Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283152 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Christine Hands 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 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged 14, 12, 10 and eight years. The family live in Tattershall, Lincolnshire and have all amenities within walking distance of the home. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years of age and currently cares for six children on a part-time basis. The whole of the house is registered for childminding, however apart from sleeping this takes place on the ground floor. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Family pets include fish, budgerigars and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 home that is clean and hygienic with special attention being given to the storage and preparation of food to ensure that as far as is possible their good health is

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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 well promoted. Children follow clear hygiene routines and are aware through explanations given by the childminder that any germs on their hands may make their tummies poorly. The childminder has developed a policy and procedure that is shared with parents explaining that if their children are unwell she will be unable to care for them in order to protect others from the spread of infection. All the required documentation is in place ensuring that children's good health is protected at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet and are encouraged to eat fruit rather than sweet alternatives. Although the childminder is happy to provide food for the children, those currently attending bring their own which also includes snacks such as crumpets or fruit. Drinks are within easy reach of the children and they help themselves to these whenever they want to which prevents them from becoming thirsty. The childminder ensures that she is aware of any special dietary needs children may have, for example allergies so that she can take any necessary precautions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular opportunities to develop their physical skills through a good range of outdoor activities. For example, play activities in the garden and using the large apparatus at the local park. Through the equipment provided and the encouragement of the childminder, children are developing their muscles and balance as well as developing their confidence when they try new things.

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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 secure and well maintained environment. Potential hazards are identified and minimised both indoors and during outdoor activities to help keep children safe, for example, stairgates are in place and sheds locked. Children begin to develop an awareness of safety as they respond to the childminder's guidelines and procedures. They are extremely well protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly which increases their chances of responding quickly to danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are aware of road safety procedures and how by following these they will keep themselves safe. The childminder has written consents from parents for a variety of reasons including taking children out and administering sun-cream which ensures they are cared for in accordance with parental wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of clean, good quality toys and equipment which are regularly checked for safety and are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The children's welfare is further promoted because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection. She ensures that she has emergency contact details readily available and has all relevant information regarding local child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care because she develops warm and caring relationships with them. She listens and talks to the children and values what they say. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of indoor and outdoor activities of their choice and take part in a more relaxed session at either end of the school day. Pre-school children are developing their social skills through frequent visits to a variety of toddler groups where they learn to share and

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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 take turns as well as having the opportunity to play with a different selection of toys. Children develop their creative skills as they take part in a range of art and craft activities such as mask making, pasta pictures and potato prints. Baking activities enable children to gain an understanding of weights and measures as they weigh the ingredients and then adjust the amount to follow the recipe. Decisions are made about the colour they would like their cakes to be and they follow instructions to get the amount of food colouring they add right to obtain the required colour. Young children are often amazed at how things change after they have been cooked and delight in the smells coming from the oven. Children develop their coordination and control using a range of large and small equipment. They play skipping and ball games and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

climb, swing and slide on the apparatus in the park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of child development to adapt activities to suit individual children. When participating in craft activities, older children are encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible, whilst younger children are given more support from the childminder. However, although the childminder provides a good variety of different activities for younger children she does not currently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to ensure that all ttareas of their development are being fully promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected because the childminder ensures that she is aware of their individual needs and she is able to meet these consistently. Information is exchanged with parents on a daily basis to ensure she is aware of any changes that may affect a child's behaviour. Lengthy meetings are held prior to a child being cared for, enabling parents to look through the policies and procedures the childminder has in place as well as other information about the service offered. This ensures that they are familiar with the service and routines and enables the childminder to gather as much information about the child as possible. The children's daily routine is well balanced and allows time for meals, rest, quiet and active play. Their social skills are developing and relationships forming through the opportunities provided for meeting other children and adults. Children play well together and are learning about sharing and turn taking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Their behaviour is very good and the childminder continually uses praise and encouragement to enable children to feel confident and gain a feeling of self-worth. Children have consistent boundaries and are always given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to think about their behaviour and start to take responsibility for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and ways of life is well promoted. The childminder provides a range of resources and activities to increase their understanding of this, for example, through books, small world toys, activities and discussion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe and relaxed, knowing that their needs will be met. The children's safety and welfare are promoted as the childminder has all relevant paperwork in place and there are clear written policies and procedures. The varying daily requirements of all children are very well met by the childminder who confidently adapts the routine and activity plans to suit individual children to cover nursery and school collections as well as sleep requirements. She ensures that there is always time to give them additional one-to-one attention when needed. The children are confident and can

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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 therefore initiate their own play and learning, knowing that the childminder will always be there to offer support. Children benefit from the childminder's proactive commitment towards training and updating her skills and knowledge in order for her to gain a greater understanding of the needs of young children and continue to improve the service she offers.

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Organisation

Overall the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has obtained a selection of books, toys and puzzles as well as organising a variety of activities that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted has received two complaints relating to National Standards 6, 11 and 14.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were received by Ofsted regarding the fact that the provider had failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event. This concern related to National Standard 14: Documentation. An Ofsted inspector discussed this with the provider and no further action was taken.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were received by Ofsted regarding the level of supervision the childminder gives to the children in her care as well as behaviour management issues. These relate to National Standard 6: Safety and National Standard 11: Behaviour. A childcare inspector completed the complaint investigation on 14 June 2007. The inspector found no evidence to suggest that the childminder had breached the National Standards or her conditions of registration. Ofsted made one recommendation. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • further develop activities to help children's development in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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