Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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254732 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Esther Darling 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 registered in March 1999. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in the Basford area of Nottingham, close to the local amenities. The childminder may care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. She currently has children over and under the age of eight on roll who attend both part and full time. Children with English as an additional language are supported.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the house, toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden, and the family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a very clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder is a good role model for the children and she raises their awareness of good practice in the prevention of cross-infection.

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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 For example, children know why they wash their hands properly after using the toilet and before having their meal. Children are encouraged to be independent through the use of appropriate equipment such as a step and toilet seat. They are assisted when necessary, such as using the soap from the pump dispenser. Hand towels that children use are changed several times a day and tables are wiped down before being used for eating. The care of the family pet ensures that it does not pose a health hazard to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's burgeoning understanding of the importance of a healthy and well-balanced diet is fostered by the childminder. She takes into account the wishes of the parents and the children's own likes and dislikes and dietary requirements when planning the weekly menu. Meals provided are nutritious and enjoyed by the children at this social time where everybody sits together. The menu itself is changed infrequently which means that opportunities for children to try a wide variety of foods are somewhat limited. Children eat fresh vegetables daily and are given a choice of fruit at snack time. They are offered a choice of drinks which includes plenty of milk and water. Children enjoy physical activities on a regular basis either in the rear garden, during visits to the park or indoor play areas. This enables them to develop a wide range of skills because they use a variety of different equipment such as bats and balls, water play, bikes

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children navigate their environment confidently, making good use of the space available in the childminder's comfortable and welcoming home. They are kept safe and secure because the childminder supervises them vigilantly. Systems are in place to ensure that children are collected by authorised adults only. The fire evacuation procedures are practised regularly, enabling the childminder and children to be able to leave the house efficiently in the event of an emergency. The childminder has conducted a thorough risk assessment on her property and has successfully minimised all hazards to children. This includes having all of her electrical appliances safety checked. Children are secured in appropriate restraints whilst being transported in a vehicle. Equipment taken on trips helps the childminder to keep children safe and deal with any emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to follow local government safeguarding children procedures. She has a written policy that is shared with parents, and all of the required documentation in order to guide her in the event of concerns about the child's welfare. Her attendance on a relevant course has enhanced this knowledge. Children's development is influenced positively by the good range of toys that they have access to. Equipment is clean, safe and in good repair. It is rotated to keep children's interest, and some of it is stored in a manner that enables them to make choices about their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are progressing well in their development due to the quality interaction of the childminder who sits and talks to them whilst joining in with their play. This encourages children to be sociable, and they are keen to talk about their home experiences and act them out during role-play. They concentrate for good periods of time during their chosen activity and play imaginatively with the cars and garage. Children are learning about their colours and basic

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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 calculation through play because the childminder skilfully questions them about what they are doing. Children enjoy a sound range of activities such as a trip to Sherwood Forest, and regular visits to mother and toddler groups where they practice their physical and social skills whilst having fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the company of the childminder and each other, having formed trusting relationships. This enables them to be confident when standing up for their rights when negotiating who plays with what. The children are sufficiently self assured to ask the childminder for support to help them do this if needed. This enables children to learn right from wrong. The childminder is beginning to assess children's developmental progress, but this system is still very much in its infancy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all included and valued as individuals. The childminder is able to make adaptations to her provision in order to make sure that children with temporary disabilities or English as an additional language feel both welcome and a sense of belonging in her home. They learn to value diversity of race when playing with dolls and small figures, for example, but have less opportunities to explore disability through using equipment showing positive images. The play offered to children is non-stereotypical, allowing them to explore without fear of recrimination. This enables the happy and tolerant atmosphere that the childminder has successfully fostered in her home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and feel listened to because the childminder has a good understanding of their developmental needs. For example, this helps her to understand who finds it easier to share and who needs more support with this. The written policy on behaviour management means that parents are well informed and know what to expect. Methods used are focused on promoting children's welfare and development. Parents know how their children will be cared for from the onset of the placement due to the clear and comprehensive set of policies and procedures that are shared with them. They have a copy each so that any ongoing questions or concerns are answered. Parents use this childminding service for years at a time with younger siblings attending alongside older ones.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Young children are supported effectively by the childminder who is capable of giving them the attention that they need in order to feel secure. Children are settled and confident, showing a sense of belonging at the childminder's home. The childminder is aware of what changes or significant events must be reported to Ofsted. She organises her records in a manner that is very efficient and promotes the safety, care and welfare of children.

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Organisation

The childminder has worked on improving her service since the last inspection and has devised a range of written policies and procedures that keep parents well informed and serve the best interests of the children. Also, she has improved her knowledge and skills through the attendance on short courses including a healthy eating workshop. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made, that the childminder ensure accident records contain information about the location of the injury. All records of accidents are sufficiently detailed now, and this promotes good continuity of care as well as partnership with parents and carers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint which raised concerns about child protection and organisation. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit to the provision on 23/07/2007 to consider these concerns in relation to National Standards 13: Child Protection and 14: Documentation. As a result of the visit the provider was given the following action: ensure the early years inspector is informed at the earliest opportunity regarding any changes in persons over the age of 16 working or living in the household. The childminder continues to be qualified for registration.

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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 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): • improve the variety of meals that are provided • actively promote equality of opportunity with regard to the provision of positive images of disability • continue to develop the planning of activities to promote all areas of children's developmental progress.

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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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