Lilley Belinda

Inspection report for early years provision

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252144 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2006 Inspection date Beverly Kemp-Russell 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 years. Most amenities such as a school, pre-school, park, library and shops are within walking distance. The whole house is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children aged between nine months and 12 years all of whom 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. There are planned outdoor activities to help them develop physical skills and develop body control. The garden is used regularly to ensure children have good opportunities for outside play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children follow hygiene routines and their clear understanding of regular hand washing reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children's health is promoted by the childminder holding a current first aid certificate and maintaining accident records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met through the parents and the childminder providing all food for children and by the childminder using appropriate food storage to ensure it is kept fresh and safe.

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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 comfortable, well-maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and freely. They access appropriate resources to meet their needs and are happy, relaxed and secure in the homely environment. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select from a wide range of toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outdoors to ensure their safety at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is provided within the home to ensure the safety of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted by all the required procedures and documentation maintained by the childminder. She recognises her responsibilities towards the children in her care and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands the procedures to follow to ensure children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and independent and develop self-esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try new activities and giving praise and encouragement. Children select resources which develop their learning such as small world play and construction. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. Children make their own choices and access a wide range of resources that are age-appropriate and which meet their needs. They experience a good learning environment through activities provided by the childminder.

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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 Children's language skills are developed through the effective questioning techniques used by the childminder. Children are valued and the childminder listens and responds to what they have to say. Children feel a sense of belonging and are relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to play resources and activities and their individual needs are well met. However, they have limited access to a range of activities and resources that promote anti-discriminatory practice and inform them about the wider world. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure the appropriate care of children with special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good due to the childminder's consistent approach in promoting positive behaviour. Children show respect for themselves and others, encouraged by the childminder setting a good example. Children are calm in response to the childminder's relaxed manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's needs are met by daily verbal communication between the childminder and parents. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes and the childminder ensures she is aware of their opinions and attitudes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are effectively met by the way the childminder organises the room layout. Children feel at home and at ease in this environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Most policies and procedures are comprehensive and promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal and written communication. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her knowledge of child protection issues by obtaining relevant information and reading appropriate materials. She has devised a child protection policy which covers what to do if allegations of abuse were made against herself. This ensures the safety of children.

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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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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): • ensure that the 'Birth to three matters' framework is used effectively • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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