Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252263 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Judith Rayner

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 children in a semi detached house in Retford, North Nottinghamshire. There is easy walking distance to local shops, schools and parks. The ground floor is available for childminding purposes with toilet facilities at this level. This consists of a playroom, kitchen/diner, sitting room, study. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has 1 cat and 1 goldfish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Retford Childminding Network. She also attends the Retford Childminding Support Group. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 10 all of whom attend on a part time

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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 basis. She walks and drives to local schools for the picking up and dropping off of children who attend school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health, hygiene and safety procedures. For example, she uses anti-bacterial spray to wipe surfaces down, washes her hands before preparing snacks and removes cat food out of the reach of children. Well-planned daily routines develop children's understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene, such as, hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. Children of all ages and abilities enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Each day there are indoor and outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies and muscle movements. Young children benefit from the childminder effectively implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They enjoy developing new skills and experiences. Children develop their independence skills as they help themselves to drinking water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meal times appeal to children and meet dietary needs.

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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 welcoming, bright and well maintained home. The playroom is child-orientated and inviting for children to use. They enjoy playing and accessing the range of toys and equipment to support their learning. Risks are identified and minimised inside the house, therefore, children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. However, the system in place for minimising risks in the garden is less effective. Children independently select from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her roles and responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are confident and engage in the activities. Children become independent as they select between the good variety of interesting and attractively presented activities. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring the wide range of challenging and interesting activities that provide opportunities to enhance their all round development. For example, they confidently instigate their own topic on the weather. The childminder is skilled in supporting children's interest to extend this further by looking at the impact different weather patterns have around the world. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and enjoy her company.

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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 respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with parents. This offers children consistency of care. Their behaviour is very good. Children have a good understanding of the boundaries and expectations that the childminder positively promotes. Children are confident, know what they want and are independent. They help themselves to drinks and self select toys and know what they want to eat. Children learn about their local community and the wider world through visiting local amenities, such as, the park and shops and playing with a good range of toys that positively reflect people from different cultures. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. Their welfare is maintained due to the well organised and effective systems in place to share information with

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and happy due to the good organisation of the environment and the consistent daily routine. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. There is a good range of clearly written policies, procedures and documentation which the childminder consistently adheres to. This ensures that the welfare, care and learning of children is maintained effectively. Children are given a high standard of learning opportunities and care. This is because the childminder has a very good understanding of her role and responsibilities and effectively monitors her own strengths and weaknesses. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the safety of children in her care. Emergency escape plans are undertaken regularly with the children and are recorded in a good systematic format; the shelving in the playroom is secure and the brick path in the garden does not pose any trip hazards to children. Children are effectively protected by the measures that are in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted had received three separate complaints with concerns regarding: an allegation that a child had fallen down the stairs; a child had alleged to have wet themselves whilst out; an allegation of inappropriate use of language in front of children; an allegation regarding children being left unsupervised or in the care of older children. Ofsted made unannounced visits and interviewed the provider. The inspectors also reviewed relevant documentation and made general observations during the visit. There was evidence to suggest breaches in National Standards 2

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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 (Organisation) and 6 (Safety). As a result, Ofsted raised actions that the provider must comply with in order to meet the standards. The provider has carried out all of the actions and remains qualified for registration.

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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): • further develop the system for minimising risks to children when using the garden.

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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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