Childminder in NottinghamshireOfsted inspection, 31 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252570 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Ros Church

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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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her teenage son in the Woodthorpe View area of Nottingham. The ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five, and one child over five years before and after school.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. They stay healthy because the childminder follows satisfactory hygiene procedures, and ensures the risk of spreading infection is minimised. For example, she encourages children to follow good hygiene routines of washing their hands before meals and snacks, and after using the toilet. She has a suitable policy regarding the care and attendance of sick children, and shares this with parents. However, she has not obtained all written consents from parents to ensure she is able to meet all the individual needs of children in an emergency. Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder takes account of preferences and respects parental wishes regarding snacks. Meals are usually provided by the parents. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of eating healthily, and enjoy snacks which include fruit, with drinks of water or juice as they

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Helping children to be healthy

require to ensure they do not become thirsty. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play within the garden where they enjoy using equipment such as the trampoline, bats, balls and hoops. The daily routine includes walking to and from school, and visiting local parks and toddler groups where children are able to extend their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment where risks are effectively identified and minimised. This means that young children can move freely and safely as they play and explore. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through taking part in activities. For example, fire evacuation drills, and learning to cross roads safely when walking to and from school. Children use a satisfactory range of play materials which are well-maintained, they make some choices within their play. However, some equipment is not well organised, which means children are not always able to be independent and extend their play. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the child protection procedures and knows what to do in the event of concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure within the childminder's care. They make positive and close relationships with the childminder who interacts well with them. Children are

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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 given time to explore the toys and equipment, for example, a young child explores the fastenings of the dolls clothes before the childminder gives her help as needed. This helps to build children's confidence and a sense of trust with the childminder. Young children's language skills develop as they enjoy looking through books with the childminder and pointing to familiar pictures. However, the childminder is not aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enable her to fully extend the range and stimulus of activities available to younger children. Older children take opportunities to relax after school or engage in a range of activities, such as crafts, games, and construction play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual care needs are met, the childminder takes account of information supplied by the parents and the detail recorded on child information forms. All relevant information is exchanged daily through talking to parents and giving them their child's art work to take home. Parents are provided with generally good information about her service through written policies which are available to them. Children behave generally well within the childminder's care, this is supported through praise, positive reinforcement and appropriate sensitive strategies, this helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence. Children are beginning to learn about their community, through local outings to the park, library and toddler group. However, there are limited play materials available which support children's learning about society, or to foster a positive attitude

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Helping children make a positive contribution

towards similarities and differences. Appropriate systems are in place to include children with additional needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and at ease in the childminder's home which is organised to meet individual needs. Satisfactory space is available for children to play and rest. Children's safety is maintained, the childminder supervises the children at all times. She shows commitment to childminding as she has attended courses in childcare. However, she has not updated her first aid training, and the certificate has lapsed, with a potential to effect children's welfare. Most records which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are maintained, however the register of attendance is not kept up to date, and accident and medication records have not been retained for the required period. Overall the needs of the range of children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to devise a written form of the already

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Improvements 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 existing emergency evacuation procedures, these are now in place and have been practised with the children. She now regularly updates written agreements with parents which set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child. The childminder is aware to ensure that parents sign the record of medication to acknowledge administration. However, past records of medication have not been retained, which is a recommendation for this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

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 satisfactory. 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure the attendance register is kept up to date, and that all records are retained for the required period • develop knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further planning and provision for children from birth to three. Ensure that toys and equipment are easily accessible to enable all children to be independent and that resources show positive images of the wider society • request written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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