maturity and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have developed good relationships with the childminder and regularly share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Their opinions and comments are valued and respected. Children have settling-in visits and a gradual introduction. Good communication and a friendly approach ensures that parents are kept informed of their child's daily routine including activities they have taken part in.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and enjoy the space to move freely between rooms, although a designated play room is utilised for the majority of indoor activities. The day is organised around the children's routines and the childminder actively involves children in the planning of their play. Her practice meets the needs of individual children. They have a wide variety of activities and play experiences. Children explore readily accessible toys and resources which are stimulating and fun. Time is organised well to meet the individual needs of the children attending.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. Records are kept up to date and are securely stored. The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended various childcare courses on different aspects of childcare to enhance her practice. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that sufficient information of the location of an injury was recorded. Accident procedures have been reviewed and more detailed information has been added to records. 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 promote disability in a positive way.

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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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