OFSTED
Inspection report for early years provision
Inspection date 24 June 2008
Type of inspection Childcare
Type of care Childminding
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.
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
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?
The childminder registered in 2007. She lives on a residential road in the Mapperley area of Nottingham with her husband and two children. Their home is within walking distance of the local park, shop and school. The family have three pet cats and one dog. Minded children use the ground floor of the house, with access to sleeping and toileting facilities within these areas. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children all on a part-time basis.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION
Helping children to be healthy
The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable home. Their good health is effectively promoted through the use of appropriate hygiene practices and daily routines, these help to prevent the spread of infection and promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene well. For example, children are supported to wash their hands alongside the childminder before eating. They are provided with separate hand towels and face flannels. This helps to minimise the risk of cross-infection. The dietary needs of children are successfully met. Children benefit from a varied diet which is planned in accordance to parental wishes and children's individual needs. Children enjoy nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables as part of their daily snacks. They make active choices from a menu and as a result are keen to try new foods and tastes.
Sick children are well cared for;
a well written policy has been devised which gives clear and helpful advice to parents when children should not attend. All necessary written consents have been obtained to ensure that children's needs can be met in the case of an emergency, and effective systems ensure all accidents are well documented.
Children benefit from the physical exercise which occurs as they walk to and from activities each day. Opportunities are provided for them to develop 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. The childminder also plans and provides activities which enables children to explore the outdoor environment and develop their understanding of the natural world.
Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is well minimised due to the high priority placed by the childminder on maintaining good supervision of the children both within the home and during outings. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe through the childminder's clear explanations of safe practices, such as why children should not throw toys. The childminder regularly risk assesses her home to ensure potential hazards are well minimised. For example, access to the kitchen and stairs is prevented and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. All sharp corners on furniture have been covered and plug socket covers are in place. Children are suitably protected because the childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke detectors. Written fire evacuation procedures have been produced to ensure children are able to evacuate the premises calmly in an emergency.
Children gain from an interesting range of age-appropriate toys and equipment. All are of a good quality and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Space within the home is organised so that it is child-friendly. Children have good opportunities to choose their own activities and resources because all equipment is stored within their reach.
Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has well-prepared documents for her own reference. There is also written information shared with parents to ensure that they work together to maintain the interests of children at all times.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is good. Children are provided with a range of stimulating play materials and activities which are age-appropriate and promote their all-round development. Toddlers are confident to select toys from the boxes which are placed so that they can investigate and make choices. They play purposefully and in an absorbed way, working out which figures to fit into the bus and searching for the one they want. They are encouraged to persist at tasks because of the good interaction of the childminder who supports them effectively. Their interest is maintained because she has a good knowledge of their developmental stage and varies activities frequently. Children enjoy looking at books with their carer. Young children's language is emerging well because the childminder talks to them, listens to what they have to say and responds readily. New language is introduced as they play together and they are encouraged to think and express their thoughts and ideas because of the good questioning techniques used. Children also express their ideas through creative play, such as cornflour and gluing and sticking with a range of materials. The daily routines provide young children with consistent care between home and the childminder's and enable them to feel secure. Regular outings to toddler group and meetings with other childminders enables children to mix and socialise in their local community. It also provides them with opportunities to learn to share and cooperate with others.
Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is good. Children benefit from the good regard given to their individual needs. These are effectively met as a result of clear initial records and regular ongoing dialogues with parents. This provides a consistent approach to the care children receive and increases their sense of well-being. Parents are consulted so that they are fully aware of the how their child spends their day and of any proposed changes. Children have a warm relationship with their carer and allow themselves to be reassured and cuddled. They are confident in their environment because it is organised to meet their needs and they are treated in a respectful manner. They remain content and happy because the childminder plans the day to ensure they are occupied, stimulated and rested. They learn right from wrong through a range of positive strategies that are adapted according to a child's level of understanding and individual needs. Through some play materials and the good example set by their carer, children are encouraged to have a positive view of the wider world. However, fewer activities are planned to enable children to build on this knowledge to understand and value the similarities and differences between themselves and others.
Organisation
The organisation is good. The children's welfare and development is effectively promoted because the childminder has given careful consideration to organising her home to meet their needs and make them feel welcome. A well-written prospectus has been devised; this offers parents useful advice regarding the childminder's practices and procedures. Documentation collated with parents, such as contracts, information sheets and consent forms, enables consistent care to be provided and ensure that parents' wishes are respected. Records are well organised so that they are readily available and enable the childminder to demonstrate that she runs her business well to meet children's needs.
The quality of care which is offered to children is enhanced through the childminder's commitment to continuous improvement and development. She regularly attends additional training to enable her to further develop the care she offers, and service she provides. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.