Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286168 Unique Reference Number 27 February 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 2004. She lives with her family in Nottingham. Minded children have access to the whole of the house and to a secure rear garden for outside play. The house is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The family has a guinea pig, two rabbits and two dogs for pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is supported by the childminder who follows sound hygiene practises such as washing her hands before preparing or serving food and after changing children's nappies. Children learn to wash their hands before eating and after playing outside or using the toilet. Each child has their own face flannel and towel. These practices all help to minimise the risk of cross-infection. There is a sick child policy in place that is shared with parents so they

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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 understand not to bring their children when they are ill to protect other children from infection. A record is kept of minor accidents that occur while children are in the childminder's care. However, a record is not kept of any injuries that children arrive with and records are not always dated, or have sufficient detail to inform parents of the cause and site of any injury or of what treatment has been given. This has the potential to compromise the health of a child. Medication records are completed, including written parental consent and acknowledgment. The records are shared with parents for continuity of care. The childminder is responsible in the care of her pets and ensures the dogs have regular treatments for fleas and worms as recommended by the vet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through daily exercise, either in the house or the garden. They also visit local parks and go for walks. Drinks are available at all times so children do not get thirsty or dehydrated. Children usually eat food that is provided by their parents. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fruit and is happy to provide a healthy diet of home cooked food if required. Individual dietary needs are adhered to according to parents' wishes.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. The space is well organised and appropriate action has been taken to identify and minimise any potential risks so children can move around and explore safely. Children are protected through the use of suitable safety equipment, including smoke alarms that are checked regularly. They practise the evacuation procedure 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 from a selection set out by the childminder and from a variety stored within their reach. Toys are maintained in a clean and safe condition so children can play with confidence. Children are supervised according to their age, ability and level of understanding. This means they are kept safe from potential hazards whilst developing independent skills. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has a sound knowledge of the safeguarding children procedures and understand how to implement them to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and secure in the care of the childminder and have positive relationships with her so they play and learn with confidence. There is no fixed routine and children play freely, making choices from the selection of toys available. The childminder plays with children at their level, taking her lead from the children and supporting their play. She asks questions to help children learn. For example, she encourages a child to match coloured bricks and demonstrates how to clap a rhythm in time with a song. However, there are times when the lack of planning means that younger children lose interest in activities quickly or do not become engaged meaningfully. Older children enjoy a range of art and craft activities and all children enjoy playing imaginatively with the resources that encourage them to express themselves through role play. Children receive very good support to promote their social and communication

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills. The childminder communicates with children both verbally and non-verbally. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted because the childminder takes time to listen to them and to understand what they are saying.

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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 satisfactory. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder because she works closely with parents. 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. Children have access to a suitable range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity so they can learn about the wider world and explore aspects of their identity. Children's behaviour is generally good and is managed calmly by the childminder. However, behaviour is not always recognised within the context of a child's development and understanding; consequently, the strategies planned to manage individual behaviour are not always appropriate to help children learn to change or improve their behaviour effectively. Children are settled and familiar with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the routines so they have a sense of belonging. They are praised for good behaviour which generally encourages them to continue behaving well. Parents have access to 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 well-organised, safe and secure environment where they can rest, play and eat in comfort. The childminder provides suitable activities for children to promote all areas of their development and to interest and challenge them most of the time. The childminder is committed to attending relevant training courses that will further develop her skills and knowledge in child development. Essential information is recorded and kept up to date. 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 changed her practices with regard to nappy changing to ensure that good hygiene is practiced at all times to protect children. She has also improved the storage of toys and activities so children can make their own choices. Within the selection or resources children now have access to a suitable range of toys that promote positive images of diversity to help them learn about wider society.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 a record is maintained, signed by parents, of any accidents, including existing injuries a child arrives with • ensure handling of behaviour is developmentally appropriate, respecting children's level of understanding and maturity • plan and provide a suitable range of activities for children, which are appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs.

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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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