Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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260524 Unique Reference Number 01 November 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three years in the Boultham area of Lincoln, Lincolnshire. There are schools, nurseries, pre-schools, 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 four children at any one time and currently looks after four children of whom three are aged under eight years.

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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, clean home. They learn about good hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines and explanations. Children diligently wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or baking to get rid of ‘germs’. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray to ensure food preparation surfaces are clean and makes sure that parents understand she does not care for children who are poorly. The childminder has a current first aid certificate so she is able to deal with any accidents appropriately.

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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 nursery and play in the garden. They use a variety of equipment such as a small trampoline, a large netted trampoline, ride–on and pedal toys, scooters, a slide, a rocker, swing-ball and a playhouse. Children further develop their large muscle skills and body control through ball and chase games, visits to the park and activities in the house including the use of an interactive dance mat.

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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. Children talk about their favourite meal being lasagne with warm bread. They also chat about the variety of vegetables they have with ‘gravy dinners’. Children enjoy a variety of dried and fresh fruit, cucumber chunks, fruit ‘winders’, cheese ‘dippers’ and occasional treats of crisps for snacks. Any food brought from home is stored and served appropriately. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure, welcoming, environment. The dining room is decorated with children’s art, numbers, letters and Halloween pictures and balloons making it bright and homely for children. They use the space available effectively. For example, a child finishes painting a wooden car they have made in the dining room whilst other children play with a sticker book and Lego in the living room. Children easily access a good range of toys and resources which are stored safely; this helps develop their 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. For example, when two children choose to play in the garden the other children remain in the dining room so that the childminder can observe both areas and move between them easily.

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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, some of which are recorded. There is a written risk assessment in place relating to the large netted trampoline. The childminder explains clearly to children why they can only use it one at a time and makes sure the net is securely closed before children start jumping. Stairgates are used to prevent children having unsupervised access to the stairs, there are smoke detectors on each floor and exposed electrical sockets are inaccessible to children. The childminder makes sure children understand safe practices when going on walks and outings by reminding them of road safety. A child describes how they stand together with the childminder to ‘Stop, look, listen and go if there are no cars’ when crossing roads.

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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 are protected and their welfare safeguarded generally well. Although the childminder's has a sound understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and has guidance to refer to should she have concerns about a child’s welfare, she is not confident in her knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder knows who is allowed to pick up children and clearly informs parents about the action she would take in an emergency so that they know who may have unsupervised contact with their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and relaxed in the childminder’s home. They have fun and enjoy a wide range of activities while in her care. The childminder encourages children to take part in purposeful activities and play to help them learn and develop their skills. She refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework when she plans activities for babies and young children. Many resources are easily accessible and children are confident to ask for other games or toys as they wish, increasing their independence and awareness of choice.

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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. Children enjoy dressing up, modelling with playdough and clay, painting and making up craft kits such as 'rubber' flowers. Children talk about the pictures they make from leaves collected whilst on a walk and have great fun colouring jelly stickers. A child concentrates well making a pattern of ‘hamma’ beads and proudly shows items she has previously made from them. Children chat about the toppings they used when making pizzas which leads onto discussions about other baking activities. The childminder supports children’s learning well and is skilful at knowing when to take part in activity and when to stand back and watch. She helps children extend their thinking and learning through asking open ended questions. The childminder plays board games, such as snakes and ladders with children, encouraging turn

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

taking and helping younger children play alongside the older children. Children are excited as they choose and colour in paper clothes for the ‘lolly stick’ dolls they are making. The children ask questions freely and the childminder responds positively helping to maintain their interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity. She values and respects children’s individuality and is sensitive to their differing needs. Children feel a sense of belonging as they choose which of their art to take home and which they wish to display. Children learn about their local community through outings such as to the shops and park and taking part in Sure Start activities. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well 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. For example, when children have a dispute during play the childminder gently explains about the importance of being fair and sharing. The children listen carefully and then happily continue the game.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to parents' wishes and the childminder develops a professional but friendly and trusting relationship with them. This enhances children's well-being,

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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 development and progress. Parents learn about what their children do each day through daily exchanges of information. The childminder completes a daily sheet for parents of children aged under two years to reinforce these discussions. There is a portfolio that includes policies to give parents useful information about the setting. 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 is enthusiastic and is committed to ensuring children’s well-being whilst enabling them to have fun. Children of different ages play well alongside and with each other. The childminder is a good role model. She is interested in what children say and do and is sensitive to their feelings which helps raise their self-esteem. She has a 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, reading National Childminding Association publications and attending training. The well organised documentation provides a good framework for children's care. It is up to date, stored confidentially and available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This has been implemented and is taken with the childminder on any outings, increasing the safety and well-being of children. The childminder also agreed to increase the range of resources and activities that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This she has done increasing children's understanding of out diverse society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.

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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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