Childminder in NottinghamshireOfsted inspection, 11 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252808 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 1988. She is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years. She lives with her husband and 2 children in Balderton near Newark in Nottinghamshire. Minded children use the ground floor dining room, breakfast kitchen and lounge for play with access to other areas of the house as needed. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. This childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and of the local childminding group. There are 4 children under 8 on roll, children over 8 also attend. All the children attend part-time during the week.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable environment, the home and the majority of the toys are hygienically maintained. Children's good health is promoted as they are encouraged to develop appropriate hygiene routines. The younger ones develop an understanding of the importance of hand washing as the childminder uses colourful posters to teach and encourage them. Appropriate practices and procedures are in place to ensure the risk of cross infection is minimised. Children use disposable hand towels. Policies relating to the exclusion of sick children are shared with and understood by parents. Children's welfare is maintained as the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of good practice in relation to treating accidents and administering medication. Records pertaining to these issues are in place and completed accurately as appropriate. Children's dietary needs are well catered for. They are encouraged to make healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

choices through the refreshments and meals provided. Children independently help themselves to fresh fruit as a snack. Drinks are available throughout to ensure children do not become dehydrated. Observation of the children's meal time and menus provided show that a balanced healthy diet is offered. Children's ongoing dietary needs are met as the childminder regularly communicates with parents. Children benefit from the many opportunities to be active and access the fresh air. They regularly play outdoors enjoying imaginative play, wheeled toys and the sand pit. They develop physical skills and benefit from the exercise during walks in the community and when visiting local park facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised, child friendly, safe and secure home. They are supervised effectively to minimise the risk of accidents. Appropriate equipment is used to further promote safety, stair gates and electrical socket covers are in place. The layout of the home enables children to freely access and make choices about toys and resources. All children including the very young babies enthusiastically select toys and activities to play with. The suitable range available offers children a varied choice engaging their interest. Toys and equipment are of suitable quality and organised into age appropriate storage units again promoting children's safety and enjoyment. Children can eat, sleep and play comfortably according to their individual needs, due to the range of furniture and equipment available. Children freely choose to play in the secure and safe garden exploring additional play and learning

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

experiences. Children develop an awareness of safety through discussion and following good practice with the childminder. They talk about road safety when out walking in the community and about fire safety in the home. Children learn to keep themselves safe

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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 in the home through daily routines, for example, putting their shoes in the corner to prevent anyone tripping over. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound awareness of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a range of play materials that are readily accessible to them. Time is organised effectively to ensure they have many opportunities to choose what they would like to do. Regular planned outings in the local community and to local toddler groups provide wider experiences for the children. Younger ones benefit from opportunities to develop their social skills when mixing with others of a similar age. Children develop their imagination and creativity as they play with dough, role-play resources and craft materials. Babies develop their physical skills as they freely move around the spacious dining room, reaching out for colourful, musical toys and pulling up on domestic style furniture. Children's personal independence skills are well-fostered, they are encouraged to make choices in play and to help set the table for lunch. Older ones manage their own toileting needs with support from the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder to maintain good hygiene standards as required. Good relationships exist between the childminder and children, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Children enthusiastically initiate play and actively invite others to join in. They happily and independently begin a drawing together, sharing crayons and paper willingly. Younger children develop skills of sharing and turn taking supported by the childminder. They incidentally make progress in learning as they freely explore and investigate the range of toys and resources. The childminder knows the children well and has recently begun to observe their developmental progress and identify targets to work towards. Thus enabling her to plan activities to further promote their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are happy and at ease in the childminder's home. The welcoming environment means they are confident to initiate play and voice their needs, asking for some fruit, additional toys or to play in the garden. Children explore their own and other cultures through some planned activities. For example, attempting to use chopsticks and creating a Chinese dragon at Chinese New year. They develop an awareness of their own community through visits to toddler groups, parks and shops in the local area. Some toys provided reflect positive images of our diverse society. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider world and celebrate differences through discussions with the childminder. Children's self-esteem is supported as the childminder displays their creative pictures and regularly praises them. They behave well in response to her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriate handling. Younger ones develop an understanding of the effect of their behaviour on others. During minor squabbles over toys the childminder sensitively talks to the children about their actions and how it may upset the other child.

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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 Children's individual needs are catered for as the childminder takes account of the well-documented information about their personal details. Good communication systems ensure children are cared for in line with parent's wishes. Parents are well informed about their child's daily events through discussion and the use of daily journals for younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good levels of support and interaction from the childminder. She organises her time to ensure that all children receive individual attention during the day. Activities are presented to ensure they can all equally access. Good use of space means all children can safely and independently play either on the floor or table, whilst being constantly supervised by the childminder. Younger children sleep in peace, as part of their own routines, while others continue to play. The appropriate daily routines ensure that children are happy and well-cared for with a balance of active play and quieter restful periods as required. Children's safety and welfare is promoted as records relating to the childminding business are well-maintained. These are shared with the parents as required contributing to continuity in children's care. The childminder demonstrates a professional attitude and has developed some policies in writing for parents. She

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Organisation

shows a commitment to continually improving her skills through reading relevant literature such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework and attends relevant courses including first aid. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review the organisation of toys and resources to offer children easier access. Toys are now stored in low level boxes which the children freely access, promoting their enjoyment and increasing opportunities for learning through exploration. In addition the childminder agreed to improve her records of medication and details in relation to using an assistant. These records have been improved and are well-documented promoting the safety and welfare of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 to develop your skills of observing and assessing children's developmental progress and use this information to continue to plan a range of play activities that help children to build on what they can already do • further promote children's good health through ensuring that all toys are maintained in a good state of repair and cleanliness.

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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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