Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY307622 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Judith Rayner

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and 2 children in a semi-detached house in Mansfield, North Nottinghamshire. There is easy access to the local parks, shops and school. Children have access to the whole of the house. They also have access to the back garden for outdoor play. The family have a cat. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years at any one time. There are 2 children on roll. They attend on a part-time basis. The childminder collects children from school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate health and hygiene procedures. For example, the childminder prevents the spread of cross infection by following good procedures when preparing food, wiping surfaces and washing hands. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices. Most records, policies and procedures for the care and welfare of children are sufficient. They wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after handling the pets. Children enjoy physical activity. For example, they spend time at the park on large climbing apparatus. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents and finds out from the children what their food likes and dislikes are. Children access their own drinks which develops independence and self help skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the childminder's adequate understanding of the importance of safety procedures and the appropriate supervision of children according to their age and ability. On outings and walking to and from school children's awareness is raised to road safety. Children use a good range of toys which are developmentally appropriate, clean and well maintained. These are well organised and accessible to children which encourages their independence skills when self-selecting. Children are protected because the childminder generally understands her role in child protection issues. However, she is less familiar with the procedures she should take if an allegation is made against her.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children make positive relationships. They are happy, relaxed and confident. They enjoy the childminder's company and happily play games, talk about events at school and undertake their homework. They respond positively to challenges that the childminder sets. Older children are independent in choosing toys and games after they have completed their homework. There are less opportunities for young children to benefit from a range of activities to support their development with regards to the childminder having less knowledge on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children play cooperatively with each other and help the younger children to achieve an outcome with the activities that they are playing with. For example, the older children help a younger child build a tower with the large bricks and encourage the younger child to name the colour of the bricks.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals. They are relaxed and familiar with the routine of the day. Children behave well and have a clear understanding of what is right and wrong. This is because the childminder is positive and consistent in her approach to setting the boundaries and expectations for the children to adhere to. Their needs are being met well by the childminder who works closely with the parents to ensure continuity of care. Verbal methods of communication are used to support the appropriate practice in meeting children's ongoing needs, however, the written methods are less informative. Children learn about their local community and the wider world through visiting the local parks and shops. They also have easy access to a sufficient range of resources that positively reflect people from different backgrounds, cultures and disability.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease within the home due to the organised environment. They are confident and relaxed with the routine which the childminder effectively promotes. Most policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. These are shared verbally with parents as there is less informative written guidance in place to keep them up to date regarding their child's needs, progress and development. Also, the systems set up to obtain information regarding the written complaints procedure and the obtaining of the emergency medical advice and treatment consent from parents is not effective. The well-being of all children is held in high regard by the childminder, for example she has maintained the required qualifications and training such as first aid. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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 The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.4

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 further your knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' frame work • develop further your knowledge of child protection issues with regard to the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and what to do if an allegation is made against you • develop further the written policies, procedures and the systems in place regarding complaints and for obtaining written consent from parents for the emergency medical advice and treatment for their child.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5