Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345558 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 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 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her partner and four children aged 14, eight, seven and five years. The family live in a house in Bassingham, Lincolnshire. Shops, parks, schools and pre-school are within walking distance of the family home. The whole of the house may be used for childminding, however this will normally take place on the ground floor and the children's bedrooms. The family has a pet rabbit. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. 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 and welcoming home. They arrive excitedly at the home after school and have a healthy snack, freshly prepared by the childminder, such as apple and grapes, which they sit down to eat. The childminder ensures children wash their hands before eating and children understand the need to clean their hands. The home is clean and the childminder uses antibacterial spray to clean surfaces. She prepares food hygienically and washes her own hands, being a good role model for the children. Children learn to take care of themselves such

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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 as by not putting pens in their mouths 'because ink could get into your tummy and make you poorly.' Parents are aware of the childminder's illness policy, understanding she does not care for children who are unwell. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and can therefore deal appropriately with any accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunity for fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school everyday, are able to use the garden daily and often go to the park on the way home from school. Children use large equipment such as swings and scooters to help strengthen their bodies and develop their large muscle skills. They develop their hand-eye co-ordination using equipment such as bats and balls.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and is happy to provide cooked meals for children. She has developed sample menus for parents to see, including meals such as shepherds pie with carrots and broccoli and pasta with tomato and vegetable sauce, that are healthy and prepared with fresh ingredients, to promote children's good development. The childminder provides nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit and occasionally biscuits, as well as food children bake, including chocolate cakes. Drinks are readily available to ensure that children do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home has space for children to play and a suitable range of good quality toys and resources for her own and minded children. These are stored in boxes at a low level, easily accessible by children, to promote their independence and understanding of choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The majority of safety equipment is in place. Smoke detectors are checked regularly, the fire blanket and first aid kit are easily accessible in the kitchen and sharp knives are kept out of reach. Cupboard locks prevent children accessing hazardous substances. However, not all exposed electrical sockets are inaccessible to children and the garden gate was unlocked at the time of the visit. This may compromise children's safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe through the childminder discussing safe practices with them. For example, children know not to run around inside or jump on the furniture as they may hurt themselves or others. She reminds children when they are out about road safety and not to talk to strangers. This helps keep children safe when out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has some understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse, and basic knowledge of child protection procedures. Parents are made aware of the childminder's roles and responsibilities through a written child protection policy. However, the childminder does not feel fully confident in this area and wishes to further develop her understanding and knowledge of child protection for the benefit of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy being in the childminder's home where she creates a friendly, welcoming, 'home from home' atmosphere. They quickly help themselves to toys and resources, confidently settling themselves down to self-chosen activities. The childminder does not plan activities since the children are not with her for long but does provide a range of resources to stimulate their interests and help develop their imaginative and creative skills such as polystyrene shapes,

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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 paint, glitter glue and paint brushes. Children are enthusiastic, they use the equipment to paint pictures and construct models with the shapes showing pride in their creations. The childminder gives the children time to explore, shows interest in their work and praises their efforts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to develop their learning and skills through baking cakes and other activities although these are not regular. Children mostly access and enjoy self-chosen activities. The childminder wishes to plan activities and is looking forward to minding full days in the summer holidays. She finds out the interests of the minded children and intends providing activities to occupy, interest and challenge them, such as using clay and Plaster of Paris, going out in good weather and bug collecting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has knowledge of and refers to the Foundation Stage guidance for ideas for activities and will use 'Birth to three matters' framework with any children under three years of age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive attitude to equal opportunities and diversity including caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She makes all children welcome, respecting and valuing their individuality. Children feel a sense of belonging as they develop relaxed, friendly relationships with the childminder who finds out as much as she can about them and their families in order to meet their needs. However, the childminder does not actively promote her positive attitude towards our diverse society with the children, through activities or with resources. She encourages children to value and respect differences but is aware that this is an area to develop and wishes to promote positive anti-discriminatory practice with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are developing good manners. The childminder is a positive role model setting good examples for children. She has a calm but firm approach to behaviour management and has realistic expectations of individual children, taking into account their age, stage and level of understanding. The childminder encourages children to manage their own behaviour, for example by letting the children provide ideas about how to sort out a disagreement over a shared water pot, and they are beginning to resolve issues themselves with support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to their parents' and carers' wishes. The childminder understands the importance of working closely with parents and carers for the benefit of the children and finds out as much information as possible to help the children settle quickly. This enhances children's well-being and development. Parents learn about what their child does each day through daily chats. Parents receive satisfactory information about the service the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children, enjoys working with them and is a good role model. She organises the space in the home well to enable children to have room for active play and relaxation. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of child development and how children learn.

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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 uses National Childminding Association documents to inform parents of her policies and procedures. Documentation is organised effectively, stored confidentially and is available for inspection providing a satisfactory framework for the care of children. However, not all documentation is totally personal to the setting. The childminder has attended all necessary training and is keen to access further courses to improve her knowledge and understanding of childcare. She intends to join a local group for childminder's to keep up to date with current trends in childcare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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 exposed electrical sockets are made safe and the premises kept secure • increase knowledge of child protection issues and procedures • acquire resources and plan activities that support children's understanding of diversity.

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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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