Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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258764 Unique Reference Number 24 October 2007 Inspection date Jasmin Myles-Wilson 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 has been registered since 2001 and lives with her partner and their child aged six years. They live in a semi-detached house in the village of Mansfield Woodhouse, which is on the main route between Mansfield and Worksop. Local amenities and various schools are within a short walking distance from the premises. The whole ground floor and first floor are used for childminding purpose. An enclosed back garden is available.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged under five years and one child aged under eight years. The childminder also cares for six children aged over eight years. The childminder drives to take and collect children from school. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends a local playgroup on a weekly basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health and hygiene is satisfactorily promoted through regular physical exercise, rest and daily routines. They begin to develop an understanding of keeping themselves healthy through discussions with the childminder and the childminder encourages them to take care of their personal hygiene. The childminder has sufficient understanding of how to respond to children which has a positive effect on their well-being. For example, children's fear of strangers are eased as they are re-assured, distracted and diverted into play by the childminder. Children have sufficient opportunities to access fresh air and enjoy physical activities, such as outdoor activities, for example, playing on the trampoline. They rest and exercise according to their individual need. Young children's individual routine and parental wishes are respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The spread of infection and disease is reduced by the childminder keeping the premises clean and not allowing very sick children to attend. Suitable procedures are in place to deal appropriately with children who are ill or sustain injuries as the childminder has sufficient knowledge regarding first aid treatment. The childminder also has consent to seek emergency treatment or medical advice for all children attending the provision. The accident record has satisfactory information of all injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are considered and met appropriately as the childminder and parents work together. Young children and babies are given the space and time to become independent while feeding themselves and the childminder assists them as needed. The childminder provides healthy snacks for children which they enjoy, such as fruit. Drinks are accessible to children, they have their own water bottles and know where they can access them throughout the day. Therefore, children are sufficiently hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that her home is welcoming to children, is appropriately maintained and the space is suitably organised so young children are kept safe. Children settle as they access resources that they like, for example, when children are a bit reluctant to come in the childminder provides resources which help them to settle in and begin to play, such as fluffy dressing up shoes. Children access a varied range of activities and resources which are appropriately stored so they can help themselves. Internal and external toys and resources provided for children are developmentally appropriate. Suitable procedures are in place to check resources are sufficiently maintained and conform to safety standards to ensure they are hygienic and safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is suitably aware of potential dangers to children and takes reasonable steps to minimise risks to children. For example, if an unknown person, to the childminder, comes to collect children then a password is used, or if there is low glass she ensures this is made safe. However, the procedure for evacuating the premises in an emergency is not regularly practised nor is the smoke alarm on the ground floor in working order. Children are developing an understanding of safety issues through conversations with the childminder. The childminder has sufficient knowledge of what to do in the event of suspected abuse including who to contact, signs and symptoms of abuse. Therefore, children are safeguarded and their welfare is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder meets children's individual needs through the knowledge she gains from observing the children and obtaining information from the parents. Children enjoy a good range of indoor and outdoor activities which effectively encourages their all-round development. Children respond well to the childminder using various ways of communicating with them, such as facial expressions, maintaining eye contact and playfully engaging in activities, which results in children being happy and settled. They enjoy the company of the childminder and have good connections with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to develop in confidence and explore their environment. They make most of the decisions about what they want to do, from the resources accessible to them, helping them develop their independence. The childminder provides effective support to children in their play when needed, for example, when children try to cover themselves using a car mat as a blanket they indicate to the childminder for help and she is attentive to their request and proceeds to give them assistance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to each other and engage in a range of activities which they are interested in, such as creative and imaginative play or doing the more conventional activities, such as threading buttons. Children are developing good language and communication skills through a variety of activities and through the childminder using good questioning techniques, such as when children are playing the childminder asks them questions about what they are doing to develop their thinking. For example, as children play with the toy bus and people the childminder asks children where they are taking the people on the bus.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has sufficient understanding of equality and diversity, for example, she knows what children are capable of according to their age and stage of development so she provides activities to meet their individual needs. She treats children as individuals and with equal concern assisting them whenever necessary. Although children have access to toys and equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development the provision of resources and activities that promote positive images of diversity are limited. Therefore, children's appreciation of diversity within their community or the wider world is not fully encouraged. Children respond well to praise and are encouraged to become more independent and develop in confidence. They are affirmed and welcomed by the childminder giving them a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn how to display positive behaviour through the childminder using appropriate boundaries and strategies. They also learn what behaviour is acceptable and what is not, for example, children are reminded that they have to share when they want the same toy as someone else.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has suitable partnerships with parents which provides stability for children. She communicates appropriately with parents which enables them to share information and concerns. Parents are happy and have confidence in the childminder's ability to follow their wishes, therefore, children's individual needs are sufficiently met. Children benefit from this partnership as they receive continuity of care and are settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately organised environment. They have safe access to areas that are designated to them and are sufficiently supervised at all times. New children have an introductory visit to make the transition from home more settling. Children receive appropriate care and attention as the childminder spends sufficient time with them and has suitable knowledge and experience.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the need to maintain and keep documentation. Documentation is organised, accessible and confidentially stored. The childminder has all relevant and required documentation in place, therefore, children benefit from this as the childminder cares for them appropriately. She is aware of what Ofsted expects of her, for example, she realises her responsibility is to inform Ofsted when there are any significant changes or events.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that all low-level glass, with particular regard to a mirror, be made safe or inaccessible to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The low-level mirror has now been made safe, therefore, children are protected from potential danger.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 complaint 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): • review the emergency evacuation plan to include regular practices with the children • ensure smoke alarm on ground floor is in good working condition at all times • increase supply of resources that promote positive images of diversity.

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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 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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