Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304143 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Susan Riley

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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 2005. She lives with her young family in a suburb of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under eight before school. The childminder walks to the local school to take children.

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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 good. Children stay healthy and have good opportunities to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines. They understand the importance of washing their hands before eating or after visiting the toilet. Children's good health is further protected as they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where suitable steps are taken to minimise cross-infection. Suitable measures are in place to care for children if they become ill. Children are given healthy choices because the childminder recognises the foods that are good for them and includes fresh fruit each morning. Children have daily physical exercise as they walk to school in the fresh air. Children mainly have their health needs met because the childminder works with parents towards this. However, there is no written consent in place from the parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. This does put children’s

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Helping children to be healthy

health at risk as the childminder is not fully aware of parent’s wishes. Children's nutritional requirements are met because the childminder liaises closely with the parents and finds out about the children’s likes, dislikes and 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, safe and secure home environment. The childminder provides good levels of supervision, ensuring their continued safety. Children independently select activities from a range of resources, which are in a good state of repair, age appropriate and meet safety requirements. Children are able to move around and play safely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, road safety is discussed as they are walking to school. The welfare of children is safeguarded because the childminder has a suitable knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of the steps to take if she is concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and happy in the childminder's house. A good range of toys and play materials offer them fun, whilst supporting their learning. The childminder considers the children's ages and interests as she plans the activities for

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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 the children. Older children are independent as they freely select activities or play games with their peers. Children put their own coat and shoes on and confidently seek support with the fastenings. Older children are confident speakers. The childminder listens to them and responds appropriately, supporting their language skills. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships with their peers, through playing games or completing jigsaws puzzles together. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong through the general basic house rules, treating the home and each other with respect. For example, they are positively praised as they put rubbish in the bin; this raises their self-esteem. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder knows

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children well and has a good awareness of their individual stages of development, their strengths and areas for development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to them and meets their requests. They gain a sense of belonging through being made to feel very welcome and part of the family. Children form good relationships with others and play together harmoniously. They have clear boundaries and consequently they behave well. The childminder calmly encourages children's good behaviour by using positive praise and explanations appropriate to their age and understanding. Children benefit from the good relationship between the childminder and their parents. Clear systems are in place to share information, in order to provide consistency of care for children. Relevant information is actively sought to enable children's individual needs to be met and daily conversations ensure this is kept up to date. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and the needs of others through the use of suitable resources and planned activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and relaxed in the welcoming and organised environment created by the childminder. Space within the home is organised to provide a child centred environment. Children benefit from the childminder's dedicated support and her involvement in their learning. This means children are confident to initiate play, to voice their needs and are able to follow their individual routines whilst in her care. Most documentation is in place and the required records are appropriately maintained. Children receive continuity of care as the childminder effectively shares information with parents. The various policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety and enjoyment. These are shared with parents ensuring they are fully aware of the childminder's practice. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Organisation

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of 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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