Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY256988 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2006 Inspection date Kathryn Margaret Clayton 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 first registered in May 2003. She is registered to look after five children under eight years and currently nine children attend on a part-time basis throughout the week. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and five-year-old daughter in Cleethorpes. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor of the property and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed the local authority 'Children come first' quality assurance assessment. She holds a qualification in Extending Childminding Practice. The childminder takes children on local walks and uses facilities, such as the childminder support groups and the library.

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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 learn the importance of maintaining good hygiene routines with the effective support of the childminder. Antibacterial liquid and paper towels are provided and the childminder teaches children about the times they should wash their hands. The risk of cross-contamination is reduced as good procedures are followed, for example, when babies' nappies are changed. The childminder maintains a current understanding of first aid procedures and administers and records medication correctly. Children start to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as they are very active when in the childminder's care. They go on daily walks in the fresh air and regularly use a good range of equipment in the garden, such as slides, bikes, a scooter and trampette. Children also have opportunities to play on the nearby beach, take part in organised physical play sessions and visit a local play centre where there is a good range of climbing

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Helping children to be healthy

Children start to learn about the importance of healthy eating as they are provided with a wide range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals throughout the day. For example, they enjoy a healthy lunch of pasta with tuna and sweet corn and snacks of fresh fruit and breadsticks. The childminder makes excellent efforts to promote children's understanding of healthy foods and to encourage them to eat a varied diet. One example of this is by introducing children to new fruits, such as star fruit. Parents are provided with leaflets about healthy eating which also helps to promote children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a bright and attractive home, where their photographs, drawings and painting are attractively displayed, therefore they feel comfortable and at ease. They confidently and independently select from a wide range of toys that are rotated by the childminder. They particularly enjoy using musical instruments, dressing up, and playing in a toy kitchen. The childminder is very effective in helping children to start to learn about how to keep themselves safe. For example, children are involved in the regular evacuation of the premises and take part in planned activities that teach them about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very vigilant about making sure children remain safe when they are in her care. She completes a daily risk assessment of the home, when all areas used by children are checked before they arrive. Sleeping children are regularly checked and children are closely supervised at all times. Children are protected, as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities regarding child protection and who to contact should she have any concerns. However, the information available to parents does not fully explain the childminder's responsibility with regard to safeguarding children.

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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 enjoy a stable routine, they are settled and happy in the care of the childminder and experience a wide range of activities throughout the week. The routine is well balanced with times at home and away from home, for example, visits to the local library for story sessions, to childminder's support groups and playgroups. The childminder successfully uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to assess children's development through play and plan the next steps in their learning. Children show interest in imaginative play as they make drinks in the kitchen and wash dishes, dress up in a fairy outfit or a police officer's uniform.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder effectively supports children's play by offering continuing encouragement and promotes children's learning as appropriate to their age. One example of this is when the childminder and children share a book about 'Maisie's Wonderful Weather', older children are challenged to think about weather conditions and younger children are asked to find the teddy bear on the page. Children are engaged and interested and enjoy fun activities, such as dancing and playing musical instruments. Older children also have free choice in play and are involved in planning activities. During the school holidays, the childminder provides a good variety of experiences, such as visits to the beach, the park and going on picnics.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a respectful and caring atmosphere where they are treated with equal concern. Many children have been looked after by the childminder for some time and parents are happy with the care provided. Children have access to good quality resources, such as books and puzzles that help them to develop a positive attitude of diversity. Children behave very well because they are cared for in an atmosphere that is encouraging, for example, praise is given to children as they complete drawings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children start to learn about good manners as the childminder teaches them to say please and thank you at appropriate times, for example, when being given a drink. Good behaviour is reinforced through the use of stickers and certificates, therefore promoting children's self-esteem. Children with disabilities and learning difficulties receive good support and are fully included in all activities. Children benefit because the childminder is effective in assessing their progress, identifying possible concerns and discussing them with parents. There are friendly relationships in place with parents when information is freely exchanged. Parents are fully informed about their child's day through discussions and individual diaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident in the well organised environment. There are a number of areas available, including the lounge, dining kitchen, conservatory, bedroom and garden. Consequently, children's needs with regard to space to eat, rest, and play are effectively met and children use the areas confidently. The childminder uses her time directly with the children and provides effective

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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 interaction and supervision at all times. Children benefit by being cared for by a well-qualified childminder who is committed to ongoing improvement and attends regular training. For example, courses attended since the last inspection include the 'Birth to three matters' framework, good business practice, fire safety and food hygiene.

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Organisation

There is an excellent range of information available to parents and good policies and procedures to support the smooth running of the childminding service. All documentation is very well organised, with children's details being stored confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was given a number of recommendations relating to improving the policies and procedures to support the childminding service, and making parents aware of them. She was asked to improve the resources and activities that promote equality of opportunity and anti- discriminatory practice. Children now have access to a wide range of resources, including some that help them to become aware of the wider world, such as books, musical instruments and puzzles. The organisation of the service has improved as has the partnership with parents. There are now a wide range of policies and procedures available that are shared with parents.

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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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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 information available to parents fully explains the childminder's responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children.

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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 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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