Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283241 Unique Reference Number 20 July 2006 Inspection date Susan Hoult 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and 10 months in the village of Heighington, Lincolnshire. There are schools, a pre-school, shops and parks within walking distance. The ground floor of the home and the main bedroom and bathroom upstairs are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has three pet cats and six rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and currently looks after five children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local group meetings.

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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 are cared for in a warm, welcoming, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination. Each child has their own hand-towel and knows why they routinely wash their hands. Anti-bacterial spray is used on kitchen surfaces and the changing mat. Children's health is well promoted by the childminder having a current first aid certificate and having clear procedures in place should a child become ill or need emergency medical treatment or advice. Children's emotional well-being develops through the warm relationships they have with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living through discussions and activities. The childminder caters for children's individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes by liaising closely with their parents. Children enjoy nutritional, freshly prepared meals. The childminder encourages healthy eating, for example, on return from school children have a choice of fruit for their snack. Drinks are freely available to children to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They enjoy regular walks, visits to the park, a soft play centre and physical play in the garden. Younger children also attend music and movement sessions with the childminder. Children use a variety of equipment such as a climbing frame, pedal and ride-on toys, bats and balls and use large play equipment in the park. These provide good opportunities for play and develop children's large muscle skills and body control. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and their parents wishes. The childminder considers this when planning activities so that children can gain the most from them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure in the well-maintained environment and babies have space to crawl and move around independently. The childminder ensures that children cannot leave the home unsupervised by keeping the front door and the back gate locked. Door 'jammers' are used on open internal doors to prevent children trapping their fingers. The childminder generally identifies and minimises any risks prior to children arriving and whilst they are in her care. However, although hazardous substances are locked away in the kitchen there are some in the hall and bathroom that could be accessed by children which may compromise their safety. The lounge-diner is divided by wooden railings so that a playroom is created and children are involved in different play activities at the same time and always be in sight or hearing of the childminder. This means they are able to move around independently which increases their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

confidence. The childminder ensures children understand safe practices when going on walks and outings by reinforcing road safety and relating it to talks they have had at school from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.

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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 Children learn to keep themselves and others safe through the childminder effectively and sensitively reinforcing safe practices and helping them understand what the consequences of their actions may be, such as sensitively reminding children to keep small pieces out of reach of babies and reminding a child to be careful of the stones in the cherries being eaten. Children are able to freely select from the range of well-maintained, good quality toys, books and play materials suitable for their ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and of child protection procedures. She knows who is allowed to pick up children and parents are clear about the action she would take in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's home. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and how children learn through play which enables her to offer purposeful activities and play opportunities for all children. However, the childminder does not use the 'Birth to three' framework to further develop her practice with children aged under three years to widen their experiences and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible; this promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence and learning. Children develop their imaginative, investigative and creative skills through activities such as water play, pretend play, painting, baking, face painting, leaf printing, play dough and cutting and sticking using a variety of man-made and natural resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder effectively includes all children in play and prompts their thinking and language skills by asking appropriate questions. She has flexible approach which allows children to develop at their own pace. The childminder plans topics to which the children contribute. For example, children become engrossed in a topic about the sea by relating it to pirates and mermaids. On return from school they complete pictures they have already started. They then have great fun building a pirate's cabin together in the play room, imaginatively using available resources. They happily decide amongst themselves which role each will play. Children relate extremely well to each other, the childminder and her baby. A child is reminded it is time to get ready for ballet class and confidently goes upstairs to change. The childminder plays with the baby whilst supporting the older children in their play as needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children extend their learning through walks and outings. For example, they visit a farm park, woods, local shops, travel on the bus into Lincoln and younger children attend a local parent and toddler group where they meet friends and develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder considers equality of opportunity well in all aspects of her work. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs and respects them

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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 as individuals. Children are very proud of their art work which is displayed. This helps them feel valued. Children learn about our diverse society through a variety of toys, books and activities. For example, children celebrate a variety of festivals including Christmas, Eid and Diwali. They actively use the globe, for instance, during the world cup they look to see where Paraguay is. The childminder has experience of, and a positive attitude to, caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn what is expected of them and they behave well, which promotes their welfare and development. The childminder discusses behaviour management strategies with parents to ensure consistency and has a written policy in place. Children are well mannered, confident and know what is expected of them through clear boundaries being set. Children share resources well and are kind to each other. The childminder effectively uses eye contact, distraction, praise, encouragement and explanation which develop children's social skills, self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of working with parents and of how this benefits children. She maintains a professional but friendly and open relationship with parents, respecting their wishes and family traditions and welcomes any feedback. A gradual introduction is offered to new children which helps them settle. Parents learn about what their children do each day through daily verbal exchanges of information. The comprehensive portfolio, which includes photographs of children involved in a variety of activities, gives parents very good information about the childminder and the service she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of children, is enthusiastic and is a good role model. She listens to them, is interested in what they say and do and is sensitive to their feelings which helps raise their self-esteem. Children's care is enhanced by the effective organisation of the space available in the house and garden and the happy, homely, stimulating atmosphere created by the childminder. Children choose activities freely and have space for active play, relaxation and sleep as needed.

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Organisation

The childminder meets regularly with other childminders to share practice and attends relevant workshops to increase her knowledge and understanding of childcare. A clear mission statement, effective policies and procedures and records are easily accessible and well organised. These all contribute to a good framework being in place to positively promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • make sure all hazardous substances are inaccessible to children • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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