Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209247 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Christine Bond

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years. They live in the village of Deeping St.James within walking distance of schools and local facilities. The childminder does not have the use of a car. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding a total of 19 children, 12 of whom are under 8 years and 6 under 5. All attend 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 All ground floor rooms are used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The childminder 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 clean and comfortable home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. Children spontaneously and independently clean their hands and face after lunch and pictures also remind them to wash their hands after using the toilet. Children enjoy a wide variety of physical activities which contribute to their health, for example daily walks to parks and school and regular opportunities to run, jump and climb in the garden. Children benefit from healthy snacks and drinks helping them to develop a balanced and nutritious diet. The childminder liaises closely with parents regarding children's individual health and dietary needs to ensure these are met effectively. Children's good health is further promoted by the clear documentation and procedures that are in place and agreed with parents, for caring for children who become ill and for

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Helping children to be healthy

minimising the risk of cross infections.

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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 well maintained home with good safety and security precautions in place. Children are able to move around safely and independently because of the childminder's vigilant supervision and careful monitoring of the environment. Children are gaining a good understanding of keeping safe as the childminder gives high priority to raising their awareness to safety issues outside of the home, for example, when walking to and from school children have clear guidance as to safe behaviours. In the home they learn about basic safety rules when using toys and equipment so they can play safely together. Children select activities from an appropriate range of good quality toys and equipment. Children's interests are maintained and developed by the childminder ensuring a wide variety of toys are readily available. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted due to the childminder holding a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

current first aid certificate, having clear procedures and records and an understanding of child protection issues. However, current information about recent government guidance on child protection is not held.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities suited to their ages, stages of development and interests. They have good relationships with the childminder and as a result confidently express themselves asking for help and initiating activities. Children enjoy what they do, are well stimulated and challenged as the childminder has good knowledge of their individual needs and builds on their interests. Children are creative and imaginative and the childminder supports them in developing their own ideas, for example, when organising a cocktail bar including designing menus with unique names, and full price list. Children learn through play and are developing their mathematical and language skills through fun games and lively discussion. They enjoy matching coloured balloons in a game and counting to see who might finish first. School age children enjoy relaxing, for example, by playing outdoors and taking part

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder adapts activities to ensure that all children are able to participate. Children are beginning to show care and concern for others, for example, by helping older people with errands and respecting their property. Children celebrate some festivals and special events raising their awareness of local cultures, however, opportunities for children to learn about the wider world are more limited. Children's diverse needs are met as positive relationships are developed with parents. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with special needs. Children behave very well. They learn to take turns and to respect each other and the environment through the childminder's positive and appropriate approaches to managing their behaviour. Their self esteem and confidence is promoted well and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they are proud of their achievements. Children benefit from the childminder's active partnership with parents. Information is shared regularly about children's care and activities and written feedback about the childminding service is encouraged.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure in the childminder's care as she has a well organised approach

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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 to her work and is reliable. They feel relaxed and at ease in the comfortable environment which helps them develop positive relationships and interest in their activities. The wide age range and differing needs of children attending are well met as the childminder organises her time and resources effectively. Children's care, learning and development is well supported by thorough procedures and documentation that is shared regularly with parents. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder make sure that parents are aware of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. The childminder now ensures that each parent is given written information about the regulator, including the Ofsted telephone number, so they can readily make their views known and express any concerns. Further more she has actively sought feedback from parents as to the overall level of childminding service she offers enabling them to make a positive contribution.

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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): • further develop knowledge of Child Protection procedures and the action to take if concerned about a child • further develop activities to help children appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences

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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 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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