Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 254873 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 1991. She lives with her family on the outskirts of Nottingham. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, which includes the lounge/dining room, playroom, toilet and kitchen. There is an enclosed garden to the side and rear of the property available for outside play. The family keep a dog and two cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll, seven of whom are under eight years. Children attend on a part-time basis, according to parents' patterns of work. The

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends a local childminding support group within her area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and comfortable home environment. Good attention to hygiene within the home means children's health is suitably protected. Children are learning appropriate practices to keep themselves healthy, for example, to wash their hands before eating and to use tissues to wipe their own noses. Clear arrangements are in place to safeguard children when they are sick. A policy regarding when children should not attend the setting is agreed with parents, which minimises the spread of infection. Daily routines, such as walking to and from school, provide all children with time to be outdoors and to develop a positive attitude towards exercise. Children benefit from the regular use of a good range of outdoor toys and equipment in the garden. This promotes their physical skills as they ride wheeled toys, climb and play. The provision of regular meals and snacks means children's nutritional needs are met. Menus are

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Helping children to be healthy

devised to provide children with a balanced diet that meets their individual dietary needs, to introduce new tastes and include some healthy items. Children eat fruit regularly as a part of meals or snacks. Babies' feeding takes place in accordance with their own routines and parent's preferences. Mealtimes are social occasions where children sit together with the childminder and learn good manners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Well planned use of the home environment and vigilant supervision by the childminder effectively minimises the risk of accidental injury to children. The welcoming home provides good free space where children can move around and play safely. For example, three children play with cars around a large floor mat and have sufficient room for each of them to be comfortable. Children access an attractive, child focussed play room where they are able to easily choose from good quality toys arranged on low shelving within their reach. Toys are carefully organised so that they are suitable for the children using them. For example, younger children only play with larger cars because the childminder keeps small ones in a separate container for older children only. High regard is given to ensuring the home is safe and secure. Effective steps are taken to ensure children can not access the kitchen and upper areas of the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are carefully supervised at all times, with clear monitoring systems for sleeping children, who are regularly visually checked. Children are learning to keep themselves and others safe. They explain how they walk safely outdoors with the childminder, why they tidy away their toys and how to evacuate the premises in an

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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 emergency. The childminder has sought advice from a fire officer and implemented a range of suitable precautions that improve overall fire safety. Very good use of written documentation ensures parents are aware of and agree the arrangements for emergency situations. The childminder keeps contact details near exits during working hours so that she has the necessary details to contact parents if needed. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good awareness of her responsibilities towards child protection. Her good understanding of what to do if she has concerns about a child has been raised through attending recent child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have well planned daily routines that take account of their individual needs to play, rest and have their meals. They enjoy a good range of age appropriate activities that supports all areas of their development. Younger children have toys that encourage them to use their senses, such as pressing buttons to make noises. Creative use of board games helps young children learn to share and take turns. Effective support by the childminder helps them learn to identify colours and shapes as they match these to the dice rolled and fit them on the board. Through everyday activities, such as counting biscuits at snack time, children are learning about numbers. Their independence is effectively promoted as they take increasing responsibility for their own personal care. For example, older children wash and dry their own hands. All children make choices as they select activities and choose from

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the wealth of resources in the play room. Good use is made of the local community to extend experiences for children. They regularly attend a toddler group, which helps them to socialise more widely and to join in group activities. Older children enjoy outings in the school holidays, such as visiting the cinema or riding on the tram, which broadens their experiences. They are able to suggest ideas for play which are followed through by the childminder. For example, older children enjoy making treasure maps and searching for treasure as a result of an idea suggested by one of them. Younger children have appropriate times for quiet activities and rest. They enjoy sharing a book with the childminder or watching a favourite television programme with her. This allows them time to relax. Appropriate arrangements allow babies and toddlers time and space to rest in peace, according to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the very good regard the childminder has for their individual needs. She knows each child well and this enables her to plan activities that interest each of them and promotes their development. Babies' individual routines for sleeping and feeding are followed, which provides a consistent approach to their care and increases their sense of well-being. The childminder has a very good understanding of special needs, which she uses to support children and their families and ensure all children are included. Children feel welcomed and valued because

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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 they see their photographs and examples of their work on the play room wall. Children behave well. They learn to share toys and take turns as they play games with the childminder. Children understand what is expected of them, for example putting their shoes in the designated box and helping to tidy away toys before lunch. They begin to understand the needs of children of different ages and show kindness and consideration for others. Relationships between the childminder and the parents are open and friendly. This helps ensure children are secure and settled. Clear information contained in a portfolio keeps parents informed about the childminder's policies and business arrangements. Regular discussions ensure parents are well-informed about their child's progress and routines. The childminder has a variety

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of informative materials, for example on the value of play, which she shares with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and development is effectively promoted because the childminder is experienced and shows an on-going commitment to her personal development through attending relevant courses and workshops. She is keen to take on board new developments in childcare and uses her knowledge to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for children. For example, she is attending training to help her implement the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Record keeping is maintained in an organised and professional manner, which ensures detailed information is readily available to support children's care. Arrangements for ensuring appropriate vetting is carried out on all adults in the home is insecure. The childminder has not taken steps to begin the checking process with regard to her youngest son, who has recently reached 16 years of age. Children benefit from the childminder's organised approach to their care. Their

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Organisation

development is promoted because they access a wealth of learning opportunities and resources that are easily accessible to them. Good interaction and support from the childminder ensures learning is fun and that each child's care needs are sensitively met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to develop a record of incidents relating to children's behaviour. Since then the childminder has made records of any significant events which she has maintained confidentially with each child's information. This ensures relevant information is recorded and shared appropriately with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of

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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 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): • take positive steps to ensure that all persons over 16 years of age living in the household undergo relevant checks including a criminal records check.

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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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