Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

260397 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Tina Garner Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children in the Sherwood area of Nottingham, which is close to the city centre. Minded children have access to the whole house. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the local childminding support group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is actively promoted because effective measures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example, all areas of the home are clean and food is handled safely. Older children are provided with separate hand towels and the childminder provides hand wipes for younger children to use before eating. The childminder wears disposable gloves when nappy changing and ensures the changing mat is wiped down after use. Clear policies are in place to

p.2

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 guide practice if children are ill or infectious. This includes appropriate information about common childhood illnesses that is shared with parents. Any minor accidents to children are dealt with appropriately and clear systems that are shared with parents ensure all are effectively recorded. However, the childminder has not obtained written consents to ensure that children's needs can be met in the case of an emergency. This impacts on the childminder's ability to ensure children's welfare.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Parents currently choose to supply their children's meals. However, children benefit from the ongoing discussions between parents and the childminder to ensure that their dietary needs are met. Drinks of water, meals and snacks are planned into the daily routine so that children eat at regular intervals throughout the day and remain alert and hydrated. Children learn about food which is good for them through discussions with the childminder and being able to participate in food tasting activities where children have opportunities to develop their palate and try items such as pomegranate, dragon fruit and custard apple.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play, such as accessing the rear garden and walking to school or nearby activities. In addition, children have further opportunities to develop and practise their physical skills during trips to the local park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority. Potential risks are effectively assessed and procedures are in place to minimise these according to children's ages and abilities. The indoor space is well organised to provide a welcome environment for children. They understand where they can play and easily help themselves to toys, games or activities of their choice. Younger children are closely supervised and their safety is promoted through the use of safety gates to restrict their access to certain areas of the home without an adult in close attendance. Children develop an early understanding of keeping themselves and others safe. For example, as they practice the well written fire evacuation procedures which ensures they are able to evacuate the premises calmly in an emergency. Effective procedures are in place when taking children on outings and children learn about road safety when walking to and from activities. However, the childminder

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

does not currently have written parental consent for all children to be transported by car. This prevents the childminder from safeguarding children's welfare in line with parent's wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children gain from an interesting range of age appropriate toys and equipment. All are of a good quality and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Toys are presented in the lounge, and conservatory, with plentiful floor space so that toddlers can explore them and move safely without risks of trips and falls. All resources are developmentally appropriate so that children are not exposed to items that may cause them harm. The childminder has a sound awareness of child protection procedures which enables her to promote and safeguard children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident within the environment. Their self-esteem is well promoted through the positive relationships they are developing both with the childminder and one another. They gain from consistent routines and are able to rest and take part in quieter activities. Younger children are beginning to developing early communication skills through the effective interactions of the childminder. For example, as she joins in their activities, looks

p.3

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 at books with them, and identifies first words. Older children become independent as they are able to choose between resources and activities which appeal to them all. For example, a good range of art and craft activities are provided which contribute to children's creativity, such as collage, drawing and painting. Younger children enjoy sticking and gluing, dough and cornflour. Children also gain from construction, dressing up and role play. The childminder plans outings during the school holidays such as trips to local play centres, picnics on the park and visits to the cinema. Regular outings to toddler group and meetings with other childminders enable younger children to mix and socialise in their local community. It also provides them with opportunities to learn to share and cooperate with others.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are successfully met through the daily routine and information which is collated, to ensure suitable activities and meals are provided in accordance with the differing needs of the children who attend. Children access the range of play freely, with both boys and girls encouraged to select from all the toys available. They begin to understand the similarities and differences between people through having access to books, dolls and dressing up clothes which promote diversity. Children are relaxed and familiar with the routine of the day. They behave well and are developing a clear understanding of what is right and wrong. This is because the childminder is positive and consistent in her approach to setting the boundaries and expectations for the children to adhere to.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's general well-being is effectively promoted through the forming of good partnerships with parents. Carers' views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought and followed well in practice. All relevant information is exchanged on a daily basis, this keeps parents well informed regarding the care and activities of their own children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of support and supervision, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the setting. Consequently, children are confident to make their own choices, selecting toys and initiating play. Documentation is well organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for parents and children. A wide range of well written policies have been devised; these offer parents useful advice regarding the childminders practices and procedures. The quality of care which is offered to children is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement and development. She regularly attends additional training to enable her to further develop the care she offers, and service she provides. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed two recommendations. The first was to develop the range of creative activities offered to pre-school children, to further support their creative and imaginative development. Younger children are now offered a wider range of messy and tactile experiences to ensure that their creative development is promoted. The childminder also agreed to ensure that areas of low level glazing in the conservatory and the mirror in the rear bedroom, do not pose a hazard to children. All low level glass has now been re-covered to ensure any potential hazard to children is effectively minimised.

p.4

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

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure written parental consent is obtained for all children for the seeking of any necessary medical treatment or advice in the future • ensure written parental consent is obtained for transporting children by car.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5