Childminder in NottinghamshireOfsted inspection, 16 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY102137 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Cheryl Wilson

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 good. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 7 and 16 in a rural village in the district of Bassetlaw. The family keep rabbits and cats as pets. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding purposes and children sleep within these rooms. Bathroom facilities are provided on the first floor of the home. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently caring for several children at various times through the week. She

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 walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder visits local amenities such as shops, play parks, toddler groups and the library. She holds a level 3 qualification in both childminding practice and childcare. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They enjoy regular opportunities to be active outside in the fresh air. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and visits the local park to use climbing and balancing equipment. Children play organised games such as cricket, football and croquet to develop their co-ordination, balance and agility. Older children discuss the way their bodies feel after exercise so they gain an understanding of the positive effects of physical activity on their well-being. Children recognise the need to have regular drinks as they access these independently and as part of the daily routine. Suitable systems ensure that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared. As a result children are offered foods suited to their individual needs and likes. All the minded children learn about healthy eating as they discuss foods that

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

are good to eat and enjoy fruit tasting sessions. They also have fruit and vegetables included in the snacks and meals provided by the childminder. Children know about the importance of good personal hygiene as they independently wash their hands before eating food and after contact with pets. They understand why they need to do this as they talk about germs making their tummy poorly. Children's good health is further protected as they are cared for in a suitably clean and hygienic environment. All children are appropriately cared for if they become ill as parents are fully informed of the sickness exclusion policy. The childminder has attended first aid training to enable her to follow appropriate procedures when children have accidents. However, children's first aid needs may not be fully secured as parents have not given their permission for the childminder to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. Young children rest and sleep according to their

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

needs as the childminder follows their usual routines.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure, well maintained and clean home. They stay safe due to the childminder's vigilance in identifying and minimising potential risks, such as storing hazardous materials in locked cupboards and protecting electrical sockets with covers. Children receive close supervision both indoors, outside and during outings. Children thrive on the encouragement they receive to take personal responsibility for their own safety. They enthusiastically discuss how they regularly practise the fire evacuation plan to enable them to stay calm in the event of an emergency. Children talk about the simple rules they follow when crossing roads or

p.3

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 independently accessing the first floor bathroom to enable them to stay safe. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection, in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures, to enable her to protect the children she cares for. Children have comfortable places to play, rest and eat as areas used for childminding are effectively organised to meet their needs. They confidently choose where to play and children enjoy being independent as they make choices from the accessible toys. The childminder rotates the play materials available for the children to ensure they are safe, clean and appropriate. Babies and toddlers access their toys from a special box to ensure the equipment is appropriate to their stage of development and stays hygienic.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy making choices of what to play with from the wide range of toys, games and craft materials. Children spend a balance of time participating in adult led and self-initiated activities. They acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder has a good understanding of each child's stage of development. She uses the Birth to three matters framework to confirm her practice with very young children. Babies' learning is supported well as they share books with older children and listen to stories read by the childminder. They enjoy the attention they receive from older children as they join in with the music and movement session. Children's problem-solving skills are fostered well. The childminder uses open-ended questions to encourage them to think about how to program a vehicle to make it move to a predetermined destination.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They build on their mathematical knowledge through experiencing a range of everyday activities. Children are challenged in these experiences as the childminder plans activities suited to each child's learning. For instance children count, add and take-away money as they play games as a group. Musical activities and traditional games such as sleeping lions capture children's interest and imagination. Their concentration is developed further as they draw and write. All ages of children play harmoniously together and take pride in their achievements.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled in the relaxed and friendly environment. They develop positive relationships with the childminder and feel at ease in their play. Children's good behaviour is actively fostered. They receive verbal praise and reinforcement for following the simple house rules, sharing, taking turns and working harmoniously with others. The childminder has a practical knowledge of ways to include children with additional needs into the setting. Children become aware of the wider society and have respect for others as they engage in planned activities and use materials that reflect positive images of diversity. Older children talk enthusiastically about the food tasting events they participate in and how they use magazines or books to find out where different foods originate from. From this they also learn about a country's

p.4

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 traditions and culture. Children take part in activities that increase their knowledge of different faiths and the associated festivals. As a result children begin to form positive views towards similarities and differences. Detailed information is exchanged with parents to ensure all children are cared for within their usual routines. Parents receive regular information to keep them well informed about the setting and their children's care and development.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure in the setting. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's developmental needs are addressed well as the childminder has a good knowledge of how young children learn. She continually looks for ways to improve her practice and has gained both a childminding and childcare qualification. As a result, children engage in stimulating and challenging activities related to their current needs and interests. Space within the home is organised well to give children areas to be active and places to rest or sleep in peace. Children benefit from having continuity in their care as the childminder collates relevant information to meet their needs. She supports written information by arranging regular discussions with parents to promote children's ongoing welfare. Parents are kept fully informed of the

p.5

Organisation

childminding service as they have access to an informative portfolio of policies and procedures. This ensures children are cared for according to parents' wishes and their individual needs. Confidentiality is maintained to protect children's privacy and dignity. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection actions were raised relating to safety on the premises. Children now play in a safe environment as the childminder has taken active steps to improve safety and security. Hazardous materials are now stored in a locked cupboard. The childminder has removed panels of glass from the fire surround and ensures that all other low level glazing is toughened safety glass. Children are secure on the premises and are not able to leave the setting unsupervised as the garden is now fully enclosed with a fence and the garden gate is kept locked. Taking these actions ensures that children are protected and their risk of accidental injury is minimised whilst on the childminder's premises.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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

p.5

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): • gain parental written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.6

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.6

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.6