Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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260519 Unique Reference Number 24 October 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and seven years in a small rural village close to the town of Bourne in Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog, rabbit, guinea pig and fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for six children under five years and two children under eight years all of whom attend part-time. Care is also provided for children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is the organiser of a local parent/carer and toddler group.

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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's health is effectively promoted. The home is clean and well maintained. The childminder demonstrates a clear awareness of the need to prevent cross-contamination for children. For example, she ensures that good procedures are in place to protect them from the family pets. She states that children are reminded to wash their hands after handling the pets and that the garden is checked daily before children use it. A sick children policy is implemented which promotes children's good health and a common sense approach ensures children are protected from infections. The childminder has completed a first aid course which enables her to act in the children's best interests if they have a minor accident. Appropriate procedures are in place for the administration of medication and recording of accidents to ensure that parents are made aware of when their child has sustained an injury. Children are able to rest or sleep

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Helping children to be healthy

undisturbed according to their needs in either their buggy or a travel cot as agreed with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities. They benefit from fresh air and exercise on their daily walks to the school. Children have regular opportunities to visit the local park which promotes a healthy lifestyle, as they are able to use the static equipment to develop their physical skills, such as climbing. Further variety of physical play activities are provided within the childminder's own home. Children are able to use a range of resources such as balls, a slide, climbing frame and ride on toys within the childminder's garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides meals for the children. She works closely with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. A varied range of cooked meals and snacks are provided, for example, casseroles with vegetables. Children are being encouraged to make healthy choices at snack time as the childminder talks to them about the different nutritional values of fruits. A reward chart recording their intake of a variety of fruits and vegetables provides children with an incentive to try different foods. Drinks are readily available for children to allow them to hydrate themselves as and when required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a safe, secure home environment. The childminder uses the space appropriately providing play areas for children to move freely around. The garden is fully enclosed and is well maintained to provide children with an area to explore and play safely. Toys and equipment are in a good state of repair and are age-appropriate. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are suitable and provide stimulation for their age and stage of development. Toys are stored in boxes for self-selection to enable children to choose items independently. They are able to ask for favourite toys and can choose items from the toy boxes themselves, children's self-confidence and esteem grows as they become increasingly independent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a range of safety measures within the home, for example, cupboard locks, stair gates and the use of safety harnesses in highchairs. All necessary fire safety equipment is in place and the childminder is aware of the need to practise emergency evacuation procedures with the children to ensure that they are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. A visual health and safety check is carried out before children arrive to ensure hazards can be identified and minimised in order to protect the children from harm. Children

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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 are learning about the importance of keeping themselves and others safe as the childminder explains the reasons why older children need to keep small pieces of equipment away from younger children. This helps children to realise the consequences of their actions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded as the childminder has an awareness of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child in her care. She has systems in place to record existing injuries and is aware of the signs of symptoms of child abuse to protect children. However, she does not currently share information with parents with regard to her duty to child protection to ensure that they are fully informed of her role in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the childminder's care and enjoy a positive relationship with her. They approach her with ease showing them feel secure and a sense of belonging. The childminder provides a good range of activities for children of all ages to ensure that their individual needs and particular interests are met. She effectively supports children as they play. For example, she plays 'row row, row the boat' with younger children showing genuine joy and affection as she does so. She is skilled at distracting younger children who are intrigued with older children's play resources and uses intonation in her voice to successfully detract and prevent children from becoming distressed. A varied range of exploration and discovery toys fuel children's interest and support their learning and development. All children are provided with opportunities to be involved in a vast range of arts and craft which helps to develop their creativity, dexterity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and hand and eye coordination. The childminder has not attended training for children under three years such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however she intuitively incorporates the spirit of the framework to guide her practice with children under three years.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are provided with a broad range of experiences and activities whilst in the childminder's care. During holiday periods trips out to places such as Wicksted Park, Bourne Woods, Ferry Meadows and activity centres are arranged to maintain children's interests and provide them with variety. Within the home they enjoy playing games, use a good range of construction materials and participle in artwork. For example, they make plaster of paris models, flags from around the world and Christmas wish lists. The children participate in these eagerly, talking amongst themselves about what they are going to do. The childminder effectively supports them showing interest in their play and asking appropriate questions. Children's art work is effectively displayed which encourages children's self-esteem and sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows the needs and particular interests of the children and accommodates these in the activities and care that she provides. Children are learning about the wider world as they use a good range of resources such as books and small world people. The childminder explains that they celebrate different festivals such as, Chinese New Year where they make dragons and try using chopsticks to eat traditional Chinese foods. This provides children with variety and encourages them to develop new skills. The childminder has a good understanding of inclusion and has systems in place to allow her to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the consistent, calm and positive methods that the childminder uses to promote good behaviour. Clear boundaries are in place, such as sitting at

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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 table to eat and using good manners. She uses age-appropriate explanation to encourage children to consider their own and others' feelings. For example, she encourages older children to sort a disagreement out amongst themselves and only intervenes when they need a little guidance. Children are praised and encouraged for example, when they have helped to tidy away or been helpful with the care of a younger child. This helps to promote their self-esteem and helps them to feel secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met through the secure relationships with parents. This impacts positively on children's feelings of belonging, trust and security. The childminder takes time to discuss a child's day which involves parents in their child's care, learning and play. Parents are encouraged to participate, sharing information and any events which may affect their child. The childminder has some written policies and procedures for parents about her practice and there is also information about the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's suitable organisation of time, space and resources. Well- established routines and sensitive caring support ensures that children have their individual needs met whilst in the childminder's care. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of quality childcare is good. She has attended further training to ensure that she is kept up to date with developing childcare practices and continues to update this knowledge. She shows a good understanding of the National Standards and the need to ensure that they are consistently implemented to promote positive outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is successfully fostered by the use of all required documentation and additional information which supports their care and welfare. The childminder is aware of the need to ensure that this is consistently maintained and organises her documentation effectively. This enables her to locate it quickly in the event of a emergency situation. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was required further develop activities and resources that reflect diversity. This has been successfully addressed and has a positive impact on children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • consider how information regarding child protection can be further developed.

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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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