Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY136833 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Sara Louth 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 15-year-old child in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. All areas of the childminder's home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She currently looks after five children under five on a full time and part-time basis. The childminder uses her car for childminding purposes. The family has a pet dog, rabbit and hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and helps to run a local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy since they are cared for in a clean, warm home. They learn about good personal hygiene through the daily routine. For example, children wash their hands after

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 using the toilet. They enjoy rubbing their hands together to clean them with antibacterial handwash after eating, painting and gluing. This is also used to protect their health when they are out of the setting as it requires no water. Children's safety is maintained as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and is able to deal appropriately with accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise as they take the dog for at least one walk everyday. They often play in the garden or at the park and use a variety of equipment such as a climbing frame, slide, swing and skipping ropes to strengthen their bodies. The childminder believes it is important for children's health to be outside regularly. In the summer children enjoy using balancing equipment and a ball pool in the garden which is borrowed from the toy library.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder provides nutritious snacks including fresh fruit and raisins. They enjoy eating pieces of apple and help themselves to water whenever they are thirsty. This helps them become aware of their own needs. Children's likes are met since the parents provide packed meals. They have any special dietary needs met well, since the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she knows what children can eat and drink safely.

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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 mostly safe, secure and suitable home environment where they have space to enjoy different activities at the same time. They play with a wide range of accessible toys that are maintained in good condition and cleaned monthly or sooner if required. Children are supervised by the childminder to ensure their safety and sleeping children are checked regularly to ensure their welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally kept safe as the childminder visually checks all areas daily for safety. She has recently attended training on risk assessments and intends putting these in place in writing. The childminder has had smoke alarms installed by the fire service linked to the station for automatic response in case of fire. Children practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly so they know what to do in the event of an emergency. They learn to keep themselves safe when out since the childminder teaches them the safe way to cross roads and water safety when walking by the river. However, all electrical sockets have not been made inaccessible to the children. This may compromise their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has vigilant procedures in place for the collection of children. Only people specified on the contract are allowed and there is a password system in the event of an emergency. The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She ensures parents are aware of her responsibility regarding child protection through sharing her child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting and move around confidently choosing activities with which to play. Their self-esteem and confidence is promoted through the childminder providing suitable activities. For example, children enjoy using sticky shapes and letters to make a card for Mother's Day. Their colour recognition skills are reinforced as the childminder asks 'What colour would you like?' and they use colour words including red, blue and pink. Children show

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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 good hand-eye co-ordination as they carefully peel off sticky letters and place them on their card. They show letter sound knowledge as they state 'M is for Mummy'. The childminder gives lots of praise and extends their learning by asking 'What else is 'm' for?'. Children show pride in their finished creations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to develop their creative skills as they use glitter and glue. The childminder supports and values their play. For example, she sits with the children as they use felt-tip pens. They compare the nibs and the childminder explains that one is 'thick' and one is 'thin'. Children show very good concentration and skill using scissors. The childminder praises their efforts, saying 'That's a good triangle' which builds their self-esteem. Children have great fun when they hide under the throw on the sofa and the childminder pretends to find them. They laugh as she tickles their feet.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She writes down planning now and again. However, activities mainly depend on the weather and the mood of the children as she follows their interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated equally and given the opportunity to choose their own activities and follow their own interests. They learn about their own culture and the wider world through dressing-up and activities relating to special events. For example, children have enjoyed 'cooking days' linked to Italy and China. They have made flags and played with toy animals in relation to Australia Day. The childminder has experience of and a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works very closely with parents to make sure all the children's needs are being met fully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and know expectations since the childminder is a good role model and has clear, positive house rules. These include, 'make sure you have fun' and 'share and play nicely'. Children put their rubbish in the bin unprompted and help clear the table ready for starting a creative activity. Their good behaviour is reinforced through praise as the childminder says 'well done'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship established between their parents and/or carers. The childminder collects all necessary information at the start and exchanges information verbally on a daily basis to continue to meet children's needs. Parents know what to expect from the service as the childminder shares her well presented portfolios. One contains her personal profile and documents relating to the running of the setting, the other her insurances and certificates of training. The childminder shares information with parents regarding complaints. However, this does not include the contact details for the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who loves the company of children and enjoys the fact that they 'surprise you every day' with their comments and learning. They benefit from the childminder organising her home and time to meet their needs. For example, they have room for active play, sleep and relaxation as required.

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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 childminder maintains accurate records and all required documentation is in place. Documents are stored safely and are available for inspection providing a good framework for the care of children.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures her skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date for the benefit of the children as she attends training regularly. She has recently been on courses including a 'Multicultural Creative Learning and Play' course, 'Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in the Early Years' both in September 2007 and 'Risk assessment' in February 2008. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written parental consent to allow the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to ensure the times of children's arrival and departure are recorded accurately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All written parental consents are now in place for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder keeps these with her at all times when out of the setting to promote the welfare of the children. She now accurately records the times of children's arrival and departure and keeps this up-to-date in the National Childminding Association daily record book. There is now a better framework for children's care in place.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • take positive steps to promote safety, with reference to ensuring exposed electrical sockets are made safe • ensure the complaints procedure contains relevant contact details for parents and carers.

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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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