Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252529 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Tina Garner

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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 registered in 1987. She lives with her family in a detached house in Carlton, close to the local amenities. Minded children have access to the ground floor, where provision is made for sleep and rest, with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden with separate patio and grassed play areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two dogs and a cat. The childminder may care for six children at any

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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 one time and is currently minding six children all on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends toddler groups with minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. Their good health is supported through the use of effective hygiene practices and good daily routines. These help to prevent the spread of infection and promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene well. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food. The dietary needs of children are appropriately met due to successful sharing of information with parents and the records which are kept. Children benefit from a varied diet which is planned in accordance with parental wishes and children's individual needs. Snacks are healthy and include a range of fresh fruits daily. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates fresh air and activities which support physical development. Well laid out areas enable young children to rest, play and move around safely. In addition, children have further opportunities to develop

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Helping children to be healthy

and practise their physical skills because the childminder provides age appropriate resources and activities which further their development. For example, children enjoy trips to the local park where they practise their climbing skills. Relevant records are maintained to support children's health needs. These include details about children's dietary and medical requirements. Records of any accidents and medicines administered to children are kept. However, systems to record medication are not always maintained with parent's signatures. This prevents the childminder from safeguarding children's welfare. Overall, the childminder's knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment and written information ensures children receive good care and attention.

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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 well-maintained, child friendly and safe environment. The childminder ensures potential hazards are well minimised. For example, electrical sockets are covered and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. Children are protected from accidental injury due to the high priority placed by the childminder on maintaining good overall supervision. They learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe, through the childminders clear explanations of safe practices, such as why children need to hold onto the buggy when out walking on busy roads. Children enjoy a good range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources. However, the majority of equipment is not currently organised effectively to enable

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 to make independent choices regarding their own learning. Children are well protected because the childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke detectors. Fire evacuation procedures have been produced to ensure children are able to evacuate the premises calmly in an emergency. The childminder has an appropriate awareness of child protection procedures which enables her to promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident within the environment. Their self-esteem is well promoted through the positive relationships they are developing both with the childminder and one another. They have consistent routines and are able to rest and take part in quieter activities such as looking at books together. Younger children are developing appropriate communication skills through the effective interactions of the childminder as she talks through activities with them. All children gain from a varied selection of stimulating play choices which appeal to all. For example, a range of messy and tactile activities are provided which contribute to children's creativity, such as dough, drawing and collage. Children also enjoy a good range of experiences away from the home such as attending the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are successfully met through the daily routine and information which is collated, to ensure suitable activities and meals are provided in accordance with the differing needs of the children who attend. They have good opportunities for outings to explore the local community. All children begin to learn and understand the similarities and differences between people through having access to an adequate range of resources which promote diversity. The childminder plans activities which furthers older children's knowledge, for example, as they discover and sample foods from around the world. Children are well behaved. They benefit from consistent handling, and the childminder's understanding of positive ways in which to manage behaviour in line with children's age and stage of development. For instance, they learn acceptable ways of behaving because the childminder talks sensitively to children and reinforces

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour boundaries, which helps them to learn right from wrong. Children's general well-being is suitably promoted through the forming of good partnerships with parents. Carer's views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought and followed well in practice. However, information on the childminder's business arrangements and care practices are limited to verbal exchange only.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from premises which are appropriately organised to allow them freedom of movement and access to some resources. Indoor and outdoor space is well laid out and suitably utilised to maximise space and play opportunities for children. Children's welfare is safeguarded due to all relevant record systems being in place, securely stored and shared with parents. They gain from daily ongoing information being shared verbally between the childminder and parents, promoting continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care inspection required the childminder to obtain parental consent to transport children by car and ensure a record of all incidents is maintained. All parental consents for transporting children in a vehicle have now been obtained in writing. A suitable system has been devised for the recording of any serious incidents. The implementing of these recommendations further promote the care and safety of the children who attend.

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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.

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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 the accessibility of resources to enable children to independently choose their own play and further develop their own ideas

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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 • ensure parents sign the written record of medications, which are administered to children, to acknowledge the entry • develop written policies and procedures and share these with parents.

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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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