Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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208830 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Gill Ogden 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 satisfactory. 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 1999. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in a house in Lincoln city. Only the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they are encouraged to develop good hygiene habits such as washing their hands after using the toilet. Regular cleaning routines such as wiping down the table before and after meals are carried out. These procedures help to minimise opportunities for cross-infection. Children who have contagious illnesses are not allowed to attend because this would be detrimental to others health. The childminder maintains a current

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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 first aid certificate so any accidents children may have can be dealt with appropriately. Children get outdoor exercise most days through going to the park and playing in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with suitable meals, snacks and drinks. Meals are fairly well-balanced such as fish fingers, jacket potato and beans or a roast dinner for a main meal and chicken sandwich, crisps and yoghurt for a light meal. Children drink squash, milk and water. They enjoy helping themselves to water from the dispenser on the outside of the fridge. Children enjoyed taking part in a healthy eating event that the childminder held in her garden for the local childminding group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Adequate attention is paid to safety in the home. Equipment such as socket covers are in place and safety gates and a fire blanket are available for use if necessary. The childminder carries out an informal risk assessment each day according to the needs of the children who are attending. Toys and play materials are suitable for the ages of the children who use them and most are in good condition. Generally, children are prevented from accessing anything hazardous. Children learn to keep themselves safe through following road safety guidance, talking about evacuating the house in the event of a fire and by being prompted by the childminder regarding, for example, sitting on chairs correctly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection. She is aware of some signs and symptoms and knows where to refer any concerns she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Warm relationships exist between them and children interact well with each other. Children talk about other adults that they know from attending the local childminding group activities. They enjoy looking at photographs and recalling events such as dressing up as Santa and making snowballs. Other activities children take part in include computer games, pretend play, baking, reading, painting, doing puzzles, playing with play dough, going to the park and playing in the garden. The daily routine is planned around school and nursery runs and adapted to how children are feeling and their individual interests. Children know where resources are kept and get them for themselves or ask for them. Older children mix with younger ones well and support them in their play, especially when they are together for longer periods such as school holiday times. School-age children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy activities such as pool and jumping on the trampoline when they have been in school all day. Younger children also enjoy being involved in domestic activities such as hanging out the washing when they count out pegs and visiting the shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made welcome and the childminder gathers enough information about them to help her meet their individual needs. She searches the internet to find out information about any additional needs children may have to help her care for them appropriately. They have access to some resources as part of their everyday play that help them to learn about the wider

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 world and begin to develop an understanding and respect for all people. Children behave well generally and the childminder prompts them about using good manners. However, some children present more challenging behaviour that puts more demands on the childminder and can, on occasions, distract from the attention she is able to give to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The working relationship with parents contributes satisfactorily to children's continuity of care. The childminder is careful about passing on information from school to parents and lets them know what children have been doing whilst they are with her. She supports parents well around things like potty training.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises herself and her home fairly well for the care of children. Younger children mainly use the kitchen/diner and playroom as well as the lounge if they need to rest or relax quietly. They can easily access the toilet from these areas and remain adequately supervised. Quite a lot of toys and equipment is set out in the playroom so the children are able to access these freely.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps herself up-to-date with current issues by talking to other childminders. She attends required training such as first aid. All the necessary records are in place and kept and stored appropriately. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of recommendations made at the last inspection the childminder has put an emergency escape plan in place and discussed it with children. She has informed parents that children who have a contagious illness cannot attend and also made sure they have information about how to make a complaint. All in all, there is now a stronger framework in place for the care of children.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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 children cannot access any potentially hazardous areas and that keys are kept out of their reach • develop a wider range of behaviour management techniques so that all children's behaviour is managed appropriately.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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