Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209299 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Lesley Barrett 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 1999. She lives with her partner and eight year old daughter. The family live in a village, on the outskirts of Bourne. The whole of childminder's ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden.

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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 and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis and three children before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet dog. 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, clean, comfortable home where standards of hygiene are good. They are learning the importance of personal hygiene through good routines and continuing guidance from the childminder. For example, they independently access the bathroom to wash their hands, using liquid soap, before eating, and after messy activities helping to reduce the

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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 risk of cross-contamination. During a cooking activity children learn about protecting their health as the childminder explains why they should not eat the uncooked cookie dough. Parents provide prior written permission before the administration of prescribed medication which protects children's good health and well-being. The childminder is able to respond appropriately in the event of an accident as she has completed a suitable first aid course and has access to a well-stocked first aid box.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. For example, although parents provide lunches for their children, the childminder provides a range of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and is able to provide extra food at lunch times if required. Children are able to make choices about when they eat items from their lunch box, this creates a relaxed homely environment. Drinks are accessible to the children at all times, ensuring that they remain well hydrated during their time with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to experience physical activities. They play in the garden on a daily basis, using balancing and climbing equipment and enjoy playing outdoor games with the childminder. Children are able to get fresh air as they make daily walks to school with the childminder and visit local parks and play on more physically challenging play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment which is well maintained. Children have lots of space to play and freely move between the different rooms that are used for childminding. For example, they use the table in the dining area for cooking and fetch toys from the playroom to use at the table or on the living room floor. Appropriate sleeping facilities are provided for younger children which ensures that they can rest in peaceful surroundings. Children independently select from a good range of toys and equipment, which are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure their continued suitability for use by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the need to keep children safe and has identified and minimised risks to children. For example, stair gates are in place and free standing bookcases are securely attached to the wall. The premises are kept secure ensuring that children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Appropriate fire safety procedures are in place and the childminder is aware of the need to practise emergency evacuation procedures to ensure that she and the children are familiar with the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire. Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home. For example, during a cooking activity the childminder reminds the children not to touch the tin when it comes out of the oven. When walking to and from school they learn about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has obtained and read the relevant literature regarding child protection. As a result, children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event that she has concerns about children in her care. She is aware of the need to record information about child protection with parents which ensures that they are fully aware of the childminder's responsibilities towards safeguarding children's welfare.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled in the childminder's home. They have formed strong relationships with the childminder. Children enjoy participating in a stimulating range of activities and have good opportunities to develop their skills. They are able to initiate their own activities and freely select, from a good range of toys and play equipment. Children's creativity is promoted as they have opportunities to explore materials such as play dough, paint and make their own creations from a variety of different resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports children's play and learning well. She offers them much praise and encouragement and takes their lead as they initiate activities of their choosing. She respects the choices and decisions that they make, for example, by asking them where they would like to play with the toys. The childminder is skilled at knowing when to help the children and when to encourage them to try things for themselves. For example during a cooking activity she allows them to weigh and measure the ingredients but provides support where necessary. This is effective in extending children's learning and independence skills. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and knows the children's individual needs, so that children are making good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are valued and respected as individuals. For example, they are all welcomed in to the childminder’s home, they are able to make free decisions about what they would like to do and their artwork is attractively display. This ensures that all children feel a sense of belonging and self-worth. The children are developing an understanding of diversity in the wider world. For example they use a good range of resources such as books, puzzles, play figures, dressing up clothes and dolls that encourage a positive attitude towards race, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are engaged in positive behaviour and are involved in what is going on around them and are gaining self-confidence. Children are learning right from wrong as the childminder promotes kindness and is sensitive to their needs. Children's behaviour is good and is managed in a way that is appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and working together with parents and outside agencies if required, in order to meet the needs of all children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents. Daily information is exchanged about the children's activities and achievements. This ensures that parents' wishes continue to be respected and the individual needs of the children continue to be met. The childminder is aware of the correct procedures to follow should she have a complaint, however she does not have the appropriate documentation procedures in place to ensure that details of such complaints are available to parents. This does not keep parents fully informed of all issues regarding their child's care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation of time, activities and resources and her knowledge of child development. She provides an environment where children are very settled, interested in the activities and safe. She offers them effective care and attention during their play to ensure that they make good progress in their development. This has a positive impact on all outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is promoted by up to date records, which are well-organised. Most of the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. As a result, children's general health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution, is effectively promoted. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was required to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and obtain appropriate literature. She was also required to ensure that medication records contain all necessary information. Both of these issues have been addressed and have a positive outcome of children's health, safety and well-being whilst in the childminders care.

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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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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 that a record of all complaints is maintained.

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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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