Childminder in LincolnshireOfsted inspection, 1 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 260490 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Gill Ogden

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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 has been registered for over twenty years. She lives with her husband and two grown-up sons on the outskirts of Lincoln. Children have access to the ground floor of the home only where there is a bathroom. The garden is fully enclosed and available for outdoor play. The childminder mostly walks but also uses a car to take children to the shops, school and other local amenities. The childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and currently looks after seven. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is actively involved in the local childminding group. The childminder

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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 has a recognised child care qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who pays close attention to their health and dietary needs. All the toys they play with are kept clean by being checked and washed regularly. Children learn to keep themselves healthy by always washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder minimises opportunities for cross-infection, especially regarding the toilet and surfaces where food is prepared, by having a regular cleaning routine and using antibacterial cleanser. Children are further protected from the spread of infection because the childminder will not look after children who have a contagious illness and she expects parents to pick up as quickly as possible any child who becomes ill whilst in her care. Children's dietary needs are met well because parents provide packed meals and they are stored appropriately. The childminder has a good awareness of special

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary needs and the effect some foodstuffs can have on children. As a result, children are not given drinks that have additives and they are encouraged to eat healthy snacks such as fruit and cereal bars. Children have plenty of opportunities for physical exercise. They walk to school each day and regularly play in the park and garden. Babies are supported well to develop their strength and balance by being able to move around freely indoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and suitable home but the garden is not fully secure as the back gate does not have a child proof fastening. All the necessary equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarm, is in place. Children are prevented from getting into unsafe areas by the use of a safety gate and the childminder talks to them regularly about the importance of behaving safely so that they will not get hurt. The childminder has current first aid training so she can deal with any accidents appropriately. There is sufficient equipment to ensure babies are kept safe and all toys are checked regularly for their suitability. Children are safeguarded as a result of the childminder being up to date with current procedures and having training and experience in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She gets to know them well

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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 and is aware of their individual interests and needs. Children learn to get on with other children and adults through being looked after in a mixed age group and through getting out and about in the community. They have access to a full range of good quality toys and play materials that allow them to explore, create and have fun. They particularly enjoy drawing and pretend play when they are indoors. The childminder plans some activities carefully, often relating them to celebrations and seasons such as Halloween. Children become aware of national culture through taking part in events such as a sponsored pedal push for Childline. Babies and toddlers take part in general activities at their own level and the older children, as well as the childminder, encourage and support them. Babies are specifically encouraged

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to enjoy messy play, such as finger painting, as a way of stimulating their senses.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows all the children well and strives to meet their individual needs. For example, she intends to learn another language so that she can communicate better with a child. However, she is makes it clear to parents that she may not always be fully able to meet all children's needs. Children are helped to develop positive attitudes about all members of society as a result of the childminder providing appropriate activities and play resources for them. All children are included successfully in activities. Children learn to behave well because the childminder takes time to make them understand why some of their behaviour is unacceptable and consistently uses appropriate methods to manage any undesirable behaviour that may occur. Parents are fully aware of the service provided because the childminder has a detailed portfolio and takes the time to go through it with them when they first attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She also ensures that they are fully informed, on a daily basis, about what their children have been doing whilst they have been in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home because they know the daily routines, the toys and play materials that are available and where they are and what is expected of them. Although space is limited it is organised satisfactorily and the children are able to play freely. The childminder is well qualified to care for children and attends ongoing training events to confirm her practice and keep it up to date. She is particularly skilled in managing children's behaviour. All the necessary records and documents are in place and provide a secure framework for the children's care and development. However, not all records are stored securely enough to ensure complete confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of recommendations made at the last inspection the childminder now has up to date guidance regarding safeguarding children and has written parental permission in place for each child to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. These actions have created a safer framework for the care of children. The childminder has considered how best to organise and store toys and play equipment but owing to the limited space in her home she has decided that she is doing the best she can and if she parted with anything it would decrease the play opportunities available to the children.

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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 the back gate and fence are secure • ensure confidential information is stored securely.

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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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