Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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252473 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her three children, one of whom is an adult child, the others are aged 14 and 16. They live in a house in a suburb of Nottingham, close to local schools and amenities. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the playroom and bathroom on the first floor. There is also a large enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The family have a small dog, a gerbil, hamster and chickens.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to care for six children under eight years and is currently caring for four children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, welcoming environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the calm, consistent reinforcement and encouragement from the childminder throughout the day. They understand the need to wash their hands during

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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 the day, for example, before meals, after using the bathroom, after touching any of the family pets and after messy activities. Nappy changing routines are good and ensure children's comfort at all times. Children rest and sleep according to their needs as their individual routines are discussed with parents. These are incorporated into the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's good practices with regard to accidents and the giving of medication as health records are completed and shared with parents. A written policy informs parents of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend and that they may be contacted and asked to collect their child should they become unwell during the day. Children's welfare is safeguarded at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and ensures children's comfort and welfare at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of interesting activities which contribute to their good health. This includes physical play using bikes, a slide and climbing frame and other wheeled toys activities at the local groups they attend. They enjoy visits to places of interest including Tumble tots, Gulliver's Kingdom, cycle rides, visiting soft play centres and Sherwood Forest to celebrate Robin Hood week. Individual dietary needs and preferences are known and respected and children are provided with drinks throughout the day so as not to become dehydrated or thirsty.

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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, secure environment where most potential risks have been identified and steps taken to minimise them. However, storage of the hose pipe in the garden poses a risk to children. A fire evacuation procedure is known and practised with the children to ensure their safety is maintained and smoke alarms are in working order. Children play safely as thorough routines are in place to ensure their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from unvetted adults as they are directly supervised by the childminder at all times and are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied. Security is good and the large garden is enclosed and well maintained. Children are kept safe on outings and the childminder has obtained written consent from parents for their children to travel in her car. Appropriate car seats are in place to meet the needs of the ages of the children cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is continually protected through the childminder's clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is knowledgeable with regard to local referral procedures and understands the importance of putting the children's safety and well-being first.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed and experience a wide variety of interesting variety of play opportunities that encourage their overall development. They enjoy a broad range of learning and play opportunities inside and outside the home and continually enhance their social skills at groups they attend. Children are well supported in trying out new activities as the childminder spends lots of time with them reading books and interacting in their play. Children feel the benefit of fresh air each day and enjoy walks and visiting places of interest. Their independence is encouraged throughout the day especially at mealtimes and when using the bathroom.

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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 Children are encouraged to make choices and freely move around the home. Children's confidence is encouraged at all times and they receive praise and encouragement for their achievements which promotes their self-esteem. Activities are age-appropriate and all resources are well maintained and clean. They include dolls, small world figures, art and craft activities and books. The children use the library most weeks and attend story time sessions. Children also access a variety of puzzles, construction sets, soft toys, trains, building bricks, board games, role play equipment and dressing up clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder understands the individual needs of the children she cares for and ensures that the activities meet their needs. Excellent relationships have been formed between the childminder and children and interaction is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known and respected by the childminder. Their understanding of the wider world and diversity is encouraged through discussion and freely accessing a wide variety of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. They appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences through the childminder's positive attitude and their involvement in the celebration of various cultural festivals throughout the year. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. All children are included in activities and have free access to a good assortment of toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and take turns and their behaviour is very good. A clearly written policy is in place outlining appropriate strategies for dealing with behaviour, for example, distraction, discussion and positive intervention which are used by the childminder when dealing with unacceptable behaviour. Children's self-esteem is encouraged through praise and encouragement and they are able to make choices and are able to voice their opinions. Parents work in partnership with the childminder with regard to behaviour and the age and understanding of each child is always considered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents share information about their child to ensure their needs are known and wishes respected which ensures their child's needs are continually met. Detailed written policies and procedures are shared with parents which informs them of the care provided. Children are offered a settling-in period and gradual visits to encourage their confidence and feeling of security. Parents benefit from detailed discussion with the childminder each day to ensure they are kept informed about their child's progress and their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm, relaxed, child-friendly environment where they move independently and safely around the areas available to them. Clearly written policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, safety and care of the children and the childminder’s practice meets the needs of individuals in her care. All parties benefit from the good communication that takes place each day.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents has been obtained and documentation is well maintained, detailed and held within the boundaries of confidentiality. The childminder

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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 demonstrated a commitment to accessing ongoing training and development through the local authority to ensure the continual development of her knowledge and skills. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of current child protection procedures. All current information has been obtained and all relevant telephone numbers are available. The childminder is due to attend a training course in the near future.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure an emergency plan has been devised and is practised with the children. A written plan is in place and practised with the children so their safety is maintained in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • ensure the garden hose is safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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