Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239703 Inspection date 25 April 2006 Inspector Hazel Taylor

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and her two children, aged two and four years, in the village of Winthorpe, near Skegness, Lincolnshire. All areas of the house are used for childminding. Toilet and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The local primary school, nursery, parent toddler group and village amenities are all within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently seven children being minded on a part-time basis.

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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 The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes children’s good health and well-being effectively as she cares for them in a warm, clean home where she is proactive in recognising and reducing possible risks of infection and illness. Children are developing their understanding and awareness of good health and hygiene through helpful explanations and daily routines, such as regular hand-washing, which reinforce good practice and act as useful reminders to encourage their independence. Children show a good understanding and willingness to keep themselves healthy and safe from infection. The childminder takes good account of special dietary needs, wholesome nutrition and, whenever possible, encourages children to actively contribute to the development of healthy eating and positive food choices by sharing responsibility for decisions about their drinks, snacks and meals. The childminder develops an effective partnership with parents which ensures that

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Helping children to be healthy

they work together to meet each child’s needs. She develops meaningful relationships with the children which fosters their emotional well-being and ensures that they feel confident and secure. Children are encouraged to make decisions and they enthusiastically make choices about their activities and care. Children have a clear understanding of their own needs and are developing respect for the needs of others. They are eager to attend and enjoy the company of other children. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Daily outdoor play in the garden and trips to the park help them enjoy the benefits of physical activity. The children develop increasing control of their bodies and improve their physical skills as they play on wheeled toys, negotiate larger equipment and run about on the grass playing ball games. They become increasingly aware of the way in which activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder is also aware of young children's individual sleep routines and ensures they can sleep peacefully without disturbance. This results in children's individual needs being well catered for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very secure and parents are welcome in this setting. The childminder organises indoor and outdoor space effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. Very young children are able to sleep safely and comfortably, and can be frequently monitored. The childminder maintains good safety precautions around the house, such as the use of a stair gate and socket covers, to minimise the risk of

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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 accidents. Children begin to take responsibility for themselves and are encouraged to make safe decisions about their play and learning as they choose from the broad range of good quality toys and play materials both indoors and outdoors. Children enjoy accessing developmentally appropriate resources and can move around safely and confidently to use them imaginatively. Children learn how to keep themselves safe on outings with the encouragement and guidance of the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the knowledgeable practice of the childminder, underpinned by the good quality and accuracy of her supporting documentation. She reinforces her vigilance of children's safety by keeping up to date with current guidance and undertaking first aid training. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection procedures and the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is being abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a calm, harmonious environment where children are happy and settled. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and explore their surroundings with enthusiasm, confidence and growing independence. They relate well to each other and older children are aware that the involvement of the younger children in activities may need consideration of their size and abilities. Children are becoming good communicators and the childminder makes good use of conversations to extend children's thinking and play which helps them achieve. The childminder helps children feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement as they try out new skills. This helps build children's self-esteem and supports their self-motivation. Children access a very good variety of appropriately challenging activities that suit their interests and which enable them to develop their learning by exploring and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

investigating at their own level and pace. Children use their imagination well which develops their creativity in activities using art and craft materials, play-dough, and in role play situations. They are learning new vocabulary and counting as they enjoy their play and make good links in their learning due to the skilful way the childminder talks to the them and develops everyday situations. Children develop an increasing awareness of their physical abilities by daily play in the garden and moving to music sessions indoors. The childminder also plans occasional outings in the local area and uses them effectively as opportunities to help children's learning by promoting their awareness of the world around them. The childminder has begun using the 'Birth to three matters' framework and with past knowledge and experience adapts activities to promote the younger children's learning. All children spend their time purposefully. Children have good opportunities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to initiate their own activities which promote their awareness of positive choices, emotional well-being and confidence in themselves as learners. The childminder shares information well with parents so that they are well informed about their children's progress and achievements. This has a positive impact on the care and

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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 well-being of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world and develop positive attitudes to diversity and their understanding of others through the good range of activities, books and toys made available to them. The childminder's thoughtful discussions with the children about new experiences and people develops their understanding of similarities and differences and encourages them to treat each other with respect. All children are welcome in the setting and the childminder promotes inclusion by ensuring that play materials are accessible to all and by adapting activities so that all children can participate, thus ensuring that children feel valued as individuals and that their self-esteem is increased by promoting achievement. The childminder develops affectionate and warm relationships with children which ensures that they feel a sense of belonging. Children are developing a good awareness of their own needs as they make

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Helping children make a positive contribution

meaningful choices and decisions in their play and gain independence in their personal care. They are beginning to show care and concern for others as they willingly share, take turns and help each other in their play together. Children behave well and learn to respect each other supported by the childminder's praise and encouragement which also develops their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder is sensitive to children's feelings when teaching them right from wrong and consistently turns negative situations into positive experiences with kindness and humour. Children have clear boundaries and older children are involved in negotiating sensible 'house rules' which help them to effectively regulate their own behaviour and develop a sense of fairness. Children's changing needs are met very well as the childminder works closely with parents, by sharing information regarding children's care and progress, so that all children feel reassured and thrive. Parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

comment positively about the care their children receive and a strong link between home and the childminder is maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and at ease in a well organised home where they are cared for with a good level of adult support. The childminder organises the environment, both indoors and out, flexibly and creatively so children can choose to access areas and resources offering different activities to extend their play and develop independence. The childminder uses a comprehensive range of policies, procedures and records on which she bases her practice. This ensure that children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement are very well promoted. The children's care experience is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to developing her practice and skills by attending ongoing training courses and personal research. She is currently formalising her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The childminder uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning

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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 experiences. Children's needs are regularly discussed with parents to ensure there is continuity and consistency of care further enhancing children's sense of security. The childminder effectively confirms that she is fulfilling the parents' wishes by evaluating her practice, sharing information with parents and by inviting parental feedback regarding the service she offers. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to improve the fire safety precautions by installing a smoke alarm on the first floor in working order. Since the last inspection the provider has installed two smoke alarms.

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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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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): • consolidate and formalise your knowledge and understanding of the needs and outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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