Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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208972 Unique Reference Number 30 October 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 2000. She lives with her 11yr old child in the village of Bracebridge Heath, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire. There are schools, a nursery, a pre-school, shops and parks within walking distance. The whole house is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has nine children on the register. Of these seven are aged under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a Diploma in Child Psychology, 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 very welcoming, warm, clean home. They learn about good hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines and clear explanations. Children diligently wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or baking to get rid of ‘germs’. Clean hand towels are provided daily. Good arrangements are in place and to prevent infection through cross-contamination. For example, the childminder uses antibacterial spray to ensure food preparation surfaces are clean and has a good nappy changing procedure in place. A healthy environment is maintained because the childminder does not care for children when they are poorly and has written permission to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment as necessary. Children's emotional well-being is fostered by the very warm relationships they have with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of exercise and fresh air throughout the year as they walk to and from school and pre-school. They further develop their large muscle skills and body control through dance activities in the home, visits to the park and play in the garden. They use a variety of equipment such as a small trampoline, pedal toys, swings, a slide, a rocker, a 'bouncy castle' ball-pool, sand and water trays, bats and balls.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses children’s dietary requirements, likes and dislikes and any allergies with parents. She provides children with a well-balanced, healthy diet using fresh ingredients. Any food brought from home is stored and served appropriately. Children enjoy a variety of fruit for snacks. Drinks are offered regularly and are readily accessible to children 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 are cared for in a secure environment, where space is used well to enable them to enjoy different activities at the same time. Children easily access a wide range of toys and resources which are stored safely; this helps develop children's independence. Children are always in sight or hearing of the childminder both inside and outside. This means they are able to move around independently which increases their confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Smoke detectors are checked weekly and stairgates are in place to prevent children having unsupervised access to the stairs or kitchen. However at times, not all exposed electrical sockets are inaccessible to children, which may compromise their safety. The childminder makes sure children understand safe practices when going on walks and outings by reminding them of what is expected and reinforcing road safety. For instance, a child describes how they all stand together to ‘stop, look and listen for cars’ before crossing roads. Fire drills are carried out regularly to ensure children understand how to evacuate the home quickly and safely. Children enjoy playing games relating to fire safety and are developing their understanding well. For example, a young child demonstrates how they would roll on the floor if their clothes

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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 caught fire, to put it out. The childminder checks sleeping babies and children regularly to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected, and their welfare safeguarded, because of the childminder's good understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and her knowledge of child protection procedures gained through attending courses. She knows who is allowed to pick up children and parents are clearly informed about the action she would take in an emergency to ensure children are never left with unvetted persons.

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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. They have fun and enjoy a wide range of activities while in her care. 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. As a result of using the framework, the childminder has introduced a shatterproof mirror into the play area. Children of all ages have great fun looking at themselves, especially when dressing up or playing hairdressers. Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible; this promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their imaginative, investigative and creative skills well through taking part in a variety of activities which include some use of a computer and programmable toys. Children talk proudly about the cherry and apple pie they made recently as part of their weekly baking activity. They chat about how they make models from play dough and clay and help plant flowers in the garden. They collect leaves and twigs on nature walks in the woods which they use for leaf rubbing and collages. On these walks, the childminder encourages them to look and listen carefully to gain the most from the experience. Children enjoy choosing instruments from the ‘music’ box to play along when listening to tapes and compact discs. Children aged from 18 months to 12 years enjoy sitting together to paint and decorate pumpkin shapes. They excitedly talk about the plans to make a face on a real pumpkin later in the week. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder skilfully enables all to work to their own level extending their thinking as they discuss Halloween. The childminder reads a rhyming story about a ‘little witch’ to a young child who chooses to sit on her knee whilst closely supervising, and having regular eye contact with, a toddler who chooses to play on their own. The child talks about a witches hat they recently made at the childminder’s and how ‘I will wear it to fly on my broomstick’. Children benefit from the childminder’s good questioning techniques to help them think and the way she introduces mathematical language into play.

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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 and respects them and their parents as individuals. Children choose which of their art to take home and which they wish to display in the childminder’s kitchen. Children learn about our diverse

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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 society through a variety of toys, books, activities and discussion. For instance, the childminder reads a story to the children titled ‘ Don’t laugh at me’ which introduces concepts of diversity. She and the children then discuss how they could show they care for people who may appear different to themselves. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs. She has recently attended a course where she has learnt sign language. She has introduced this method of communication to the children she minds and they all enjoy trying it.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are polite and well-mannered. Their behaviour is good because the childminder effectively raises their confidence and self-esteem through on-going praise and encouragement. Their understanding of right and wrong is promoted well because the childminder has a consistent approach and takes into account children’s age and level of understanding as she discusses any behaviour issues with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to parents' wishes and the childminder develops a trusting relationship with them. This enhances children's well-being, development and progress. Parents feel confident to ring the childminder from work to check how their child is. Parents write positively about the care the childminder provides. They say their children enjoy attending and one parent describes how their child has ‘developed in leaps and bounds’ since being with the childminder. Parents learn about what their children do each day through daily chats. A daily diary is used for babies and toddlers to reinforce these discussions. The detailed portfolio gives parents information about the setting and includes some policies. Parents appreciate the regular digital photos taken of their children whilst playing. The childminder offers a gradual introduction to new children to help them settle happily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder’s main priorities are to ensure children’s well-being and enable them to have fun; both of which she does well. 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 play harmoniously together and behave well helped by the childminder being a very good role model. She has a calm, friendly approach which children relate to well.

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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.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with current trends in childcare through meeting with other childminders and attending regular training. The well organised documentation provides a good framework for children's care. It is kept up to date, stored confidentially and is available for inspection.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes infants and young children. This has been completed improving safety for children by ensuring that the childminder is able to take suitable action should a child have an accident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • ensure children do not have access to unprotected electrical sockets.

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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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