Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299736 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Susan Hoult

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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 since 2004. She lives with her husband and their 4 children aged 14, 12, 9 and 18 months in the Hykeham Road area of Lincoln. There are schools, shops and parks within walking distance. The whole of the childminder’s house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to look after 5 children at any one time and currently has 2 children on roll. She also cares for 3 children aged 8 years and older. The family has a pet dog, 2 cats and a hamster.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and meets regularly with other registered childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-infection. For example, the childminder cleans surfaces when preparing and serving food and children use individual hand towels after washing their hands. The childminder works closely with parents to makes sure she knows about any allergies, special dietary needs and individual likes and dislikes so that she caters well for children's individual health needs. Children learn about healthy eating through discussions and the variety of nutritious snacks the childminder provides. Drinks are readily accessible throughout the day so that children do not become thirsty. They bring their own packed meals that the childminder stores safely. Children take part in a good range of activities that contribute towards their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Regular walks, visits to the park and play, such as using the swing, playing rounders and football, running races and racing each other using bouncy balls, help children develop their large physical skills and body control. The layout of the rooms supports young children's increasing mobility. Their emotional well-being is fostered by the caring, warm relationship they have with the childminder. They therefore feel confident to make choices and demonstrate their personal preferences.

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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 safe, secure and well maintained environment where the childminder identifies and minimises any risks. For example, a cover has been fitted to a radiator which becomes very hot to prevent children burning themselves. Children are always within sight or hearing of the childminder and therefore move around freely and safely which increases their independence and confidence. They are never left unsupervised with the family pets. Children learn about safety through the gentle guidance of the childminder. She ensures, in particular, that children learn about road safety as soon as they are able to understand, so reducing the risks when taking children out of the home. Children freely select from a wide range of quality toys, books and activities that are in good condition. Effective use is made of the ground floor to give children individual space to become involved in activities appropriate to their age and stage of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development. Young children have space to increase their mobility and become skilful in a range of movements including learning actions to rhymes. Children learn how to evacuate the premises quickly, should the need arise, through regular fire

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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 drills. They are protected and their welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed, happy and very settled in the childminder's comfortable home. Children initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible; this promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence. They receive good levels of attention, support and challenge from the childminder which promotes their learning through play. The laughter generated by having fun whilst playing enhances this. Good communication skills develop as children interact on a one to one basis with the childminder who has a warm relationship with them. The childminder values and responds positively to young children's attempts to increase their vocabulary. This helps them learn about conversation and develop their confidence and self-esteem. Young children start to make connections between play materials and experiences through a range of stimulating toys, books and outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For example, children looking at animal books with the childminder and mimicking the sounds they make relate to seeing similar animals on trips to a pet shop and a farm park. This leads to conversations about feeding the ducks and swans in Lincoln. All children develop their skills and understanding by using the good range of toys and activities that stimulate their imaginative, investigative and creative skills both in planned and free play. For instance, children look at a whole water melon and then when cut into wedges discuss the appearance, textures and taste. They then make a water melon 'person' using cardboard and paper. This brings learning to life and stimulates children's interest in trying new activities and foods. Personal care such as nappy changing is done sensitively and with respect so children feel valued and nurtured.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals and their individual needs are catered for well by the childminder who is a very good role model. Children's self-esteem is raised through the childminder knowing them well and praising their achievements. Children are encouraged to have equal access to play resources and activities as long as they are age and stage appropriate. Children play harmoniously together. For example, a young minded child and the childminder's youngest daughter enjoy working together to act out the rhyme 'row, row your boat'. Children behave very well. They respond positively to the childminder's sensitive, calm approach to reinforcing good behaviour and helping them understand the effect of their behaviour on others. They learn to care for, and respect, each other through the childminder's skilful use of praise, encouragement and explanation. Children socialise with other children and learn about the local environment through outings to

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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 toddler groups, picnics in the park, soft play areas, and visits to the toy and book libraries. Children develop their understanding of the wider world through access to a range of activities, books and toys that promote positive images of diversity. Celebrations of a variety of festivals such as Ramadan, Piñata, father's day and Easter increase their understanding. Children develop a sense of belonging through the extremely effective partnership the childminder has with parents. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive in the home which is 'full of fun'. The childminder recognises, and respects, parents as the most important people in the children's lives. Parents are aware of the events and the activities their children are involved in through daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

chats, a portfolio and diaries for younger children. Parents receive useful documentation about the service offered by the childminder as well as contact numbers for the regulator and the local authority.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised effectively, both indoors and outdoors, to maximise children's play whilst maintaining a homely atmosphere. This is a result of the childminder's dedication to her work and her family's clear understanding about childminding. The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to improving her knowledge and skills. She has undertaken appropriate training which includes a pre-registration course and a first aid course. She is booked to attend a variety of other courses in the next year which will have a positive impact on minded children. The required paperwork is in place and is well organised. The portfolio for parents includes detailed policies which generally ensure parents understand how the childminder meets all their children's needs. However, the confidentiality policy does not refer to child protection and therefore is not clear about the childminder's

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Organisation

responsibilities with regard to sharing information in these circumstances. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she cares.

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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

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 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): • review your confidentiality policy to include reference to child protection.

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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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