Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252644 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Angela Hufton

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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 1985. She lives in a house in Mansfield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The home is close to all local facilities. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 and currently cares for 7 children on full and part-time basis, including children over 8. The childminder regularly attends meetings for childminders and also visits a local toddler group.

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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 are cared for in a clean home where they learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routine. From a young age children begin to gain an understanding of simple safe-care practices, including washing their hands before cooking activities. The risk of cross-infection is effectively reduced because the childminder shares her written 'sick child' policy with parents. Children receive good levels of care in the event of illness or accidents; suitable procedures are in place and the childminder take steps to maintain a first aid certificate and first aid box. However, medication records do not always have clear details, including prior written parental consent, to ensure appropriate checks are made to promote the welfare of the children. Children enjoy regular access to outdoor play to be active and develop an understanding of exercise for their health. They have fun in the garden and go on

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Helping children to be healthy

regular outings to local parks. These contribute to improving their physical skills. Children benefit from nutritious snacks and meals. They have their dietary needs met because the childminder works closely with parents to provide healthy meals, taking good account of children's preferences. For example, providing fruit and cereals that they enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is secure, clean, warm and very welcoming. Their art work is displayed around the home, with toys suitably organised to be inviting to all. Children are able to access a good range of stimulating and attractive toys and resources for their needs. They use safe and clean resources because of the childminder's continued attention to cleaning and regular maintenance checks of toys and equipment. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised through suitable precautions, procedures and the childminder's understanding of the need to promote safety. Clear fire precautions are in place, the evacuation plan is explained to the children and practised regularly, ensuring they are familiar with procedures in the event of a fire. Children learn to keep themselves safe, they understand about walking sensibly to and from school and why they need to be careful around the cooker during baking

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

activities. They are kept safe when on outings because all required permissions and procedures are in place. Children's welfare is promoted in the event of child protection issues. The childminder has a good working knowledge of possible signs to be aware of and the need to report these to the relevant agencies. She is not familiar with the latest government guidance which has the potential to lead to a slight delay in reporting concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have consistent routines enabling them to feel secure and be well cared for. They settle well at the childminder's home promoted by her warm and encouraging relationship with them. Children make good progress overall across all areas of learning and their individual needs are met. They have easy access to stimulating resources and activities to extend their play and choose resources independently. Children experience play opportunities that enable them to develop language and communication skills. For example, the childminder encourages children to explain what they need to do during a baking activity. Children learn to count and tell the time through everyday routines and activities, like how many minutes the cakes will need in the oven. All children spend their time purposefully. They have fun dressing up, make cakes and work well with other children of differing ages. Their overall development is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

catered for through a range of suitably planned activities, including outdoor play and trips to toddlers for social play. Children's physical skills are developed through trips to indoor soft play centres. The childminder is aware of materials such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not yet make use of this when planning activities for younger children. Each child's progress is effectively shared with parents through daily discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to learn about the wider world and increase their understanding of others. For example, they read books, play with dressing up clothes and learn about common cultural events. They develop their awareness about the similarities and differences in others through age appropriate activities including building a scrap book "Everyone is Special." This includes a wide range of images such as children and adults wearing glasses. Individual opinions are valued and children are respected. Their needs are met well; the childminder has an understanding of special needs enabling children to be suitably included in the setting. Children show care and concern for others and play happily together, such as when older children include young children in their activities. Children are well behaved, they play harmoniously with others and learn about right and wrong. They use good manners, effectively promoted by the childminder through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

praise and acknowledgement. Children have consistent boundaries and understand the need to share or follow adult instruction to stay safe. For example, children hold on to the pushchair when walking to school and do not try to touch the cakes when they are still hot out of the oven. They benefit from a positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. Some written information and daily exchanges, keeps parents suitably informed about all aspects of the provision and the activities their children are involved in.

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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 have high levels of support and supervision appropriate for their age and stage of development, enabling them to feel secure and confident in the setting. They are well cared for because suitable use is made of space and the home is well organised for children to have free movement and play independently. Children are effectively protected from people who have not been vetted. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to on-going training to improve the service offered to children. Children's welfare is promoted through all the required documentation and records being in place, well organised and used effectively. Their continued welfare is promoted because the childminder stays up to date with changes to ensure regulations and conditions of registration are complied with. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder agreed to one recommendation to obtain written permission from parents to attend specific activities. The childminder now has relevant permissions in place promoting the safety of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those notified 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 prior written consent is in place for all medications • continue to develop planning for young children incorporating use of the 'Birth

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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 to three matters' framework • continue to improve knowledge of child protection and current procedures with reference to the booklet 'What to do if You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - summary'.

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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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