Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

209027 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Jane Williams Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children in a detached cottage. The cottage is in a rural location several miles from the city of Lincoln. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and one of the upstairs bedrooms is used for sleep purposes. There are currently seven children on roll. There is a large, enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have cats and a Labrador dog as family pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They follow sensible routines of washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children know to use tissues to wipe their noses to prevent spread of infection. Children's health is promoted because the childminder ensures clear systems are in place if they are ill or have an accident. Accident records are maintained and parental signatures are sought to acknowledge entries. Records of medication are kept with parental

p.2

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 permissions to administer medicines and acknowledgement of entries. However, the childminder has not obtained written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to fruit and drinks throughout the day. Agreements are in place with parents regarding provision of meals. The childminder provides most meals and snacks, taking into account children's requirements. Nutritious hot meals such as chicken casserole are provided in the evenings. Children have excellent opportunities for fresh air and physical activities. They enjoy supervised play in the large garden. A good range of equipment means children are able to practise a range of skills and develop control of their bodies. Children enjoy daily walks locally and also visits to parks and playgrounds.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm family home. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise hazards to create a safe environment for children. Appropriate equipment such as fire guards, fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place. Rooms are kept tidy so children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children have good opportunities to play with appropriate equipment that is in good condition and kept clean.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe through practising emergency escape routes and through everyday safety discussions. On outings, children are taught how to cross the road safely and about the importance of using seat belts when in vehicles. However, the childminder has not obtained from all parents, written permission for children to be transported in a vehicle. Children's welfare is effectively promoted as the childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues. She clearly understands the steps to follow in the event of any safeguarding concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy in the childminder's home. They enjoy a wide range of activities that meet their developmental needs. They explore materials such as play dough, using tools to flatten the dough and cut out shapes. Children develop skills as they share books with the childminder. They practise counting and recognising numbers on the clock face in board books. The childminder skilfully supports their learning and development as she helps them extend their knowledge. Children freely access writing materials and are able to express themselves through drawing. Older children enjoy a range of activities such as model-making with construction bricks, board and computer games.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder who is kind and affectionate towards them. She acts as a good role model for older children who show care and concern towards younger children. Children are independent in their choice of activities and resources. They are able to make decisions about what they would like to do and are able to access toys and equipment. The childminder has good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses it as a guide to ensure she is covering all areas of learning and development.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging within the childminder's home. Close relationships with their families are developed so that children feel valued and their individual needs are met. They have good opportunities to be a part of their local community as they go for regular walks within the neighbourhood and visit local shops to buy provisions. Children have access to resources that promote the differences in people in a positive way. They are beginning to learn about the wider world through celebrating festivals such as the Chinese New Year.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are supported well. The childminder ensures their needs are effectively promoted as she works closely with parents. Using advice from specialists she provides activities that specifically meet the needs of the child and aid their development. Children are well-behaved, polite and caring towards one another. They understand the need for house rules and are able to follow them. Positive strategies for behaviour management are used and agreed with parents. The needs of the children are well-met because of the strong partnership between the childminder and parents. An appropriate complaints procedure is in place and shared with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is kind and has a clear aim of providing a warm family environment for them. She ensures their safety as she maintains a current first aid certificate. Space and resources are well-organised so that children are able to play, eat, learn and relax comfortably. Children are developing independence as they are able to freely move around, select toys and have space to play.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has sufficient documentation to support the welfare of children. Appropriate attendance, contact, accident and medication records are in place. However, the childminder has not obtained all necessary consents. Written permissions for emergency treatment or advice and written permissions to allow children to be transported in vehicles are not in place. As a result children's well-being is not fully ensured. Overall children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to complete an appropriate first aid course. The childminder now ensures that she maintains an appropriate first aid certificate. As a result children's welfare has improved.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 required records are in place, with particular reference to written permissions for transporting children in vehicles and written permissions to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5