Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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208810 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2006 Inspection date Melanie Arnold Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 satisfactory. 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 1996. She lives with her husband in Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with sleep facilities located on the first floor when the childminder cares for children overnight. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time during the day and for one child when providing overnight care. She is currently minding three children for before and after school sessions and two children for part time sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school. Their physical skills are promoted generally well as they enjoy playing in the garden with a suitable range of resources and because they go on trips to the park where they access other large scale resources. They are beginning to learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routine, with suitable procedures in place to help prevent cross infection. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands after nappy changes to develop positive hand washing routines from an early age. The childminder is aware of children's individual sleep routines and ensures they are able to sleep peacefully without disturbance. Children's dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are fully met as parents provide all meals for their children. However, procedures to make sure food is cooked properly to fully protect children's health are not in place. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy a suitable range of snacks including biscuits and fruit. However, healthy options like fruit are not always actively encouraged to fully promote children's health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit due to space being used generally well, with areas for them to play, rest and sleep safely. When overnight care is provided, children sleep in their own bedroom, with relevant procedures in place to ensure their safety. Children enjoy playing with a good range of toys and resources, which are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure their safety. Their individual needs are well catered for because they have access to a suitable range of equipment. Children are safe and well protected within the childminder’s care due to the good procedures she has implemented. For example, the setting is kept secure, a locked gate prevents children having unsupervised access to the fish pond in the garden and dangerous chemicals and sharp knives are stored in cupboards with locks on. Children are fully supervised inside, outside and on any outings to help keep them safe from harm. Their safety is further ensured because appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety equipment is in place, like smoke detectors, a first aid box and a fire blanket. Children's welfare is maintained because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. However, because the childminder is not clear about her responsibility to report any allegations of abuse which are alleged to have taken place while children are in her care, she has breeched a regulation. Therefore, there are instances when children's safety is compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and they eagerly play with the wide range of toys and resources. They initiate their own play because toys and resources are stored well. The childminder provides children with varied, hands on play experiences, which interest and stimulate them. Children enjoy completing a wide range of activities, which promotes all areas of their development. For example, they enjoy painting, sticking, making models, playing with the toys, playing board games and playing outside. Older children are encouraged to do their homework after school,

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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 which helps to continue their learning and development. Youngsters have fun as they explore and play with toy versions of household appliances, where they imitate everyday occurrences, like putting things in to the microwave to cook. Older children also have great fun as they use a tape recorder to record their own voices. They show delight as they play back and listen to their own singing. Children are settled and relate well to the childminder as she engages in play with them and because she listens and values on what they have to say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriate care to meet their individual needs because the childminder gathers relevant information from parents. Their understanding of the wider world is appropriately promoted through discussion and because they access a generally good range of resources reflecting diversity. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder has a clear understanding of the information to gather concerning children's special needs to ensure appropriate care is provided for them. Children's self-esteem is promoted generally well through praise, encouragement and rewards. However, strategies used to manage children's inappropriate behaviour do not always fully promote their welfare and development. The childminder has formed a good partnership with parents, which contributes to children’s well-being. She provides parents with good information on her policies and procedures through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

an informative portfolio. Parents are kept informed of their child's daily activities through verbal feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in childminder’s care as her friendly nature helps to create a welcoming environment. Their needs are met because space is used generally well, with resources stored at child height enabling children to gain easy access to them. Children receive appropriate care because the childminder regularly attends training courses, which helps to keep her up to date with current childcare practices. Their welfare, development, care and learning are promoted generally well because relevant policies and procedures are in place. Records are stored confidentially and completed with appropriate information, helping to ensure children's well-being. Children benefit because the childminder works well with parents enabling her to meet children's needs. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Permissions forms are now in place, contributing to maintaining children's health and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 1 April 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 children have a balanced range of nutritious snacks and ensure food is properly prepared to the correct temperature • ensure Ofsted is notified of any allegations of abuse which are alleged to have taken place while children are in your care • ensure strategies used to manage children's behaviour fully promote their welfare and development.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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