Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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208997 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Jane Williams 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children. They live in a house in North Hykeham on the southern outskirts of Lincoln city. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a pet cat. There are currently seven children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends meetings of the local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home. Their good health is effectively promoted through sensible hygiene procedures. Children are learning about the importance of personal hygiene. They have their own flannels and follow daily routines of washing hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder follows appropriate procedures, such as cleaning surfaces before preparing food and ensuring the pet cat is kept in good health.

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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 Positive steps are taken in the event of children being ill or having an accident. Medicine records are kept together with appropriate consents for the administration of medicines and for seeking emergency treatment. A record of accidents is kept with details of the injury and with parental signatures acknowledging entries. Children's well-being is further promoted as the childminder checks the first aid kit is in date and also takes a first aid kit when on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and their dietary needs met. The childminder has agreements in place with parents who provide children's meals. Healthy eating is promoted through discussion with parents and through activities with children. Children eat fruit such as oranges and grapes for snack. Children do not become thirsty as they have access to water and are regularly offered drinks. Physical development is promoted well as children have good opportunities to play outdoors in a large garden. They have fun playing on a variety of equipment, such as a slide, trampoline and ride upon toys. Children go for regular walks to parks where they play on equipment or feed the ducks. In wet weather they have opportunities to play at local indoor play areas. Children are able to rest according to their needs as comfortable sofas and travel cots are available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents are welcomed into a light and airy environment. Information for parents is displayed in the play room. The play room provides a safe and comfortable space for children to play and relax. They have access to suitable toilet and washing facilities that are kept clean. The garden is secure and well-maintained and children are generally able to play safely outdoors. However, their safety is not fully promoted when playing on the trampoline. Children have good opportunities to play with a wide variety of interesting toys and equipment that are kept in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Clear systems are in place to promote children's safety. Emergency escape plans are in place and are regularly practised. The childminder has a clear procedure in the event of a child not being collected. The premises are kept secure and hazards at a minimum. Children learn about keeping themselves safe. They are encouraged to tidy toys away and they learn about road safety. Children are well-protected as the childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues. She has completed child protection training and has clear procedures to follow if concerns arise.

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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 home. A good range of activities are provided that children enjoy and are interested in. They have fun exploring play dough, making models that represent food and animals. The childminder talks to them about what they are making and encourages younger children to name colours. Older children enjoy playing with complex jigsaws and using construction bricks to create models. Access to books provide good opportunities to share stories and children enjoy looking at books alone and with others. Children use their imagination as they play with small world toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn independence as they freely access toys and make choices about the activities they wish to take part in. Children enjoy exploring activities that contribute to their creativity, such as baking and painting. Children relate well to one another and to the childminder. They

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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 enjoy conversation and play well together. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to inform her planning and for observations and assessments of younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued by the childminder who is attentive to their needs. She ensures information about the children is obtained on admission. A useful settling-in procedure is in place to help children feel confident and at home. Children have good opportunities to learn about their local community as they regularly visit places such as nature parks, local shops and the library. They meet with others to socialize at the local childminder group. Children have some opportunities to learn about people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The childminder is beginning to provide resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed into the setting as the childminder understands the need to adapt activities and work closely with parents. Children are well-behaved and are encouraged to share and be kind to one another. The needs of children are effectively promoted through good partnership with parents and carers. The childminder ensures information about the children is shared through daily diaries and informal chats. A record of children's time spent with the childminder is recorded through photographs that are displayed in individual books. Clear written information about the setting and policies are shared with parents. An appropriate complaints procedure is in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is caring and committed to their welfare. She keeps informed of current childcare issues through attending childminder meetings and reading publications. She maintains a current first aid certificate to ensure children's safety is promoted. Through attending relevant training the childminder supports the learning and development of the children in her care. Good organisation of space and resources mean that children are able to play, learn, eat and rest comfortably. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and accessing resources. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made. The childminder was requested to ensure more detail of an injury was recorded in accident records and written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment was obtained. This has been effectively addressed and as a result children's welfare has improved.

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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 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 children are able to play safely outdoors with particular reference to taking positive steps to make the trampoline safe • further develop resources and activities to reflect people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

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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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