Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295651 Inspection date 18 October 2005 Inspector Anne Cooper

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged two and four years of age. The whole of the house is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects from the local school and playgroup. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as hand washing after playing outdoors. Their health is protected through the childminder using good hygiene procedures throughout the home and following clear policies and procedures for dealing with children who are unwell. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks that are prepared for them by the childminder, according to their dietary needs and parents' wishes. They help themselves to drinks that are easily accessible to them. The childminder produces a menu to share with parents so they are aware of the meals being provided. Children enjoy a variety of physical activities, as they spend some time each day in the garden or at the farm which contributes to their good health. Activities such as the use of the outdoor toys helps them develop control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play safely within the home because the childminder effectively minimises risks and provides good levels of supervision. She has a good understanding of the child protection procedures and has recently increased her knowledge by attending training, which ensures children are safeguarded. Appropriate safety equipment and security systems are in place, which allow the children to move safely around the home and garden. An example of this is a safety gate fitted on the driveway to prevent children accessing the road. Emergency evacuation plan has been practised with the children and regular tests on the fire equipment are recorded. Children use a good variety of safe and suitable toys and equipment which are carefully organised to allow them to select activities independently. However there is a trampoline in the garden which is not risk assessed. Interesting examples of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's work are displayed in the kitchen and playroom and make the environment welcoming to children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well, are confident and make themselves at home. They relate well with each other and socialise with other children through attendance at local play groups. Children share a warm and caring relationship with the childminder which ensures that children are happy and secure in the environment. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development, and she is experienced

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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 at promoting children's communication skills as she listens and responds well to the children. An example of this is the childminder obtaining a video with songs and rhymes which had been recommended on a recent training course. The minded child present really enjoyed interacting with the music. She has a clear understanding of the importance of play and provides the older children with good opportunities to learn through play. A variety of evidence was seen showing examples of children's work box modelling, spaghetti printing and lovely constructions made from rolled paper. The childminder has recently obtained a copy of the Birth to three matters pack to use with the under threes, as currently the needs of the younger children are not fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the home. They are developing a sense of belonging as they care for seeds they have been growing and independently help themselves to toys and equipment. They benefit from the positive partnership between the parents and the childminder which ensures the child's needs are recognised and parents' wishes are followed. The childminder keeps a detailed daily record of the younger children's day which includes pictures the children have produced. This keeps parents well informed about their child's activities. Children behave very well in response to the childminder's clear guidance and praise. The behaviour management policy clearly outlines the childminder's strategies. Children are increasing their awareness of diversity and understanding of others as the childminder has good resources to promote equal opportunities. The childminder has an extensive range of materials in relation to special needs as this is her special

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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 and their child's progress. Children receive good adult support which helps them to feel secure and ensures their individual needs are met. Space within the home is used creatively to allow children to play actively or to relax. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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): • develop risk assessments on the premises and equipment • continue to develop the range of activities and play materials for younger children, in relation to the Birth to three matters pack.

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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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