Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299894 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Sharon Watson

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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 was registered in January 2005. She lives with her husband in the town of Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are four children on roll and the childminder supports children with special needs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to the local parent and toddler group and they visit local parks and walks. The family have a dog and two rabbits.

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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 satisfactory. All children have access to outdoor toys and activities. For example, small wheeled toys, sit and ride toys and sand pit that promote their physical health and wellbeing. Planned outings to local parks, community and walks to and from school, ensure children benefit from regular exercise, this helps them to gain control of their bodies and develop a sense of spatial awareness. The childminder recognises children's physical needs for sleep and a quiet comfortable sleep area promotes children's rest well. Children access a generally clean and tidy home and mostly learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example children are encouraged to wash their hands prior to snack time, although no explanation given as to why they do this. Insufficient measures are in place to ensure children are not exposed to dog fouling in the garden area. A weekly menu produced in discussion with parents ensures the children benefit from

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Helping children to be healthy

a variety of nutritious foods that meet their dietary needs. Children benefit from fruit at snack time and are encouraged to choose their own drinks from water and milk. Younger children know how to access a drink, for example, bringing their empty feeder cup to the childminder.

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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 homely welcoming environment that provides sufficient space in which they can move around freely and independently. However, children do not always benefit from appropriately heated rooms. Children access an adequate range of safe, suitable toys and equipment, appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder is vigilant in her approach to children's safety whilst ensuring children's developing independence is not compromised. For example, safety measures implemented around the home ensure children can move between rooms safely. Children learn about staying safe outside the home, as the childminder routinely reinforces road safety rules at their level of understanding. For example using the 'look and listen crossing code'. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

completed a thorough risk assessment and has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. Children aged two to three years confidently access a range of toys and learning materials. They choose freely from age appropriate toys that are used to provide purposeful play. For example children use a xylophone to create sound and enthusiastically use carbonised drawing board to make marks. Children's learning is recognised as the childminder encourages and praises children's efforts using appropriate language and gestures. Planning ensures all children have access to a variety of activities and outings. After school care allows flexibility for children's learning and relaxation. Children are included in decision making about activities and obtaining of new toys and equipment. Children's independence is encouraged at all times, for example they confidently take their own plates to the childminder after snack time. A positive attitude is adopted by the childminder to access and implement the Birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Three matters framework, to ensure children's learning and development is met. Children benefit from attending the local pre-school groups and mixing with other childminder's children, this helps them become sociable and confident with others. Children routinely access the local library to develop their interest in books, become familiar with text and pictures and promote reading skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children settle well into the setting as information is gained from parents prior to children attending. This ensures their individual needs are met. Children with special needs are supported well and integrated fully into the daily routine. Assessment plans and good relationships with parents ensure children receive appropriate care and stimulation. Detailed daily journals are completed for the children and accessed by parents. This provides consistent links with home, identifies children's routine, achievement and areas for development. Children behave well, this is encouraged through positive praise and consistency. Children confidently help themselves to toys and make themselves at home. They have time to relax as well as be active. A clear settling in routine supports children well and helps them to feel secure. Outings to the local parks, shops and library help children to learn about their local community. Children's understanding of diversity is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

adequately promoted through discussion and use of play resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in their surroundings. They move around confidently and initiate play to extend their own learning. The effective use of comprehensive policies and procedures promotes children's welfare, care and

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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 learning. These are shared regularly with parents and keep them well informed of their children's activities and overall care. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder's commitment to training, promotes the children's quality of care. Comprehensive planning and sharing of information keeps children safe and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 ground floor rooms are maintained at an adequate and comfortable temperature • ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding dog fouling in the rear garden

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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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