Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306144 Inspection date 20 December 2005 Inspector Anne McKay

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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 husband and four children in a house in the suburbs of Nottingham. The house is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. Minded children have access to the whole of the house and to the enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children aged under eight at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a qualified Nursery Nurse.

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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's health is promoted well by the childminder. They learn to wash their hands as part of the daily routine and the risk of cross-infection is minimised through the good practices followed by the childminder. Accident and medication records are kept and are accurate and up to date. They are shared with parents to ensure that children receive consistent care. There is an appropriate sick child policy in place and parental consent is in place to enable the childminder to seek any necessary emergency treatment or advice for the children if their parents cannot be contacted. Children are well nourished through a balanced diet of home cooked food and healthy snacks. Children are encouraged to develop their tastes through trying different foods. Individual dietary needs are catered for and food is provided according to parental wishes. Children exercise and develop physical skills and

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Helping children to be healthy

coordination when they play outside, either in the garden or at the local park. They have access to fresh drinking water at all times so they do not become thirsty or dehydrated and can rest or sleep according to their need.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very well organised environment. It is very welcoming and child-focused with comfortable, appropriate furniture and an excellent range of toys and activities for them to choose from. The toys and activities are stored thoughtfully so children can identify and choose to play with toys that are that are suitable and safe for their age and stage of development. The house is risk-assessed each day before children arrive to ensure it is a safe environment for them to play in. Suitable safety equipment is in place to prevent accidents although there is a potential hazard for children as the toilet and bathroom locks can only be locked from the inside. Smoke alarms are fitted and tested and children practice the evacuation plan so they know what to do in an emergency. Children are supervised at a level that is appropriate to their age, level of understanding and ability so they are kept safe from

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

accidents whilst developing independent skills. Children are protected by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy and achieve because the childminder plans activities to meet their individual needs. She uses her knowledge and experience of child development to monitor and evaluate children’s progress, keeping detailed assessment records that are shared with parents. She uses this information and the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework very effectively to plan stimulating activities to promote young children’s developmental progress in all areas.

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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 Children really enjoy their play and are interested, curious and involved. They participate enthusiastically in a balanced range of focused activities and free play when they can choose what they want to do. They have access to an excellent range of resources that stimulate and challenge them intellectually, imaginatively and creatively. The childminder’s innovative use of activities allows children to explore new ideas and gain new skills. For example, a child cut a hole in some play dough and was encouraged to look through the hole to find out what he could see through it. The child was fascinated to find out that he could see the whole room whilst the childminder could only see his eye. Children are settled and secure in the care of the childminder because they have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

positive relationships with her. They are supported by her very well in their play. She asks children sensitive and carefully thought out questions that encourage them to think, so their learning is extended through their play. For example, a child playing imaginatively with a baby doll was asked questions to encourage him to think about what the baby might be feeling and to predict his needs. He then gained new skills as he tried to fit a nappy on the doll and to feed it. Children's communication and social skills, both verbally and non-verbally, are very well promoted by the childminder through her sensitive interactions as she plays at their level, listens to the children and talks to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who works closely with parents. She collates and records clear information about children's needs and preferences, so she can meet their individual needs. Information is exchanged on a regular basis between parents and the childminder through verbal feedback and written daily diaries. This ensures information is kept up to date so children receive continuity of care. The childminder has appropriate knowledge and experience to care for children with special needs. Children behave well because they are settled and confident in the care of the childminder with whom they have positive relationships. There is a clear behaviour policy in place with house rules that the children understand and learn to respect. Children's behaviour is managed sensitively according to their individual age and level of understanding. Good behaviour is promoted through praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouragement. Children develop confidence and good self-esteem, playing co-operatively and learning to share. Any inappropriate behaviour is clearly explained so that children understand what they have done wrong and learn to behave better. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are included as part of the family and have their individual needs recognised and met. They can access and choose from suitable toys including a very good range of resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability. Playing with these toys and activities on a daily basis helps children to explore aspects of their identity and to learn about wider society.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive a good standard of care because the childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of child development. She is a qualified nursery nurse and she puts her experience and training into practice in the assessment and planning of suitable activities and play opportunities to promote individual children's development. She is committed to improving her knowledge through relevant training. Children play in a well organised environment where they can play, rest and eat in comfort. Most potential risks have been identified and minimised to create a safe environment for children to play in both indoors and outside. Resources are within reach of the children and are organised so they can access and choose toys and activities that are appropriate to their age, interest and ability. The childminder's good practice is underpinned by clearly written policies and

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Organisation

procedures that are shared with children's parents. Essential documents are in place and records and parental consent forms are up to date and accurate. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the locks on the bathroom and toilet

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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 doors and take action to minimise these.

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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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