Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY229710 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Ros Church

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children in the Carlton area of Nottingham. The ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities available on the first floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five years, two between five and eight and three over eight years part-time before and after school. The childminder regularly attends the local carer and toddler group and is a member

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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 of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health and well-being are promoted as they are looked after in a clean and comfortable environment. The childminder has a clear understanding of effective hygiene routines and ensures that the risk of spreading infection is minimised. For example, she follows good hygiene practices when changing nappies, and she has a clear policy regarding caring for sick children, and shares this with parents. Children develop healthy practices and follow good hygiene routines. For example, washing hands prior to meals and snacks and after using the toilet. Children learn about healthy living through routines, and activities. They enjoy a good variety of nutritious and healthy meals and snacks, which include fruit and vegetables. Drinks are available as children require to ensure they do not become thirsty. The childminder caters for children's individual dietary requirements, likes and

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Helping children to be healthy

dislikes by liaising closely with their parents. A sample menu is produced which gives parents information on the type of meals she provides. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They take part in activities which include walking to and from school, various ball games such as football, cricket, and ten pin bowling. They have outings to local parks and toddler groups where children can develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in welcoming, safe and secure premises which are used effectively to enable them to participate in varied activities. For example, children use the lounge for relaxation and quiet play and the well organised playroom for a range of games and play activities. Children have access to a good range of play materials, these are well organised in low level containers so young children can learn to be independent and make choices within their play. Children's safety is a high priority and effectively maintained through the childminder's good knowledge and practice. For example, regular checks are made within the home to ensure that potential hazards are minimised. Children learn about safety through discussions with the childminder and practical activities, such as taking part in fire evacuation drills, and learning about road safety when on outings and when walking to and from school. Children are always in the sight or hearing of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder. This means they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures and knows what to do in the event of any concerns.

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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 happy, confident and settled within the childminder's care. Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible, this increases their confidence and learning in all areas. They develop their imagination, investigative and creative skills through activities such as painting, cutting and sticking, using the computer and engaging in role play such as shopping and home play activities. Children also enjoy trips to the local park, and outings further away such as Sherwood Forest. Children respond very well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun. Younger children's language skills develop as the childminder constantly interacts with them. For example, a young child enjoys spending time with the childminder looking through books, and pointing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

out pictures he recognises. Children's language skills develop through the effective questioning techniques used by the childminder who responds positively to them and listens to what they have to say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, they are cared for according to parents' wishes as the childminder takes account of information supplied by them. Children feel a sense of belonging because the childminder understands their differing needs, she also displays their art work which helps them to feel valued. Parents learn about their child's care and activities through good daily communication with the childminder. They are provided with good information about her service through clearly written policies which cover most areas of her care, these are given to parents. The notice board is used to display information on certificates and daily routines. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visiting the local park, toddler groups and shops. They learn about the wider world through regular discussions with the childminder and access to a range of resources

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and books which reflect most areas of diversity, although this does not include disability. The childminder recognises the importance of careful liaison with parents to establish the care requirements for any child with identified special needs. Children play harmoniously together and behave well helped by the childminder being a good role model and having realistic expectations of individual children. They learn to help and respect one another, to share and take turns with equipment, this is supported by the childminder who uses praise and encouragement, this helps to develop children's self-esteem and confidence.

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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 good. Children are settled and confident within the childminder's care. Space within the home is effectively organised to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children choose activities freely and have space for active play, relaxation and sleep as needed. Children's safety and well-being are maintained, records are well organised, easily accessible to the childminder and kept confidential. A folder of information about her service is available for parents to enable them to make an informed decision about placing their child with her. The childminder makes good use of available training to help her extend her knowledge and understanding of current good practice, and applies this information to support the needs of children in her care. Overall the needs of the range of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure accident records give more detail of the injury and are signed by parents. Additional information is now kept in accident records and parents signatures are included. Hazards have now been minimised within the hallway, as children are no longer able to access electrical wires. This, therefore, increases safety for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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): • extend provision reflecting positive images to include disability

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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 • extend policies to include the complaints procedure.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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