Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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208735 Unique Reference Number 10 August 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and four years. They live in a house in the Birchwood area of Lincoln. Local facilities include primary and secondary schools, nurseries, shops, and parks. All areas of the property are available for childminding. 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 a maximum of five children at any one time and currently looks after 11 children eight of whom are aged under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 regular, vigorous physical activities in the large garden throughout the year. They use a variety of equipment such as a small climbing frame, slide, pedal toys, a large trampoline, skate boards, skipping ropes and enjoy a variety of ball and running games which provide good opportunities for play and healthy development. Children make regular visits to the park, a soft play area and an indoor adventure centre which further develop their large muscle skills and body control.

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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. Good arrangements are in place to protect children from the spread of infection by preventing cross contamination. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray to clean surfaces before children eat and talks to children about why and when they need to wash their hands. Children's health is well promoted by the childminder who has a current first aid certificate and has clear procedures in place should a child become ill or need emergency medical treatment or advice. Children's emotional well-being develops through the very warm relationships they have with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through discussions and activities. The childminder caters for children's individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes by liaising closely with their parents. Children receive a choice of fruit for snacks and enjoy a variety of nutritious meals made with fresh ingredients for meals. Any food brought from home is stored and served appropriately. Children have ready access to drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure in the well-maintained environment where they have space to enjoy different activities at the same time. The childminder is vigilant and minimises hazards to ensure children's safety and protect them from harm. Children are always in sight or hearing of the childminder. This means they are able to move around independently which increases their confidence. Sleeping babies and children are checked regularly to ensure their safety. The childminder makes sure children keep safe when going on walks and outings by reminding them of what is expected, reinforcing road safety and using appropriate restraints when using the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves and others safe through the childminder effectively and sensitively reinforcing safe practices. For example, children wear protective pads and a helmet when using the skateboards and only one child at a time is allowed on the trampoline which is fitted with a safety net and is always closely supervised when in use. Children are able to freely select from the good 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 well protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has attended child protection training and has a secure knowledge and understanding of possible signs and

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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 symptoms of abuse and who to report any concerns to. She knows who is allowed to pick up children and informs parents 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 comfortable home. The childminder is enthusiastic and has a good understanding of child development and how children learn through play which enables her to offer purposeful activities and play opportunities for children. She refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework when she plans activities for babies and young children. The childminder plans ahead whilst being flexible. She takes into account the range of children she minds each day to ensure she gives them all a broad range of activities that hold their interest whilst they develop existing skills and learn new ones. Children are encouraged to make suggestions about what activities they want to do so suitable resources can be made available. Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible; this promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and learning. Children develop their imaginative, investigative and creative skills through activities such as pretend play, painting, baking, leaf printing, play dough, nature walks, cutting and sticking using a variety of man-made and natural materials.

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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 well by skilfully asking good open-ended questions and initiating conversations. She has a flexible approach which allows children to develop at their own pace whilst having fun. Children relate well to the childminder and are interested in the toys and activities provided. Three children enjoy playing a game with 'Trump' cards together whilst extending their mathematical skills. They then have great fun creating pictures and models using 'magic maize craft', 'googly eyes', felt tips and a variety of sequin shapes. They are all proud of their achievements and happily receive appropriate comments and praise from the childminder. Two older children choose to play a complicated board game together whilst a younger child chooses a word game to play with the childminder. The children all state how much they enjoy being at the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's house and excitedly talk about the games they play in the garden and how much they enjoy the choice of toys and activities that are available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs, respects them as individuals and they help choose which of their art to display. Children benefit from a good standard of care which meets their individual needs because the childminder gathers relevant information from parents and ensures she gets to know each child well. All children are valued and respected and the childminder has a clear understanding of the information to gather concerning children's special needs to ensure they receive appropriate care and are fully involved in activities. Children learn about the wider world through activities such as celebrating a variety of festivals, informative discussions and because they have access to a good range of resources reflecting positive images of our diverse society.

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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 play harmoniously together and behave well helped by the childminder having realistic expectations of individual children. Children are polite and well-mannered. They know the house rules and learn to care for and respect themselves and each other supported by the childminder's skilful use of praise, encouragement and explanation which also develops children's self-esteem. There are appropriate strategies in place to deal with any unwanted behaviour in line with the child’s age and level of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to create a trusting partnership which enhances children's well-being, development and progress. A parent writes positively in the comments book about the care, learning and play their child enjoys whilst with the childminder. Parents are aware of what their children have done each day through daily chats plus written details for babies. Before children start the childminder discusses in detail the service she provides and the policies and procedures she works to. However, there is little in writing for parents to refer to should they wish. A gradual induction is offered to new children, which helps them to settle and feel relaxed in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of children and is a very good role model. She listens to children, is interested in what they say and do and is sensitive to their feelings which helps raise their self-esteem. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of child development and how children learn. The childminder keeps up to date with current trends in childcare through meeting occasionally with another childminder and reading National Childminding Association publications.

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Organisation

Children's care is enhanced by the effective organisation of the space available in the house 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. Well organised documentation provides a good framework for children's care. It is up to date, stored confidentially, and is available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to produce an emergency evacuation plan and review her practice regarding young children's access to the stairs. The childminder now has a clear evacuation plan which she practises regularly with the children so that they know how to leave the house safely in event of an emergency. Stairgates are used at the top and bottom of the stairs when young children are being cared for to prevent them having unsupervised access to the stairs. These improvements have increased safety for children within the childminder's home.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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 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): • fully inform parents about routines and child care practices in writing.

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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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