Childminder, Out-of school day care in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY216350 Inspection date 14 February 2006 Inspector Patricia King

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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 11 and 14 in the village of Keyworth which is in Nottinghamshire. All of the childminder's house is used and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently minds five children out of school hours. She walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network and receives support

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 form the Local Authority Network Coordinator.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is positively promoted by the childminder's excellent systems and practice to maintain a high standard of hygiene and care in her home. Robust policies and procedures ensure a healthy environment is provided where thorough hygiene procedures prevent the spread of infection. For example, children have their own washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious. Children have a thorough understanding of their personal care. For example they describe knowingly how washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet or handling animals prevents the spread of germs and infection. They eagerly explain that putting their hands in front of their mouths when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of germs. Comprehensive procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

appropriately as the childminder has sound knowledge of first aid, available first aid equipment and clear recording systems. Children relish the wide variety of nourishing meals offered by the childminder to meet the nutritional and dietary needs, personal choice and preferences agreed with their parents. They understand the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily and describe how the vitamins and minerals in their daily diet help them to be healthy and grow strong. Children are regularly involved with the planning and preparation of dishes, such as fruit dips, fresh fruit salad, and food to celebrate significant occasions such as birthdays and cultural events. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require. Children have daily outside play in the garden, weather permitting. They use outdoor equipment to balance and climb, ride on bikes and cars, and play with balls and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

enthusiastically describe their outdoor games. They are taken to the local parks and after school groups to play on other large physical equipment. They relax and sleep according to their needs because the childminder plans her home and routines to offer opportunities for rest and quieter times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from vigilant procedures including a systematic risk assessment and health and safety policy to provide a safe and secure environment. Effective arrangements ensure the outside play area is safe and excellent security ensures children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Appropriate safety equipment minimises potential hazards within the home and effective organisation of equipment and resources allow children to access these freely and safely to promote independence and choice. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and vigilant

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 arrangements for emergency evacuation, including regular fire drills, equip children with the knowledge of what to do if the need arises. Excellent arrangements are established for outings including taking a folder of relevant details, emergency contacts and procedures to be followed in the event of a child becoming lost. Children have careful regard for their own safety and the safety of others, for example, taking care not to push and looking out for babies who do not recognise dangers like putting things into their mouths. The childminder and older children praise younger children when they behave safely and keep simple house rules for their safety. Children know how to keep themselves safe on outings and have very good awareness of road safety. They speak earnestly about using stop, look and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

listen and following the safety codes demonstrated by the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and how to take any action required to protect children. She has attended various child protection training events and has established a clear written policy to ensure parents are fully informed of her responsibility to protect children from harm. The childminder ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The substantial range of quality toys and resources is used imaginatively and effectively to provide inspiring opportunities for children to develop and learn in the childminder's care. Excellent indoor and outdoor activities provide appropriate levels of challenge to build confidence and self-esteem. Children are highly motivated and make use of exciting and appealing activities to learn and extend their knowledge. For example, they enthusiastically describe what they have learned about people living in other countries and communities, their different lifestyles and places where they live. Children are eager to share what they already know and listen intently as the childminder provides further information and resources for them to create images of different homes and dwellings. They ask questions confidently and listen carefully to the answers given. Children's overall development is significantly enhanced through the childminders

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

committed approach. They develop good social interaction and have warm relationships with each other and the childminder's family. Children show care and concern for each other, for example, they help at meal times and support younger children to join activities and games at their individual level of ability. Good planning, preparation and resourcing by the childminder increases children's awareness of the needs of others in the wider world. Children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals. For example, children routinely evaluate the activities and their comments used to inform and influence future plans.

p.4

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.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are learning about the community in which they live and the wider world through an extremely well planned and organised range of activities and resources. For example, they experience and celebrate diversity and learn about life in other countries. The childminder is fully aware of current legislation including information relating to the Disability Discrimination Act and has a written policy reflecting her strong commitment to ensure she provides quality care for all children. Children's care and welfare is thoroughly discussed and agreed with the parents which ensures that the childminder knows the individual needs of the children extremely well. An excellent, close working partnership means that parents are kept fully informed and included in the care of their children. For example, an evaluation schedule completed by parents helps the childminder continually monitor her

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

performance. Children are encouraged to complete an "all about me" information sheet which gives them a real sense of belonging, boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Children's behaviour is exemplary. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. For example, children are involved in setting the expectations for behaviour to maintain good harmony in the environment. Children listen intently to the childminder and respond positively to her consistent use of praise and encouragement.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. Arrangements successfully promote children's, health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised imaginatively and inspired activities provide children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children's welfare and safety is positively promoted by the childminder's effective implementation of the comprehensive set of polices, guidelines and information which are provided to parents. The childminder ensures that documents and records necessary for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. Children benefit from the childminder's unquestionable commitment to her role as defined in the mission statement she has prepared to introduce her information to parents. She has attended a range of relevant training opportunities and continually

p.5

Organisation

strives to inform and improve her performance, for example, by asking the parents to complete evaluation forms about her services. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the security of the premises and the documentation with regard to the details of minded children. Children's safety has been significantly improved because the outside play area is fully enclosed and their individual needs are well met because all the necessary details have been obtained and recorded.

p.6

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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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