Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 254910 Inspection date 05 August 2005 Inspector Anne Walker

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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 1988. She lives with her husband and 2 sons in the Heathfield area of Nottingham, close to the city centre. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities at this level. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child of school age. She walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends a local parent/toddler and childminding support group. The family have a cockatiel as a pet.

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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 satisfactory. The children learn good standards of personal hygiene through the daily routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. They know this is important to stop the spread of germs. Additionally, appropriate strategies for the hygienic storage and preparation of food and dealing with children who are unwell, ensure that everyone being looked after is safeguarded from the spread of infection. Children are provided with breakfasts and lunches that are of suitable quantity, so that they have enough energy to take part in their daily routines and play. Whilst fruit and yoghurt are frequently available to them, a wider range of healthier foods and drinks are less often planned into their diet. Children have drinks at frequent intervals throughout the day so that they don't become dehydrated in warm weather. The children take part in a range of routines and activities that promote their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

well-being. They walk to and from school, use the local park, take part in outings during holidays and use a range of play materials in the garden, that encourage them to exercise their bodies. These activities and routines help them develop a positive attitude to exercise. During each day, children have opportunities to be active and to rest and play quietly, according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the good knowledge and strategies employed by the childminder both in her home and on outings. When they go out the childminder carries first aid kits at all times. She plans for and carries contact details for dealing with any emergencies that may occur. Children understand how to walk safely to and from school and on outings, due to the clear expectations she sets with them from an early age. They understand what they need to do if there is a fire in the home as this is explained and practiced with them. The children use a range of good quality, safe play materials. These are regularly checked and are developmentally appropriate, so that children are not exposed to toys that may cause them harm. Well organised storage of play materials in the home means that children can access them easily and they do not pose a risk of trips and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

falls in limited space. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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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 enjoy a wide range of well planned activities and outings during the school holidays. These give them opportunities to learn about the city in which they live and it's history. They visit Nottingham castle and learn about toys and how children played in past generations and 'Green's Windmill' in Sneinton, to watch the flour being milled. They meet with other children and their carers for picnics, which provides them with good opportunities to mix and socialise with a wider group of their peers. Children develop an interest in reading and using books for all their purposes. This is due to the encouragement of the childminder, who takes them to the library regularly and encourages children of school age to be involved in library events such as 'The Reading Voyage', project. Children of all ages take part in a range of craft

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. These are adapted to suit their age and stage of development. The childminder shares her many interests and hobbies so that children learn new skills such as cross stitch, baking and painting. Children have a well balanced day that offers them opportunities to be active as well as do some quieter activities. They are able to make choices about what they wish to do when playing at home and do so confidently. Children are relaxed and comfortable as they play due to the homely environment, where they are welcomed and made to feel one of the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Girls and boys are able to access the range of play materials freely and are encouraged to take part in the full range of activities that are provided. Through discussion with the childminder and use of books in the library, older children develop a positive view of the world in which we live and increase their understanding of the lives of others. There are fewer strategies and play materials that support younger children's understanding of diversity. The children build warm, caring relationships with the childminder. They feel confident and relaxed, sharing their ideas and thoughts during conversation. Clear boundaries are set which children understand and comply with. These are appropriate to children's age, stage of development and individual needs. The children benefit from ongoing dialogues between parents and the childminder where developmental behavioural issues arise. Children are encouraged to behave well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

because there are a range of activities and outings which they find engaging and interesting. Clear information recorded enables children's individual needs to be identified and addressed. It also ensures consistency in the care offered between home and the childminders.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is effectively promoted due to the well organised documents and procedures undertaken by the childminder. From these she has a clear understanding of the child's needs and the parent's preferences. Any records kept are shared with parents so that consistent care is offered to all children and parents know what has happened during the day, or what is planned for the forthcoming

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 days. Her first aid qualification has been renewed, ensuring she has the necessary skills to run her business safely. Good care for children is promoted because through regular discussion she updates information with parents in order to meet children's continuing needs effectively. Children are settled in the homely environment she provides. Good use is made of the available space indoors so that they play, rest and have their meals in a comfortable environment. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children being cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was required to ensure that Ofsted was informed of any intention to employ an assistant. In addition, to ensure that all the necessary checks were completed before children were left with any assistant. The childminder does not currently employ an assistant. She has a good understanding of the requirements she must meet in order to do so. It was also recommended that she improve her medication records. These now include a signature of the person who has administered the medicine and of the parents to acknowledge the entry.

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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): • extend the range of healthy and nutritious snack and meal options to the children in your care • develop resources and activities to foster children's awareness of the wider world and to increase their understanding of the lives of others.

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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 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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