Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY352321 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2008 Inspection date Ann Keen 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her two children in Bakersfield, Nottingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and the upstairs bathroom. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has one child on roll. She is able to take children to the local library and the local park and attend toddler groups. The childminder provides school runs to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is supported as they are offered appropriate nourishment such as healthy snacks of melon which are appropriately stored and served. Drinks are frequently offered so children do not dehydrate. The childminder is well informed about children's health as she has thorough documentation, including permission for emergency medical treatment and records of accidents. She holds a current first aid certificate so she is able to act appropriately in an emergency. Sufficient contact documentation and first aid equipment is available in an

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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 emergency to ensure the children’s health and safety is promoted. Personal hygiene is well promoted, for example, the childminder wears disposable gloves when nappy changing and ensures the changing mat is wiped down after use. Clear policies are in place to guide practice if children are ill or infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although the garden is not in use yet children have sufficient opportunities for fresh air by going to the park and going for walks outside. Babies rest and sleep linked to their own routine, providing continuity of care. They can sleep in a cot or on a mattress. The childminder ensures that the cat does not pose a health risk to children as it is regularly wormed and de-flead, the litter tray is not available to children and the food is kept in a locked cupboard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety of children is well maintained. The childminder ensures the space, equipment and toys are safe for the children during their time with her. The childminder further ensures children’s safety through minimising possible dangers as she walks to and from the park with them, for example. She uses a harness when children are sitting in a high chair, promoting children's safety. Fire evacuation procedures are clearly outlined ensuring everyone, including parents are well informed how children are kept safe in an emergency. Premises are welcoming for parents and their children. Toys are readily available for children. Children use a good range of equipment and toys suitable to their age and stage of development. The layout of the space is favourable to children's care and well planned to make good use of the space provided. The childminder is developing her practice and is yet to explore all options to ensure children have

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

opportunities to experience the community and the outside environment such as going to toddler groups. She also intends to use the garden in future to support children’s development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted well because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She knows what to do and who to contact should she have a concern about a child in her care and she also has various contact numbers at hand. There is a child protection policy in place to keep parents informed of procedures. The childminder carries public liability insurance and takes proper precautions to prevent accidents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities. The space is organised so children can help themselves to the resources that are easily accessed from cupboards and drawers. At present the childminder is only minding one baby although she is aware of the needs of older children. The childminder provides a good range of messy play activities such as encouraging babies to splash in water and enjoy playing with plastic ducks. Babies are encouraged to feel different textures and experience pop-up books helping them to learn through sensory experiences. Their language is well supported because the childminder talks to them and asks them questions which provides the early stages of communication. She encourages babies in their early words, repeating and encouraging attempts of making sounds. The childminder provides a good range of age-appropriate resources to develop children’s natural curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has undertaken training in early years childcare and uses her knowledge and understanding effectively of how young children develop to ensure children's individual needs are met. She plans activities in the house well to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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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 valued and they enjoy much individual attention from the childminder. They have fun with her as she plays games with them. They develop a good sense of belonging and feel very much at home. They have close relationships with the childminder and are confident in her care. She is aware of their needs and offers good support. The childminder has experience and knowledge of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is happy to support children to meet their needs. The childminder has experience of working in a nursery and is knowledgeable about the management of children's behaviour. Children learn about a wider society through using resources that reflect diversity and the childminder has a positive approach to all children’s needs. She has respect for a diversity of people which she is able to convey to children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents and carers. She is flexible in her approach and takes account of parents' wishes concerning the care of their children. She explains her procedures to new parents so that they are aware of how she organises her practice. Parents provide information about their children's individual needs so that she can offer the appropriate care. She exchanges information well with parents at the end of the day, either verbally or through the use of a written diary. Children benefit from this working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a warm and inviting environment and children’s care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation. Documentation is well organised and supports the childminder’s practice well. The quality of care which is offered to children is supported through good partnership with parents and carers. Overall children's needs are met. Children feel at ease as they receive consistent care to maintain their comfort and security. The childminder is fully involved with the children so they receive suitable attention and support to enhance their development. The childminder is aware of the need to inform Ofsted of significant events ensuring children are safeguarded well. A range of well-written policies and procedures have been devised; these offer parents useful advice regarding the childminder’s practice. The childminder keeps clear and well-ordered records and agreements that contain detailed

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Organisation

information, for example, she fully details children’s attendance, medication given and any accidents. She is aware of the necessity to keep records confidential. The childminder is knowledgeable and skilful in supporting children's development, for example, she provides comfort and cuddles for babies so they feel secure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the childminder's first inspection.

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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 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): • continue developing the facilities and range of activities to promote children's development, with particular reference to the outside environment.

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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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