Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252447 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and teenage son on the outskirts of Nottingham. The family has a dog. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes and this includes a playroom for the children. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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. There is currently a total of 11 children on roll, which includes three children over eight years of age. Five children under school age are on roll. They attend mostly on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well presented environment. Their good health is supported through the use of mostly effective hygiene practices. For example, children learn the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. However, the use of one towel shared between the children does not fully protect them from the risk 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 Appropriate arrangements are in place to deal with accidents or medical emergencies as the childminder has a current first aid certificate. She maintains relevant parental consents and documents accidents carefully so that children's ongoing health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted as the childminder provides children with a range of nutritious meals and snacks. For example, children choose from a variety of fresh fruits available at snack time. Older children help to plan menus and are encouraged to understand which foods are good for them. Children have regular access to drinks so that they are not dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily exercise as they walk to and from school or nursery. They play in the garden during fine weather and have plenty of room to move around safely indoors. The childminder makes use of local facilities to provide opportunities for children to play actively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Their safety is promoted because the childminder takes steps to reduce possible risks in the home and is alert to potential dangers. For example, appropriate precautions are in place to safeguard children from the risk of fire. Children learn further safety messages while in the care of the minder. For example, all children learn about road safety while they are walking to and from school. As a result, they understand how to cross roads safely with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the use of a dedicated playroom that is bright and child-friendly. The provision of a cosy area enables children to relax or rest according to their needs. Toys are stored accessibly so that children of all ages are able to make independent choices in what they do. All of the equipment and resources are in good clean condition and are suitable for the ages of the children using them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities towards protecting children. She is able to recognise potential signs of abuse and neglect and is aware of how to act on any concerns she may encounter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy positive relationships with the childminder so that they are settled and enjoy their time with her. They make independent choices from the good range of toys and activities that are suitable to promote all areas of their development. Children's learning is enhanced through the childminder working closely with them. For example, she introduces new vocabulary, counts objects in play and teaches children to use scissors safely. She sits at their level and is fully involved in what they do and say. Often the childminder responds to children's interests such as suggesting they might make a dog mask following a conversation initiated by one child. The good organisation of resources means children easily find the materials they need and take delight in drawing, cutting and decorating their masks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Daily routines meet children's needs. They enjoy a balanced range of active and quiet play with opportunities for outings into the community during the week. Children show an understanding of the sequence of the day and readily attempt to put on their shoes and coats ready to collect older children from school.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and as a result their needs are well met. They are free to make choices about what they wish to do and their artwork is attractively displayed in the playroom, which shows it is valued. The childminder plans activities that involve all of the children and have regard to their current interests. Their awareness of the wider world is enhanced through the use of some appropriate resources and activities within the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to consider and respect one another. They take some responsibility in making decisions about what they do and understand that sometimes compromise is necessary in group situations. The childminder acts as a good role model for the children and reinforces their positive behaviour with praise and encouragement. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from consistency of care because the childminder works closely with parents to follow their home routines. For example, clear information is exchanged so that younger children feed and rest according to their own individual patterns. Daily report sheets are provided for the younger children to ensure parents receive clear information about their child's day. This supplements written information that is displayed within the playroom and the regular conversations that take place daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is supported through the childminder ensuring she continues to meet the qualification requirements. For example, she has renewed her first aid certificate in a timely manner thereby ensuring she is able to act in the children's best interests in a medical emergency. However, the childminder has failed to ensure that appropriate vetting of all adults within the household has been completed promptly. This has the potential to impact upon children's overall safety and has affected the overall inspection judgement.

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Organisation

All essential documentation is in place and well-maintained. Suitable information about the children and their contact details are collected and are readily available. Although the childminder seeks appropriate written consents from parents the storage of these in an area not used by the children means they are not easily accessible if needed and may compromise children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time well so that she supports the children in their play. She provides a dedicated playroom so that the environment is welcoming and child-centred. As a result children are safe, settled and interested in the activities provided. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to devise a policy regarding the exclusion of children who are infectious, to share with parents her procedure for dealing with complaints and to increase her knowledge of child protection. She also agreed to extend her resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity. Following the inspection the childminder obtained relevant information relating to the protection of children and has familiarised herself with the content. This ensures appropriate action would be taken in order to safeguard children's welfare.

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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 Policies are now established regarding the care of children who are ill and for dealing with any complaints about the service, which improves the partnership with parents. Some further resources are now available to help children understand about the wider world and the childminder continues to build on this aspect of her practice so that children begin to value diversity.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure checks are completed on all household members over the age of 16 years • ensure the arrangements for children to dry their hands minimise the risk of cross-infection • improve the overall organisation of the records relating to children, with reference to relevant consents being readily available.

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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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