Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298196 Inspection date 19 July 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged two and four years, in Waddington, Lincolnshire. 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 care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under two all day and one child aged over eight before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. There are no pets.

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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.

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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 contamination. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children are well nourished. They receive a varied, well balanced diet which includes fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. The childminder makes sure she has written details about any allergies, special dietary needs and individual likes and dislikes so that she caters well for children's individual health needs. Children have ready access to drinks throughout the day to ensure they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute to their good health. A variety of large play equipment in the garden, regular walks and trips to the park provide good opportunities for healthy physical development and play. Babies use

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Helping children to be healthy

the safe, clean furniture well to support them as they start walking. Children's emotional well-being is fostered by the 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 an environment where risks are identified and minimised and they are always within sight or hearing of the childminder. This means children are able to move around safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to maintaining children's safety outside the home and helping them understand how to keep themselves safe. Children freely select a wide range of well maintained toys and activities that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Good use is made of an extending stairgate to divide the play area to enable older children to play with small items without them being a hazard for young children. All the required equipment, procedures and documents are in place to ensure the children's welfare and safety is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 happy, settled and relaxed 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 appropriate challenge which promote their learning through play. Good communication skills are developed 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 converse. This helps them learn about conversation and develop their confidence. Young children start to make connections between different objects and experiences through a range of stimulating toys and a treasure basket containing items made of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

natural materials. All children develop their skills and understanding by using the good range of toys and activities that stimulate their imaginative and creative skills such as sand and water play, painting, construction, baking and crafts. The childminder encourages children to take notice of, and care for the natural environment, through exploring during nature walks and visits to the park, and having contact with the animals on visits to a farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and therefore provides an environment where they are stimulated whilst having fun. Children have a sense of belonging as they help choose which of their art is displayed on the walls throughout the ground floor of the house. Children behave well. They learn to care for, and respect, each other supported by the childminder's skilful use of praise and encouragement which also develops children's self esteem. Children's 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 festivals such as American Independence Day, Bastille Day and St David's Day further increase their understanding as they paint flags, try different foods and identify where the country is on a map. Children are cared for according to parent's wishes. Parents are aware of the events

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and the activities their children are involved in through daily chats, a comprehensive portfolio, an activities scrap book, newsletters and for babies, a daily journal.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised effectively, both indoors and outdoors, to maximise children's range of play whilst keeping them safe and healthy. The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to improving her knowledge and skills. She has undertaken appropriate training which includes a pre-registration course, a first aid course and a fire safety workshop. She is booked to attend a variety of other courses in the next six months which will have a positive impact on minded children.

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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 The required paperwork is in place and is generally well organised. The portfolio for parents includes detailed policies ensuring parents understand how the childminder meets all their children's needs. However, children's attendance is recorded at the end of the day and therefore does not always show who is actually present. 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

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): • complete the attendance register as children arrive and depart

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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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