Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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253001 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Sjertsje Ebbers 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children in a four bedroom detached house in West Bridgford, South of Nottingham. Minded children use the ground floor of the house which includes the playroom, kitchen and downstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Four cats are kept as family pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children under eight and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a clean environment in which they are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle. The childminder organises regular outings so they can enjoy the fresh air and keep fit. Daily routines include walks in the park and along the canal, which allow them to develop a positive attitude to exercise. Children benefit from having regular access to large spaces and equipment which allows them move with increasing confidence and control, as well

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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 as using small tools and materials to develop their hand eye coordination. As a result, children are making good physical progress and get sufficient exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines, such as washing their hands before meals. The childminder adopts good strategies to keep children clean and free from infection. For example, children have their own towels and hairbrush and the childminder keeps them clean on outings with baby wipes. A clear policy is in place for children who are sick which ensures that parents and the childminder work together in the best interests of all the children. They are well looked after if they are unwell or have an accident because the childminder carries a first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the attention the childminder gives to a healthy diet. Through attending short courses, she has developed a good understanding of the effects certain snacks have on children's well-being, mood and behaviour. An agreement is made with parents about who provides meals and the kinds of food, which is outlined in the food policy. The childminder has previously attended a food hygiene course although she does not always use this knowledge in practice. During the inspection the childminder picks up a biscuit off the floor that a child has dropped and gives it to him instead of disposing of it. This means that children may adopt this approach to food handling in less hygienic environments. Children regularly have drinks which ensures they are sufficiently hydrated.

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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 environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's supervision. They have access to a very wide range of stimulating toys and equipment that meet safety standards. These include a variety of crafts materials and tools, games and books and they are stored in boxes in the children's playroom. The childminder cleans and checks toys and equipment regularly and excludes smaller items from the younger children to prevent accidents. Their safety is enhanced and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder knows what might be hazardous to children and she has taken steps to reduce possible risks. For example, using safety gates to exclude children from the stairs and fitting cupboard locks. As the children grow and develop, they are given increased independence to learn how to contribute to their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

On outings children are kept safe with reins, straps and the appropriate car seats. The childminder carries emergency details on her and has considered what to do if children get lost in a public space. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and the childminder has carefully considered an emergency evacuation plan. Children are well protected from potential harm as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. She is aware of the procedures to follow should she ever have any concerns about the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in a welcoming and secure environment. They benefit from a playroom allocated for childminding, in which an extensive range of resources is accessible to the children. They enjoy spending time exploring these toys and resources, with the childminder as well as independently. Their development is supported because the childminder uses effective questioning to allow children think for themselves. A range of trips and outings are planned

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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 as part of the daily routine for children's enjoyment and personal development. Children enjoy the walks in the park and the childminder makes good use of outdoor learning opportunities, such as looking at a frog. They benefit from regularly attending childminding and toddler groups so they can interact with peers and develop their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing confidence and self-esteem as the childminder pays genuine interest in them and praises their achievements. Children seek closeness when they want to and this is appropriately reciprocated by the childminder who sings to the children and reads stories to them. They enjoy looking at pictures of themselves and others and the childminder encourages them to describe what and who they can see. This allows them to develop their language skills. The childminder observes children's development and regularly takes pictures to monitor their progress, for example, when a child independently climbs on play equipment for the first time. She plans the activities accordingly. As a result, children enjoy themselves and are developing very well. The progress the children are making is shared with parents. Overall, the childminder has a very good understanding of how children develop and learn which is evident in her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel secure and develop a sense of belonging because they enjoy the routines. They have built positive relationships with the childminder who skilfully manages their behaviour. She has a very good understanding of how children's developmental stages are linked their actions and she shares this knowledge with the older children. For example, she explains to them that babies and younger children like to explore their own and others' toys but because they do not always know how to ask, they take or snatch the toys. She also encourages children to share and take turns. This helps them to develop an understanding for others and to think about their own behaviour. Consequently, behaviour issues are often prevented.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are positive about the care provided and the childminder promotes a good working relationship with them for the benefit of the children. Regular exchange of information takes place about children's diet, behaviour and their development and a written diary is available on request. The childminder has clear written agreements in place and parents have access to the policies and procedures. Close partnerships with parents are formed because the expectations of both parties are shared from the start. The childminder consults parents in case children have any additional needs. This ensures children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well looked after. The childminder promotes an inclusive practice and equality of opportunity for all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment for the children in her care. She organises time and resources well to provide them with a good balanced routine of activities, rest and play. Children's welfare is promoted because she ensures that any adults coming into contact with them in her home are suitable to do so. The childminder has a very positive attitude to training. She has attended a variety of short courses to improve the service she offers and further enhance the children's care, learning and play experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps comprehensive policies and guidance that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. Information kept about the children is relevant and promotes their

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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 welfare. Regular discussions with parents ensure that care provided is consistent. Good arrangements are made with other registered childminders to share good practice and provide contingency care.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder received two recommendations with reference to medication procedures and first aid supplies. The childminder has made positive improvements in both areas, which ensures children's health needs are well catered for.

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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.

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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): • promote the good health of children with reference to hygienic food handling.

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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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