Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209285 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2006 Inspection date Parveen Ashraf 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 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 1976. She lives with her husband and adult son. The family live in a modern 4 bedroom detached property in the town of Market Deeping, on the outskirts of Peterborough. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 6 children at any one time. She is currently minding 4 children under 5 all day and 5 older children before and after school. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Deeping Childminder's Network. The family have a pet cat.

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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 good. Children's health is well supported due to the childminder’s knowledge of good health and hygiene practices. There are effective procedures in place to minimise the risk of the spread of germs. The childminder washes her hands before and after changing baby's nappies and actively encourages children to wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap. She provides a small step enabling younger children to reach the sink easily. This encourages them to take responsibility for their own cleanliness and gain an understanding of how to stay clean and healthy. The childminder also takes appropriate measures to protect children in hot weather, limiting the effect of sunburn to help keep children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with fresh, nutritious meals and snacks that contribute to their good health. Children are involved in preparing some of their own snacks. This gives them sense of independence and achievement when they have successfully managed to roll out bread to make pin rolls. Children have access to sugar-free juice and water in appropriate sized cups. The childminder replenishes the cups ensuring that young children have access to drinks when they require, helping to meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular exercise as they take walks to the park to feed the ducks. They enjoy physical freedom and fresh-air that helps them to stay healthy. Children also have easy access to outdoor play in the garden. They participate in activities such as pushing buggies and riding in cars which helps to support their co-ordination skills. All children’s medical records are in place and the childminder’s knowledge of basic first aid ensures that children's medical needs can be met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe environment where hazards are minimised. The childminder risk assesses her home and garden daily. She gives high priority to teaching children to understand about safety. She gives them clear explanations about the consequences of their actions. This helps them to learn about taking responsibility to keep themselves and others safe. For example, asking children to keep small parts away from babies that could potentially harm them and encouraging them to hold onto the buggy when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of stimulating and well-maintained toys which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder caters for children from birth to school age. Resources include board games, playstation games as well as a large variety of unusual creative resources that motivate children. The childminder has a large selection of extra toys which are stored in a walk-in cupboard and toys are rotated to meet the preferences of the children. New toys are regularly bought to replace worn out toys. This adds to the variety of resources that children are offered, maintaining their interest. The childminder is ensures that she only purchases toys that meet safety standards.

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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 The childminder has a written child protection policy and most of the documentation in place to help to protect children and keep them safe from harm. However, she does not have a copy of the current guidance that enables her to fully safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with ample opportunities to participate in a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities that promotes and extends their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities. The childminder has a thorough understanding of children’s developmental and provides activities that help children to progress and learn. Their language and mathematical skills are developed and extended. For example, writing their own name and reading flash cards using phonics. Children are able to count in sequence and recognise basic numbers and shapes. They experiment with different textures enhancing their imagination. For example, making three dimensional dragon pictures, animal masks and making dice with sponge to play hopscotch with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder asks children open-ended question to help to develop their learning. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and learn about colour recognition through everyday activities. For example, asking children to tidy away crayons and place them in the blue box. Children have a good of balance of independent and interactive play. They interact well with each other, the childminder and other adults. This is predominantly due to the childminder's affectionate manner which helps children feel confident and secure in their environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder considers the different needs and likes of the children. She provides activities to meet these needs and extend children's learning. For example, older children made silhouettes of younger children using the patio area and chalk. The childminder provides younger children with different colours of chalk and encouraged them to draw in the facial features. Children’s work is displayed in the playroom and kitchen. Children can see their work and feel a sense of achievement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about equality and diversity through discussion, resources and activities. They have the opportunity to celebrate festivals from different cultures including Chinese New Year. The childminder has a written equal opportunity policy which is shared with parents and well implemented. She has completed a course in ‘Multi-Cultural Awareness’ and ‘Working Towards Inclusion.’ She uses the knowledge she has gained to benefit children and help them feel valued and included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very well thought out and effective written behaviour management policy. It is positively worded and highlights the impact on the children. The policy is successfully implemented and children's behaviour is of a high standard; they are polite and well mannered. The childminder encourages children to respect others, share and take turns, helping to develop

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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 their social skills. Children are praised frequently which intern helps to raise their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being. At her initial meeting with the parents, children's needs are assessed. The childminder then puts into practice procedures that parents have requested. She works closely with parents and keeps them informed about their children’s progress. However, she does not have up-to-date information about the complaints procedure. Therefore parents are not fully aware of their right to complain if they have concerns about the childminder practices, which compromises children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The exceptional organisation of the premises maximises play opportunities for children. They are able to thrive in a stimulating environment where they feel welcomed and secure. The childminder gives much thought about the grouping of children to ensure that their individual needs are met. Space is adapted during the day to accommodate the varying needs and preferences of the children. For example, school aged children have uninterrupted time in the quiet lounge to do their home-work or they can relax playing the playstation on the dining table and in the kitchen.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended several short courses to help her to develop her childminding practice. For example, Songs for Rhymes & Musical Activities and Sporty Friends at Play. She is proactive in continuing to train and uses the knowledge she has gained to enhance the care she offers. The childminder has over thirty years experience in caring for children. She has a thorough knowledge and understanding of children needs and is skilled at prioritizing her day to meet children's needs extremely well.

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Organisation

Excellent organisation of documentation helps the childminder to effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. She has a detailed prospectus, informing parents about her childminding practice. The policies and procedures include a mission statement which prioritises the care of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to review her procedures for administering medicines to children and amended her medication policy. She has amended her policy and endures that children are only given medication that is prescribed for them by their doctor. She has written parental permission in place and records dosage correctly which helps to promote children's health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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): • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) • up date complaints documentation to ensure that it contains Ofsted's current contact details and is shared with parents.

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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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