Lyon Denise Lillian

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208654 Inspection date 25 April 2006 Inspector Janice Broddle

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1993. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in the village of Caythorpe, within walking distance of all local amenities. All areas of the property are used for childminding, although this mainly takes place in the lounge, sun lounge and dining room. Toilet and sleeping facilities are on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family do not have pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children aged under 8 years, 3 of whom are aged under 5

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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 years, and 6 children aged over 8 years. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and pre-school to take and collect children, and has a vehicle available to take them on outings. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. The childminder works well with parents to promote children’s immediate welfare, for example, she has written policies regarding children who are unwell and the administration of medication. However, she does not have written parental consent for urgent medical treatment, which could compromise children’s health. Children learn about basic personal hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals, after using the toilet and after playing in the garden. Children are well nourished. The childminder’s flexible arrangements regarding meals ensure she meets their individual dietary needs. She provides regular snacks and drinks and main meals on request, preparing fresh, home-cooked foods that are varied and nutritious. Through the range of meals and snacks she provides, children enjoy a healthy, balanced diet. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

play in the garden where they practice their developing physical skills using a range of equipment such as slides, bats and balls and bicycles. They also go on regular outings to local parks where they climb and balance on the larger equipment. In poorer weather, they enjoy dancing and moving to music indoors and sometimes visit indoor soft play centres that provide opportunities for them to run, climb and balance on a varied range of equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Risks of accidental injury are minimised because the childminder has a sound awareness of safety issues and she has identified and minimised potential hazards. Through organised routines, such as emergency evacuation practises, children also have good safety awareness. The childminder also supports this through discussion. For example, she carefully removes a wasp from the sun lounge whilst the children intently watch and listen to her explanation of the possible dangers as she does so. The childminder regularly checks toys and equipment in order to ensure that they are in good, clean condition so that they do not pose a risk to children. Good, well-considered procedures are in place to ensure that children remain safe when outside of the home. For example, safe routes are planned for the walk to and from school, children know safe places and routines for crossing the road, and the

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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 childminder carries emergency contact numbers at all times. However, systems to deal with an emergency have not been updated to reflect changes in circumstances. Children are well protected as the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. She has a written procedure, which she shares with parents so that they are also aware of her responsibilities, and relevant contact numbers are readily available. This ensures children’s welfare is a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently move around their identified play areas and develop their independence and self-esteem as they freely choose their toys and play equipment. Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder; they interact with her comfortably, and confidently make their needs and wishes known. For example, they confidently ask to go to the toilet and to do specific activities such as paintings or outdoor play. Children enjoy a broad range of activities. The childminder creates a happy, stimulating environment and children freely access a wide variety of age-appropriate toys and activities that encourage their all round development. Their imagination is developing well as they engage in role-play games with vehicles and the play kitchen, playing cooperatively together. They also enjoy painting activities and competently

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

manipulate paintbrushes and painting materials. Children particularly enjoy outdoor play, laughing with delight as they run and kick balls, play bat and ball and bounce on the trampoline. Computerised toys, which are well supported by the childminder, support their pre-reading skills and understanding of technology. The childminder knows the children well and effectively organises the environment to encourage them to attempt new and unfamiliar activities. For example, a child who initially does not want to paint a bird box is eventually tempted when the activity remains available for him to do at his own pace. The childminder then skilfully supports the child in a way that does not deter him from taking part. The childminder establishes daily routines around the requirements of individual children, when they are tired they are able to engage in quieter, relaxing activities and they are able to rest according to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel respected and valued as individuals; the childminder knows them well and is interested in what they say and do. She engages with them in a positive manner and consequently, children are happy and at ease in the setting. The childminder has clear boundaries in place that she consistently applies, so children learn what acceptable behaviour is.

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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 Children are beginning to learn about the wider world. They gain knowledge of differences within society through the provision of appropriate toys and activities and through discussion with the childminder. The childminder has a suitable awareness of systems to support children with additional needs and demonstrates a willingness to work in partnership with parents and relevant professionals to promote the welfare and development of all children. The childminder has good relationships with parents, which ensures that she is aware of children’s daily routines and preferences and is therefore able to meet their individual needs well. Parents receive a good range of written and verbal information. This keeps them well informed about the childminder’s practices and fully up to date

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Helping children make a positive contribution

on children’s daily care and activities which promotes consistency and continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All required documentation is in place to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. The childminder has a good range of written information that informs her practice, this is shared effectively with parents which helps to promote children’s continuity of care. Children access a comfortable environment in which to eat, rest and play; due to the childminder’s effective use of space within the home. They are developing in independence, as they are able to freely move between their identified play areas and make choices in their play. They spend a good balance of time indoors and outside of the home and are able to eat and rest according to their individual needs due to the childminder’s effective organisation of daily routines. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to develop systems for sharing information with parents and to extend her resources promoting positive images of diversity. She has since developed a range of policies and procedures which provide parents with good information about her childminding provision which supports children’s continuity of care. She has also extended her resources to include toys and books, which supports children’s understanding of differences within society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • improve the systems to ensure that appropriate action can be taken in the event of an emergency and ensure that these are shared with parents.

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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

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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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