Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360591 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2008 Inspection date Susan Riley 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her family in a village near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local nursery and school to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding seven children, two on a full-time basis and five on a part-time basis. 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 effectively promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to promote the children’s good health and encourages them to begin to take responsibility for meeting their own health needs. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and

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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 appropriate measures are taken when children are ill so that health needs are met. Children are kept in a clean environment and are protected from germs and cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are starting to understand simple good health and hygiene practices and are learning about healthy living. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands appropriately and to eat healthy foods. The children’s welfare is mainly promoted because the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately as a current first aid certificate is held, the contents of the first aid box is kept up to date and readily available, and accidents are recorded and shared with parents. Written consents from parents are not in place for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice. This does not fully protect children as the childminder is not fully aware of their parents' wishes. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished because the childminder has a suitable understanding of healthy eating. They have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating because the childminder provides children with regular drinks and food that is nutritious and complies with their dietary and religious needs. Children’s independence is promoted as they freely help themselves to drinks as they become thirsty. The children enjoy the varied opportunities to experience physical activities and develop their skills. Children use the local parks and toddler groups for more physical challenge and walk daily to and from school and nursery in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and well cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for purpose. They have sufficient space to play freely and to be active, or to rest and sleep according to their age. Children use an adequate range of equipment that is suitable and safe. The childminder provides furniture, equipment and toys which are appropriate for their purpose. They are of suitable design and condition and are well maintained. These are within easy reach of the children so they can select what they want to play with. This encourages children’s independence as they make their own choices and decisions. Children are kept safe because the childminder has appropriate systems for cleaning and checking the toys and equipment which ensures they are safe for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is suitably promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings. The childminder ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and minimise identified risks to children. All safety equipment is in place to ensure children are safe and protected. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place to protect children and these are shared with parents, so they are fully aware of the childminder’s practice and offers them reassurance that their children are safe. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the regular fire practices which raise their awareness of what to do in the event of an emergency. When out walking with the children, the childminder reinforces road safety to help them begin to understand how to cross the road. The children are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection. She is able to put appropriate procedures into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and secure in the care of the childminder. They gain confidence and have their self-esteem raised by the childminder as she praises them for what they do and their achievements. She encourages them to be independent, but is there for help and support.

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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 receive appropriate levels of individual support to promote their development and facilitate their play. Children show lots of interest in what they do and take pride in their achievements. They are developing a range of new knowledge and skills through first hand experiences. For example, gardening as they are currently growing and caring for their own flowers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good, warm and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. For example, the children have fun with the childminder and they freely give hugs, cuddles and kisses. The children explore the toys that are set out to interest them and to promote their development. The childminder plays with the children at their level and lets the children lead the play. Children are very well behaved and respond well to the positive praise and encouragement offered by the childminder. They eagerly help with the tidying away of the toys before lunch is served.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken on outings, local walks and trips to the park. They also attend a local toddler group where they can socialise with other children and access a different selection of resources to play with. The children are confident to go to the childminder for help or for their needs to be met. Structured daily and weekly routines are in place to provide appropriately timed meals and periods of rest. This means children benefit from care routines consistent with their home experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are involved in what is going on around them and gain self-confidence and good self-esteem. They are able to feel a sound sense of belonging. Children are developing respect for others from activities and resources that help them to develop an understanding of diversity and learn about their local community. The childminder finds out about and acknowledges the customs and beliefs of each child’s family by talking to the parents and children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a suitable awareness of systems to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, ensuring all children are cared for appropriately. Children form positive relationships and behave very well. They make their own choices and decisions within their play and learning, which promotes their sense of being valued and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing sound relationships with adults and other children in a setting where the childminder works closely with parents and carers to meet individual children’s needs and ensure they are fully included. Written agreements are in place with the parents of each child and this ensures all parties are aware of the arrangements in place. However, not all written consents from parents are in place. The childminder has devised a detailed portfolio which includes her policies and procedures which are shared with the parents ensuring that they are fully aware of her practice. All records are shared with parents. The childminder communicates with the parents and seeks their views by talking to them daily about the children and what they have achieved during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected because the vetting procedure ensures that household members have been vetted and are safe and suitable to be in contact with them. The children benefit because

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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 the childminder has appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience to do her job, which ensures that children’s needs are well covered.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in an environment that is well organised to make the best use of the space available to maximise the comfort and enjoyment of the children. 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 suitable range of resources and have activities and play opportunities planned for them to promote their development. All policies and procedures protect children sufficiently and are effectively implemented to promote all the outcomes for children. Essential information is reliably recorded and easily located. All records are in place, accurate and up to date. 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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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 written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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