Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342646 Inspection date 19/02/2010 Inspector Lynn Dent

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her daughter aged seven years of age in Clifton on the outskirt of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding four children, of whom three are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the library and to the local park. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this well to plan a wide range of developmentally appropriate experiences for the children. Systems are in place allowing the childminder to monitor and record children's progress and identify their learning priorities. All children benefit from the inclusive practice as the childminder works in partnership with parents and others. Parents do not always have opportunities to add their own comments to their child's developmental records. The record of risk assessments does not reflect potential hazards and action to resolve these for all outings. The childminder has implemented good systems for reviewing the service provided and shows a commitment to continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include assessments of risks for all outings  improve access and opportunities for parents to add to children's assessment records.

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her legal responsibilities for safeguarding children in relation to reporting concerns for their safety and welfare to the appropriate authorities. Children's safety is protected because the childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 secure methods in place to manage this both within and away from the home. However, the record of risk assessments does not currently include details or risk assessment completed for everyday outings such as taking and colleting children from school. However, the childminder can clearly explain how she manages this and the appropriate child seats and restraints are in place. Children are protected from those who may pose a risk to their safety because the childminder does not have regular visitors or leave the children unsupervised at any time.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a well resourced and stimulating environment which supports their individual learning and developmental needs. The childminder takes good account of children's individual interests and plans activities that she knows the children enjoy such as play dough and cooking. Children also have the opportunity to develop their own learning by initiating their own play. Observations of children are used effectively to enable the childminder to record their progress and indicate what they need to do next. Consequently, all children are making good progress overall.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops good relationships with parents. As a result information is shared ensuring that the individual needs of the children are known and met. Parents of younger children are kept informed of the children's day to day experiences through daily dairies and the childminder keeps all parents informed through informal discussions. Parents are encouraged to review their child's developmental records on a regular basis. However, they have not yet started to add their own comments about their child's progress. As a result these do not show a complete picture of the progress children are making and may not fully enable the childminder to build on what they can already do. The childminder explains how she would work with other professionals to support children with particular needs and has developed relationships with the local school that children in her care attend. Consequently, consistency is promoted for these children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a range of detailed policies and procedures which underpin the service she provides. These are shared with parents ensuring they are well informed about the childminder's practice. The childminder is well organised and keeps the required records up to date and readily available to underpin the welfare of the children. Examples of these are the accident and medication records which clearly show how accidents occurred, the first aid treatment given and the time that medicine was administered. The childminder presents a positive attitude to continually improving her service. She works with other local childminders to share good practice and obtains verbal feedback from parents. This information is then used to help her self evaluate her provision. The recommendation made at the last inspection has been addressed and the childminder has undertaken a range of training to update her knowledge and skills,

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the early years provision

keeping her up to date with new initiatives, which results in a positive impact on children's care and education. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have an excellent understanding of good hygiene and foods that constitute a healthy diet. As a result they routinely wash their hands, clean their teeth and can explain why this is important. They enjoy healthy snacks and meals because the childminder rotates her menu and provides a balanced diet. Children's independence is promoted as they manage their toileting skills and choose what to eat for snack and when to drink. Children are protected from the risk of germs and illness because the childminder maintains a clean home and nappy changing area. A clear policy is in place to manage the care of sick children. Opportunities are provided for children each day to benefit from fresh air and exercise. Children benefit from the homely environment, where their good behaviour is encouraged and recognised. As a result they play harmoniously together and show good manners as they routinely use 'please', 'thank you' and 'excuse me'.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe and practises that help to promote this. For example, they can explain how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. The childminder explains to children the potential risks in the home and they help her to check that she has taken the appropriate action to make the premises safe such as closing safety gates. Children clearly feel safe and content in the care of the childminder. As a result they are able to voice their wishes by asking for different toys and asking questions. The childminder uses activities and everyday events to help children learn in different ways. An example of this is playing with the children as they race toy cars across the floor and talking to them about the starting line to make the race fair and who has the fastest car. Children explain that they enjoy stories especially when the childminder uses puppets to tell them. The childminder ensures that children feel valued by

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and outcomes for children

displaying their art work around the dedicated play room. Signs, the alphabet and numbers help children to become familiar with print. Younger children benefit because signs are supported by simple pictures. Children's language skills are prompted as they take turns with the childminder to describe an item which their friends then identify from the description.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to protect the environment as they sort items for recycling. They enjoy using a play station for short periods of time to play games. During this time children show they have mastered the skills to work the handset and take turns with their friends. The childminder can explain how she adapts activities to meet the needs of younger children. For example, when painting she provides a range of tools and also encourages babies to use their hands to feel the texture of the paint. Treasure baskets also help younger children to use their senses to explore everyday items found in the environment. Children show good imagination as they chatter to themselves and make up stories as they play with a toy castle. The childminder engages children in a range of activities linked to festivals and events throughout the year such as making cards for Valentines Day and lanterns for Chinese New Year. As a result they develop an understanding of

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and outcomes for children

different cultures. Children learn about mini beasts as they examine small plastic replicas of these and then search for them in the outdoor environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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