Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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254703 Unique Reference Number 11 March 2008 Inspection date Anne McKay 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 1999. She lives with her husband and daughter in a semi-detached house in Nottingham, close to local schools, shops, parks and bus routes. Minded children can access the whole of the ground floor, and the first floor bathroom. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, one of whom attends on a full-time basis and three of whom attend part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of a local childminding group and attends local parent/toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn sound hygiene practices such as washing their hands through the example set by the childminder. She follows clear procedures to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, she cleans all surfaces with antibacterial cleaner and supplies separate towels for the children. Arrangements are in place to ensure the dog is kept up to date with routine treatments and inoculations and that children do not access areas where the dog eats and sleeps. There

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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 is a clear sick child policy in place that is shared with parents to help protect children from sharing infections. Accidents are recorded in sufficient detail to inform parents of the cause and site of any injury and of what treatment has been given. Medication records are also completed, including written parental consent and acknowledgment. These health records are shared responsibly with parents to promote consistent care for their children. The childminder does not currently have written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for their children to avoid delay if they cannot be contacted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through daily exercise, for example, walking to and from school, playing games indoors and through visits to the park and to a variety of different toddler groups where children can access suitable play equipment. The childminder is happy to provide meals for children and has a clear understanding of what to include in a balanced, nutritious diet although children usually eat food that is provided by their parents. The childminder keeps a record of individual children's dietary requirements and caters for these according to children's needs and parents' wishes. She provides healthy snacks of fruit and ensures fresh drinking water is available at all times to prevent children from becoming thirsty or dehydrated.

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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 comfortable and welcoming environment. The space is well-organised and appropriate action has been taken to identify and minimise most potential risks to children. However, some cleaning materials are stored in the upstairs bathroom where older children have the potential to reach them if they are in the bathroom unsupervised. Children are protected from accidents in other areas of the house through the use of suitable safety equipment, including smoke alarms that are checked regularly. Children practise the evacuation procedure regularly so they know what to do in an emergency. There is a suitable range of toys and activities to promote children's development in all areas. Children can select what they want to play with because toys are stored and set out within their reach. They can play with the resources confidently because they are checked routinely to ensure they are in a clean and safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

condition. Children are supervised according to their age, ability and level of understanding. This means they are kept safe from most potential hazards whilst developing independent skills. They learn about road safety from the childminder, for example, whilst on outings and when walking to and from school. Children's welfare is supported by the childminder's secure understanding of the safeguarding children procedures and her knowledge of how to put these into practise to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and secure in the care of the childminder and have positive relationships with her so they settle to play and learn with confidence. Children enjoy their play and are interested and involved. They make choices from the good selection of toys set out for them and receive appropriate support from the childminder to promote their development according to individual need. For example, whilst playing with a farm animal set a young child learns to recognise different animals and the childminder then builds on this interest by introducing a book in which they can find animals under flaps. The childminder asks questions about colour and demonstrates some basic counting. The childminder builds on children's interests so they enjoy acquiring knowledge and learning new skills whilst playing. Children have good

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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 opportunities to play imaginatively and to explore different roles, for example, through caring for the dolls. They enjoy art and craft and join in some baking activities. Children are well supported in their communication and social skills. The childminder takes time to listen to children and to understand what they are saying and is skilled in promoting language and building children's confidence and self-esteem. Children attend a variety of local toddler groups where they can socialise with different children and play with a variety of different resources and play equipment to further interest and challenge them. Older children can relax after school or, for example, play board games or enjoy art and craft activities. The childminder is involved in the local childminder's group and they organise various outings for the children both locally

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder because she works closely with parents. She is sensitive and flexible during the settling-in period to help both parents and children. She ensures the information she has is up to date through a regular exchange of information with parents so children receive continuity of care. The childminder has the knowledge and skills to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She ensures that all children are included on an equal basis and that they have opportunities to learn about wider society. For example, they play with a range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and join in activities that are linked to different cultural and religious events in the calendar. Children's behaviour is managed calmly by the childminder according to children's stage of development and individual age and level of understanding. Children are settled and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

familiar with the routines so they have a sense of belonging. They are praised for good behaviour which encourages them to continue behaving well. Parents are given copies of the childminder's policies and procedures so they are informed about the care she provides and about her business practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are looked after within a welcoming environment where they can rest, play and eat in comfort. The space and resources are well organised and suitable procedures are in place to ensure children's safety, with the exception of the storage of cleaning materials in the bathroom which is occasionally accessed unsupervised by older children. The childminder plans and provides suitable activities for children to promote all areas of their development and to interest and challenge them. She is committed to attending relevant training courses to further enhance her skills and knowledge. Essential documents and most parental consents are well-maintained, up to date and shared appropriately with parents so children receive continuity of care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make a number of improvements. She has obtained the relevant documentation to support her safeguarding children procedures so she has an improved understanding of how to protect children. She has developed the range of toys and activities that are available to children so that all areas of learning and development are promoted. Within this range of resources she has also increased the variety of toys and books that reflect positive images of diversity to help children learn about the wider world and

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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 to explore aspects of their identity. The childminder was asked to obtain written consent from parents to take children in a vehicle. She has a system in place to obtain this consent if required, for example, if she is taking children on an outing.

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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): • assess the risks to children with regard to the storage of cleaning materials and take action to minimise these • ensure written permission is requested to seek any emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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