Childminder in North East Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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205662 Unique Reference Number 03 March 2008 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 June 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 years and seven years old. They live in a detached house which is located in the residential area of Scartho in Grimsby, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll aged from two years to 10 years old. She takes and collects children from her local primary school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Grimsby Network for childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Accident and medication records fully meet requirements and are kept with a good regard for confidentiality. Children follow good health and hygiene practices as part of their everyday

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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 routines, washing their hands effectively at appropriate times, using soap and separate paper towels. The childminder clearly understands health and hygiene guidelines and parents are informed that sick children cannot be cared for, so that children are protected from infection. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication are well considered and protect children effectively. The childminder has clear written agreements with parents regarding the administration of medication and written consent to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment is obtained. All children's individual health needs are met fully. Arrangements for eating and sleeping reflect the child's needs and parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy lots of activities and outings in the fresh air. The childminder places emphasis on daily physical exercise, walking with the children from school and within the community, to promote a healthy lifestyle. She plans suitable activities to develop children's abilities and encourages independence to try out new skills. They frequently go to play in the park nearby, where they have great fun learning to use the large climbing equipment safely. Older children enjoy playing football in the garden. Younger children develop good hand-eye coordination as they roll soft balls indoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder liaises closely with parents to understand children's individual dietary needs. She provides healthy, freshly cooked meals, including plenty of fresh vegetables and children are offered nutritious snacks. Fruit is always available. Children are sometimes involved in helping to prepare sandwiches for their lunch and they enjoy regular baking sessions. The childminder actively promotes healthy eating, as she talks with children about the importance of a varied diet and discourages too many sweet foods. Children are always able to get themselves a drink independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in an environment that is warm, welcoming and safe. It is brightly decorated with attractive art work and educational posters, which effectively supports children's feelings of belonging. Children play with a good range of suitable toys and equipment that are easily accessible in the dining room. They are encouraged to choose freely for themselves, which positively supports their growing independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps have been taken to ensure children are able to move around play areas independently. Potential hazards are appropriately addressed in order to maintain a secure environment both indoors and out. The childminder conducts regular written risk assessments to ensure children's safety and well-being. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are involved in discussions and activities about safe practice. They regularly practise the evacuation procedure. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety when out and about. For example, children practise road safety procedures and clear explanations are given to children about remaining close when visiting the local park and other public facilities. Children are encouraged to help to tidy away toys when they have finished, so the play space is safe. They enjoy a good balance between the freedom to explore and the childminder's setting of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities within local safeguarding children procedures. She shares her responsibilities with regard to child protection issues with parents. She understands the requirement to keep a record of all accidents, incidents and existing injuries. She has identified that further training would be valuable to increase her confidence in her role. She talks with children about ways to keep themselves safe and is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 confident to share any concerns with parents, ensuring that the welfare of children in her care is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder’s home and are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They achieve well, because the childminder is skilled and uses her understanding of early years guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to provide good quality care and education to the children in her care and to enhance the play experiences of younger children. She has a simple, very flexible planning system, which enables her to introduce variety and new stimulus into children's play and clearly identifies the next steps in their development. Children gain a lot of enjoyment from the varied range of activities they take part in. These are age-appropriate and provide good levels of challenge. Children benefit from regular outings and excursions, enjoying features of the local community, such as the park and trips to the shops. Activities within the childminder's home are stimulating and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interesting. Children use a wide range of resources, which support their development. The childminder offers opportunities for children to enjoy exploratory play, like creative activities, painting and play dough. Children's behaviour is good and is sensitively supported by the childminder's example.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills develop well as the childminder talks with them all the time about what they are doing. They enjoy playing with the weather chart matching the appropriate pictures on the chart to correspond with the day's weather conditions. They become engrossed in activities that interest them, like playing with the train set, fitting the pieces and bridges together. They enjoy playing with the 'Velcro' darts game exploring number concepts. The childminder has also developed a range of games for children to explore early maths and number recognition. Children also have opportunities within activities to explore early mark-making and linking sounds and letters. A particular favourite with young children is baking, and they are very proud of their efforts when making 'crispy cakes'. Older children enjoy outdoor games in the garden and various computer games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's relationship with the childminder is warm and trusting. Daily routines are relaxed and child-led. They are able to plan their own play, contributing ideas and making their own suggestions about activities they would like to do. They confidently let the childminder know what they want to do next. Children help to keep the play area tidy, as the childminder encourages them to put toys away when they have finished with them. They are involved in everyday routines, like helping to prepare sandwiches for lunch and are able to choose their own fillings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel valued because the childminder puts considerable care into meeting their individual needs and takes time to speak regularly with parents. The childminder is a good role model for children's behaviour. She talks calmly and quietly to children at all times, listens to them and responds positively and affectionately towards them. Children receive plenty of her time and attention which has a positive impact on their behaviour. Although the childminder is aware of issues relating to promoting children's awareness about the wider community and diversity, there are limited resources available to children which promote positive images of diversity.

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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 The childminder recognises this is an area for development. There are currently no children on roll with learning difficulties or disabilities; however, the childminder demonstrates how she would care for all children in a caring and professional manner. There is an inclusion policy and she has a clear understanding of the importance of working closely with parents and other agencies to ensure that children's needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She encourages parents to take time to get to know her well as they settle their child. She talks with parents about her childcare practice and has a detailed information folder outlining her experience and giving details of her policies. Parents also receive individual copies of all policies and procedures. The childminder makes time to share the day's experiences, as parents collect their child. She actively encourages parents to share any concerns. She has a written complaints policy, which includes details of the regulator. She is aware of current guidance about dealing with complaints and the requirement to keep a record.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for within a safe and well organised, homely environment. Their individual needs are supported by flexible and child-led planning. The childminder accesses appropriate training and development opportunities, which help her to plan enjoyable experiences for children. She evaluates her own practice well.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of the required policies and procedures. However, the record of children's attendance is not maintained accurately on a daily basis. The childminder clearly understands requirements with regard to reaching agreements with parents, so that their wishes are clearly understood. She shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs. The registration certificate is displayed along with the Ofsted information poster for parents. Written policies support her professional practice, so that children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: request written permission from parents for minded children to access pets; obtain written permission from parents to sleep children upstairs during the day; ensure the sand pit is covered when not in use and ensure the garden is free from hazards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Parental written consents now include permission for children to access pets and for them to sleep upstairs if required. This contributes to effective partnerships with parents. The garden is now safe and free from hazards, and the sand pit has been removed. This ensures children are healthy and safe when playing outdoors.

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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

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 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): • develop activities and resources which reflect positive images of diversity • ensure the record of children's attendance is maintained accurately.

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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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