Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231202 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Sara Louth 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband, two adult children and son aged seven years in the town of Louth in Lincolnshire. The downstairs area of the property is used for childminding. Toilet and hand washing facilities are provided on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 ten children, five part-time during the day and five part-time outside school hours. The childminder walks to the local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy and well since they are cared for in a clean, warm home. They learn about good personal hygiene through the daily routine. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and clean their hands with wipes after eating. The childminder changes children's nappies on towels which are washed after each use to prevent the risk of cross infection. Younger children have support with their personal care. For example, their noses are wiped for them and a child tells her to put the used tissue in the bin. Parents are aware the childminder does not care for sick children to protect other children's health. She phones to advise whether children require a visit to the doctor so parents have chance to make an appointment. Children's safety is maintained as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and is able to deal appropriately with accidents. However, the childminder has no written

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Helping children to be healthy

parental consent for permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment which may compromise children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise daily in term time walking to and from school which builds their stamina and fitness. They use the garden regularly, having the freedom to play outside when they choose in good weather. They run around freely and use a variety of equipment such as swings, ride on toys and a trampoline to strengthen their bodies. The childminder believes it is important for children's health to be outside regularly. This includes babies, who sleep outside if everyone else is outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks about food with them and always has fresh fruit available for snack as well as plain digestive biscuits. Children's likes are met since the parents provide packed meals. The childminder talks to parents if she feels the food provided is not nutritious enough to promote their children's healthy development. Drinks of water or no sugar squash are provided at snack and lunch time or when children ask. Older children are able to help themselves to a drink so they become aware of their own needs. Children have any special dietary needs met well, since the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she knows what children can eat and drink safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and suitable home environment where they have space to enjoy different activities at the same time. The setting is made welcoming to children and parents with a variety of accessible toys maintained in good, clean condition. Parents are encouraged to stop and chat for as long as they wish. Children are closely supervised by the childminder to ensure their safety. The childminder stays with sleeping babies if there are no other children being minded, or checks them most of the time when minding others to ensure their welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as access to the setting is via the garden gate which is always locked and only the childminder knows the code. There is a locked, coded door into the conservatory. The childminder has all safety equipment in place and working to ensure hazards are minimised. For example, a safety gate prevents access upstairs, smoke alarms are in place on both levels of the house, electrical sockets are covered, the fire blanket and first aid kit are easily accessible and there are safety catches on cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. Children learn to keep

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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 themselves safe when out since the childminder teaches them the safe way to cross roads and ensures they hold hands and walk nearby. Young children wear reins or travel in buggies to keep them safe. However, the childminder has no written parental permission for transporting children in a vehicle which may compromise their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has vigilant procedures in place for the collection of children, never letting them go home with anyone without prior agreement. She has good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures and ensures parents are aware of her responsibility regarding child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting and move around confidently choosing activities with which to play. Their self-esteem and confidence is promoted through the childminder finding out their interests, providing suitable activities and knowing the children well so she can meet their needs. For example, while the older children are constructing with Knex, one young child who has not been at the setting for a while requires extra support and attention. The childminder gives lots of cuddles, talks with the child while he sits on her knee and encourages play. She models rolling a soft cube, then listens to and joins in with the little song about each shape. The older children see the childminder encouraging the young child and join in. They dance to the music and include him in play. This builds his confidence and he begins rolling the shape and joining in other play independently. The childminder stays close by ready to provide any

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunity to develop their imagination and the childminder supports and values their play. For example, one child decides to have a pretend picnic with the play food. The childminder encourages the play by asking 'Do you want a rug?' and provides a rug. The children sit on the rug together and play with mobile phones and the basket of food. All children are encouraged to make their own choices and start to become independent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However she does no formal planning, mainly following the children's interests. Children have activities provided in the morning before they go to school including jigsaws, paper and pens, magnetic numbers and letters to promote language and mathematical thinking. Other activities available during the day include dressing up, making dens, colouring, lots of games, dominoes, books and a laptop for older children to use.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed by the childminder who respects and values their individuality. They are treated equally whilst taking individual needs into account and all children are able to join in all activities. Children learn about their own culture and the wider world through the childminder promoting their awareness of different festivals, such as Easter. They develop a positive attitude to all members of society through discussion and use of resources such as books. The childminder has experience of and a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She develops extra special relationships with parents to make sure all the children's needs are being met fully.

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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 Children behave well and know expectations since the childminder has clear house rules. For example, they learn good table manners such as 'no toys at the table' and 'eat with your mouth closed'. Children respond well to methods used to manage behaviour. For example, when two children fall out the childminder separates them, comforts the one child and brings the other child over to apologise. Both children go and play again and the incident is dealt with swiftly and appropriately promoting their welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close relationship established between their parents/carers and the childminder. Parents feel relaxed and welcome in the setting which enables children to settle in quickly. All necessary information is collected at the start and then shared verbally on a daily basis. However there are no written parental/carer permission forms in place. Parents use the setting based on personal recommendations and they are very happy with the service the childminder provides, stating that their children never want to come home. The childminder is aware to record any complaints she may receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who enjoys being with them and is experienced with caring for them. They benefit from her organising her home and time to meet their needs. Children have room for active play, sleep and relaxation as required.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains accurate records and most documentation is in place. However, there is no written permission from parents, in particular for their children to be transported in a vehicle or for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. All other documents are stored safely and are available for inspection providing a good framework for the care of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update her knowledge and understanding of Local Area Child Protection guidance with particular reference to the procedures to be followed if any allegations of abuse are made about her or other people who have access to a child while the child is in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has found out what to do in the event of an allegation being made against her or other people who have access to a child while the child is in her care. She has used the internet to find out relevant information, has downloaded the information and keeps hard copies of it in her files. The childminder has the telephone number of the help lines information line. She is aware of the need for confidentiality and she now feels confident of the procedures to follow.

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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 written parental permission is obtained for children to be transported in a vehicle and for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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