Childminder in North East Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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205609 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Kathryn Margaret Clayton 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 has been registered since 1996. She is registered to care for six children. There are seven children currently on roll who attend on a full and part time basis. She lives with her two teenaged children in Grimsby. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder regularly visits the local carer and toddler group. There are school and pre-school facilities for younger children in the locality. There is easy access to shops, public transport and a park. The family have two pet rabbits and two fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is quality assured.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy in the childminder's care because good hygiene routines are maintained. The childminding home is clean and all toys, especially baby toys are regularly cleaned. The childminder uses a specific antibacterial spray that eliminates harmful germs. Children's understanding of personal hygiene routines are effectively encouraged by the childminder.

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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 They brush their teeth after eating and use individual flannels and paper towels when washing their hands and face. The childminder adopts effective hygiene routines that include using different types of disposable gloves for different tasks, such as applying cream and changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies' emotional needs are very effectively met by the childminder as they are comforted and held for bottled feeds and sleep in a quiet place according to their individual needs. Children's good health is promoted because they are active during their time with the childminder. Babies enjoy the fresh air as they are well wrapped up and taken on a swing with the childminder to share a story. Older children play with a good range of toys outdoors including a small slide, climbing frame, see-saw, bikes, scooters, a wheelbarrow, skittles and stilts. Children regularly walk to the park to feed the ducks and indoors enjoy dancing and stretching activities. They also have opportunities to visit local activity centres.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the benefits of healthy eating as they are provided with healthy foods and snacks throughout the day. Some examples of these include roast dinners, cottage pie, stir-fry and pasta dishes. Fresh and dried fruit and bread sticks are available for snacks. Children are encouraged to try new fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, butternut squash, lychees and blueberries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very happy in the welcoming child friendly home. They remain comfortable because the childminder regularly checks the temperature of the rooms. Children have access to a very wide range of books, toys and play materials that are well-organised and can be easily seen by children. The childminder ensures babies are stimulated with good quality toys, for example, an activity centre that includes interesting musical items. Children start to learn about managing their own safety as the childminder has very effective procedures to encourage them to do so. For example, when walking to school the childminder meets other childminders and as they walk they teach children about the rules of the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are involved in practising the evacuation of the premises several times a month. This means they have a good understanding of the steps to follow and the older children assist the younger children in their understanding of this procedure. The childminder has considered many aspects of safety in the home and provides very good supervision of babies and young children. For example, sleeping babies are regularly checked by the childminder. However, occasionally a pushchair is left in the hallway and partially blocks the exit pathway to the front door. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms that may cause concern and the agencies to contact should she need to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, they settle easily and progress very well as the childminder helps them learn through providing relevant play opportunities. Children benefit because the childminder has a very caring, positive and encouraging attitude. For example, a baby who is slightly unsettled on waking is quickly made comfortable with cuddles and a refreshing drink before a feed and nappy change. All interactions are exceptionally positive; this effectively promotes babies' well being. They respond well to musical stimulus, have time without their nappy on to stretch and kick their legs and as they develop are encouraged to reach out for toys. Babies' language

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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 development is very effectively promoted as the childminder talks to them, using good eye contact as they play. Activities for all children are varied and interesting and the childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework very effectively to observe and plan for the next step in young children's learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the individual children's interests to plan activities. For example, a child who is interested in playing with cars is encouraged to learn more by exploring a topic about transport. Children enjoy very good learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. Some examples include exploring in the snow, playing imaginatively using large cupboard boxes and a wide range of painting activities. Children learn about how plants grown through first-hand experiences as they plant seeds to grow their own flowers and some vegetables. They enjoy singing, dressing up and making many craft items such as masks and lanterns. Children have fun and love coming to play in the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued and welcoming as part of the family. They gain a very positive awareness of diversity as they play with a very wide range of dolls, books, and play people that reflect a diverse society. Children attend planned sessions that raise their awareness of different cultures. For example, an 'African Baby naming ceremony' where they learn about African dress, music, dance and play different instruments. The childminder works closely with parents and teachers to effectively develop children's self-esteem and to promote acceptable behaviour. There is a very positive atmosphere in the household and older children are encouraged to talk about their feelings, therefore helping them to better understand their own behaviour. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities benefit because the childminder works closely with parents at all times. One example of this is when parents were helped to overcome some specific

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Helping children make a positive contribution

feeding problems they experienced with their child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and parents benefit because the childminder is very effective in developing close relationships. Parents are very happy with the progress made by their children and the interesting activities they experience. Children enjoy spending time at the childminder's home and have a great deal of fun. Parents views and comments are sought as the childminder asks them to complete questionnaires and gave ideas about how she can improve the childminding service. There is a regular exchange of information and parents are kept well informed after every session.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because they are cared for by a well-qualified childminder who has made an excellent commitment to undertake on-going training. This helps to keep her up to date and improve the service. Since the last inspection the childminder has completed a number of qualifications including, Extending Childminding Practice and a National Vocational Qualification to level 3. Courses undertaken include training in: Raising Boy's achievements, Downs syndrome, Autism, Left-Handedness, Cerebral Palsy and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very good range of policies and procedures that are given to parents at enrolment. These help to support the smooth running of the childminding service. The home is well organised and children have ample space to eat, rest and play. The childminder uses her time directly with the children and offers excellent care, support and stimulation. All records

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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 are very well organised in lockable storage and children's details are confidentially maintained in individual files. All records were readily available for inspection. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations where given related to written consents obtained from parents. Documentation has improved as there is now written parental permission to administer first aid and for children to be in contact with the family pets.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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): • ensure the pathways to the main exit doors remain clear.

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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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