Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY248490 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2005 Inspection date Anne Cooper Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children a daughter aged fourteen and an adult son. They live in a house in a residential area of Nottingham, the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five and one child over five all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing before having snacks to prevent cross infection. The childminder ensures she has the required documentation to support children's health needs, these include a first aid qualification and good food hygiene certificate. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks prepared for them by

p.2

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 the childminder, according to their dietary needs, children's preferences and parent's wishes. The children can help themselves to their drinks which are easily accessible to them, which promotes independence.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Many opportunities are given to the children enjoy a variety of physical activities, as they spend some time each day at the park, 'Jo Jingles' or 'Music Tots'. These activities help the children gain control of their bodies and give them confidence to try out new skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure environment where most risks are identified and minimised. This enables children to move around safely and independently, however children can access the hazardous products in the kitchen. Children are well protected by the childminder's close supervision and good safety precautions when on outings. An example of this is, talking to the children about road safety and fastening the children securely into age-appropriate car seats. There are suitable fire safety precautions in place, of which the children are aware.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. Resources are well organised which encourages children to make independent choices. By regularly attending the local library there is always a good and different selection of age-appropriate books, from which the children benefit. The childminder has a clear understanding of the child protection procedures which ensures children are safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well, and are confident to make themselves at home. They relate well with each other and socialise with other children through attendance at local toddler groups. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder which ensures that they are happy and secure in this environment. However some development of the activities offered to younger children would ensure all their individual needs are met. The childminder has a working knowledge of the Foundation Stage which ensures the children participate in a wide range of planned activities. Examples of these are painting, sticking and drawing which allows them to express and communicate their ideas.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are fostered and promoted by the childminder's skill in listening and responding appropriately to them. They particularly enjoy sharing books together and some children know how to use an index in a book to find things that interest them. There are good resources which allow children to develop mathematical thinking such as sorting, measuring and access to calculators. As a result the children show confidence with number skills, language and literacy and are stimulated by play and learning.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They enjoy each other's company and children are at ease in their play. Their good behaviour is appropriately fostered by the childminder's positive intervention. The house rules help the children know what is expected of them for example sharing toys. Detailed information is exchanged with parents to ensure children are

p.3

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 cared for within their usual routines. Parent's receive comprehensive verbal and written information to keep them well informed about their children's care and development.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about their local community through going on trips to local parks, toddler groups and shops. They learn about some aspects of the wider world through participating in craft activities related to festivals such as Diwali and Bonfire night.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met because the childminder provides an organised environment where clear policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Documentation is shared with parents to keep them informed about the service offered. Children receive good adult support which helps them to feel secure and ensures their individual needs are met. Space in the home is used creatively to allow children to play actively and to relax. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was also asked to increase her knowledge of child protection procedures. She has recently attended a training course and has some relevant reading materials about child protection. By improving her understanding of child protection issues children's care and well-being have improved.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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 positive steps are taken to promote safety in relation to ensuring the hazardous products are made safe • develop the range of activities for younger children, in relation to the Birth to three matters pack.

p.4

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 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

p.4

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

p.5