Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356507 Unique Reference Number 22 April 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two young children in a residential area of Nottingham. The family has a cat. The home is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and to the bathroom which is upstairs. There is a secure rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight at any one time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well by the childminder who follows consistent daily health and hygiene practices to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children learn to wash their hands as part of the daily routine and understand that this stops them coming into contact with germs so they stay healthy. Efficient systems are in place to record minor accidents and any medication given, including prior written consent before administering any medicine. These records are shared with parents to ensure children receive consistent care. Written parental consent is in

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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 place for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment when parents cannot be contacted in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children exercise through physical play and games in the garden and have trips to the park and to toddler groups. Children play outside in the fresh air every day unless the weather conditions are very poor. Children are well-nourished through a balanced diet of nutritious meals and healthy snacks, mostly prepared from fresh ingredients. Children's individual dietary needs are catered for according to parents' wishes. Children have access to fresh drinking water at all times so they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming environment. They can move around freely without risk of injury because the childminder organises the space well and has identified and minimised any potential hazards. Suitable safety equipment is in place to protect children, including a fire blanket and smoke alarms that are checked regularly. The evacuation plan is practised by the children so they learn what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a good range of toys and activities. These are set out for the children and arranged so they can make their own independent choices. Resources are organised to ensure children can only reach toys that are suitable to their age and stage of development and all toys are maintained in a good clean condition. Children are supervised at a level that is appropriate to their age and level of understanding so they are kept safe whilst developing independence skills and exploring within the home. Children are closely supervised while on outings and learn about road safety from the childminder. Children are protected by the childminder's understanding of the safeguarding children procedures and her knowledge of how to implement these to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have positive relationships with the childminder and are settled and confident in their play. Children have opportunities to play freely both indoors and outside, exploring their environment and choosing what they want to do. They also join in some activities organised for them by the childminder such as art and craft, baking or treasure hunts. Children show curiosity and are interested in what they do. They receive good levels of individual support so they develop confidence and positive self-esteem while learning new skills. For example, a child enjoys planning and creating a collage of a doll. The child chats freely whilst planning what the doll will look like and takes considerable time selecting and organising the resources. The child learns new skills such as cutting fabric and discovering what kind of glue to use for different types of materials. The child is supported by the childminder who shows interest in what the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child is doing and saying, whilst allowing the child to develop their own ideas. Consequently the child produces a finished item which is their own work and they are very proud of it.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the childminder who asks them questions that encourages them to think and to explore ideas so they learn while they are playing. For example, children are routinely asked about colour and shape during their play and are encouraged to count objects. The childminder asks questions and provides activities to promote individual children's development and learning. The childminder's interactions with the children during play and at meal times promotes their social and communication skills.

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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 good. Children are welcomed into the childminder's family whilst at the setting and develop a strong sense of belonging. Parents are offered settling in sessions for their children so they are confident to leave them in the care of the childminder. Parents are given copies of the childminder's policies and procedures in the form of a welcome pack so they are fully informed about the care provided for their children and about the childminder's business practices. The childminder communicates verbally with parents each day so that all parties are kept up to date in order to promote continuity of care. Relevant information is collated by the childminder to ensure she can meet children's individual needs. The childminder has the appropriate knowledge and skills to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play with a range of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. They access these toys on a daily basis so they can begin to learn about wider society and to explore aspects of their identity. Children play co-operatively and begin to respect others by learning to share. Their behaviour is managed calmly by the childminder who uses methods that are appropriate to each individual child. Children's behaviour is understood in context and the focus of the behaviour policy is on promoting good behaviour through lots of praise and encouragement so that children develop positive self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a child-focused environment where space and resources are organised so that children can play, eat and rest in comfort. The house is well-maintained and is risk assessed so it is a safe and secure environment for children to play in. Children access a good range of resources and have activities and play opportunities planned for them that are appropriate to promote their development. The childminder's good practice is underpinned by her policies and procedures. Essential records are in place, and are accurate and up to date. The daily register is up to date and accurately records children's times of arrival and departure. On some days, including the day of the inspection, the childminder is caring for four children aged under five. Although three of these children are dependent children, it means that she does not meet the adult to child ratio and as a result is in breach of the conditions of her

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Organisation

registration. This is reflected in the overall judgement of satisfactory. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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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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 that all conditions of registration are complied with.

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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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