Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252769 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Susan Riley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 good. 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 three young children in a village on the outskirts of Newark. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The family has two cats as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children on a part-time 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 The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She regularly attends the local parent and toddler group and visits the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and have good opportunities to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines. They understand the importance of washing their hands before eating or after visiting the toilet. Children's good health is further protected as they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where suitable steps are taken to minimise cross-infection. Suitable measures are in place to care for children if they become ill. Children begin to learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They enjoy a variety of meals that are home cooked using fresh ingredients. Their individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder liaises closely with parents to find out what children can eat and their preferences. In this way she makes sure that children eat foods that they enjoy whilst encouraging them to choose healthy options. Children have daily opportunities to be active outdoors in the fresh air. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder walks children to and from the local school and arranges outings to the local park. Good use is made of the garden where children have opportunities to climb, ride wheeled toys or to play ball games which all help to promote their physical development. Babies are given safe opportunities to extend their physical skills because the childminder provides suitable activities indoors. They are able to pull themselves to a standing position and begin to move using appropriate toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, child friendly home with is clean and bright. A well equipped play room offers children sufficient space to play freely with toys that are easily accessible, allowing them to make choices. Children also use an additional lounge, offering space for quiet play or rest and a conservatory for eating or craft activities. Children have a good choice of quality toys that meet safety standards. Children play safely within the home environment, as the childminder effectively minimises risks. She provides good levels of supervision, ensuring their continued safety. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, road safety when they are walking to school. The welfare of children is safeguarded because the childminder has a suitable knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of the steps to take if she is concerned about a child. However she is not

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aware of the Government booklet around child protection.

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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. Children are confident, settled and happy in the childminder's house. A good range of toys and play materials offer them fun, whilst supporting their learning. The childminder considers the children's ages and interests as she plans the day and thinks how they will benefit from the activities. They enjoy participating in a variety of planned activities, such as baking, growing sunflowers or craft activities, as well as having time to make independent choices. The childminder makes good use of the local community to offer a variety of experiences. For example she takes children to the local park, library, toddler group and shops. Older children are confident speakers. The childminder listens to them and responds appropriately, supporting their language skills. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships with their peers, through playing team games and caring for one another. Babies and young children have their needs met because the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder ensures she makes time to play with them and provides activities to help them learn new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to them and meets their requests. Children gain a sense of belonging and they are encouraged to display their art work on the walls or shelves in the playroom. They also have their own coat pegs. Children form good relationships with others and play together harmoniously. They have clear boundaries and consequently they behave well. The childminder calmly encourages children's good behaviour by using positive praise and explanations appropriate to their age and understanding. Children benefit from the good relationship between the childminder and their parents. Clear systems are in place to share relevant information, such as babies' routines, in order to provide consistency of care for children. Relevant information is actively sought to enable children's individual needs to be met and daily conversations ensure this is kept up to date. Children gain an understanding of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wider world and the needs of others through the use of suitable resources and planned activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and relaxed in the welcoming and organised environment created by the childminder. Space within the home is organised to provide a child centred play room and an appropriate quiet area for rest and relaxation. Children benefit from the childminder's dedicated support and her involvement in their learning. This means children are confident to initiate play, to voice their needs and

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are able to follow their individual routines whilst in her care. All documentation is in place and the required records are appropriately maintained. Children's welfare is enhanced because the childminder ensures that relevant contact details are carried with her when taking children on outings away from the home. Children receive continuity of care as the childminder effectively shares information with parents. They are kept informed about the policies for the setting. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in 2003 the childminder agreed to an action and a number of recommendations to develop her practice. The childminder agreed to ensure Ofsted is notified of any changes to her personal circumstances. She is now fully aware of when to inform Ofsted. The childminder agreed to ensure children had access to appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. Additional resources have been purchased and the childminder now uses the local library for books about the wider world. Activities are planned and offered to the children which increases their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Records of attendance now include the times of children's arrival and departure. Medication records are now signed by parents, both these ensures that children are fully safe guarded. The childminder has devised a policy and procedure for parents if they have any complaints or concerns, this ensures that prompt action is taken by the

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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 good. 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): • raise awareness of the Government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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