Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236302 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Christine Hands

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 December 2002. She is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 5, all of whom are on a part time basis. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 12 and 4 years in Coningsby. The house is close to an RAF base and within walking distance of local amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding, however, this normally takes place on the ground floor and one of the upstairs bedrooms.

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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 The family has a dog who has his bed and food in the utility room. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play with a separate area for the dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand and follow good hygiene procedures which ensure they are protected from the risk of infection, for example washing their hands regularly. They are learning about their own personal needs and can rest or sleep when they wish. Children are confident to ask for help if needed and are well supported in their learning. They are protected from cross infections and are well cared for if they become ill. The childminder ensures that her policies and procedures clearly reflect how she promotes a healthy environment for all children. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy snacks which include a selection of fruits, and on occasions visit local shops to choose for themselves from the range available. All foods brought in by parents are stored appropriately ensuring that cross contamination cannot occur and that they are served as appropriate. Children's dietary needs are met through the childminder's discussions with parents as well as

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Helping children to be healthy

regularly updating her records. They are able to access drinks as they wish. The children are well nourished and are learning the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, both in the garden and when on outings to places of interest. Children are taken on nature walks, to feed the ducks and to use large apparatus both in the garden and at the park enabling them to develop their large muscles. They have plenty of fresh air throughout the year made exciting by opportunities to splash in puddles, walk through leaves and explore. This encourages children to see being outside in all weathers as a positive experience and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in warm, welcoming and well maintained premises enabling them to have safe areas in which to play and rest. Potential hazards have been identified both inside and outside the home and effective safety measures are in place that reduce the risk of accidents or injuries to children of all ages. The childminder has a good level of awareness and an excellent ability to interact with children as well as the skill to be able to step back and observe enabling them to make their own choices and to explore and experiment in safety. Children are kept safe on outings and trips as the childminder carefully considers the ages and individual needs of the children she is minding, providing appropriate car

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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 seats and taking with her all the information she may need in the event of an emergency. Children are learning about road safety and how to keep themselves safe on outings and trips for example walking together and being aware of safety when large equipment by taking it in turns and not pushing. They respect their toys and tidy away after they have finished playing making sure they are put away correctly so that next time they want them they do not have any lost pieces and keeping them in good condition. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's comprehensive accident and medication records which are shared with parents to ensure they are kept informed, however she does not have written permission from parents should it be necessary to obtain emergency medical treatment or advice which could delay any

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

treatment needed for a child. She holds a current first aid certificate in the care of young children enabling her to deal with emergency situations. Children are further protected by the childminder's good understanding of her duty of care towards all children. She has attended training and has a good knowledge about signs that would alert her to suspected abuse and has a clear procedure to follow that is also shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's house participating in a wide range of stimulating activities. They choose from a good selection of resources, are well supported and their preferences, abilities and individual needs are catered for. The childminder uses 'Birth to three matters' to gain a greater understanding of the way babies develop and uses this knowledge to plan activities that will encourage development as well as being interesting. Children access resources and make decisions about their play because resources are well organised and easy to reach. Children are confident and fluent communicators interacting well with the childminder and have established caring and meaningful relationships with her, asking for help or a cuddle as they wish. Children are taken out regularly to places of interest and are expanding their experiences of the wider community and developing their social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills. The childminder listens well to what children are saying and questions them appropriately to expand their knowledge and ability to problem solve. Children are learning about nature and how they can use natural resources that they have collected for their craft work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has developed close but professional relationships with the parents and shares information on a daily basis to enable her care for the children according to their individual needs. She ensures that she is aware of the customs, religions or preferences of the families so that children will feel secure and have a sense of belonging. She uses books, videos and crafts to broaden children's awareness and provide positive images. Children are becoming aware of their own environment

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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 through walks to school and visits to the local shops. All children are treated with equal concern and have a sense of belonging with their art work displayed on cupboard doors. Before caring for a child who has special needs the childminder gathers as much information from parents as possible and then makes an assessment as to whether she would be able to offer a good standard of care, taking into consideration the children she is already minding as well as her home environment. All children are valued and the activities and resources enable all children to be included. Children behave well because the childminder uses praise, encouragement and consistency to promote positive behaviour ensuring that the age and stage of development of the child is taken into consideration. She has a clear policy and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

procedure in place as well as house rules so children know what is expected of them. Because children know the consequences they are beginning to manage their own behaviour. They work harmoniously together, sharing, taking turns and are helpful and understanding of each others needs and feelings. Children are polite and respond extremely well to the childminder's gentle and caring manner.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care as her friendly and warm nature creates a welcoming family environment. She has letters from parents thanking her for the care their children have received. The childminder organises space and resources well which helps children to feel confident to move around and use toys of their choice. The childminder undertakes training on a regular basis to increase her knowledge and is always looking at ways in which she can improve the service she offers. Children's safety and welfare is promoted through the good organisation and documentation that is in place, as well as the daily exchanges of information with parents. Children benefit because the childminder knows them well and works closely in partnership with the parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 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): • obtain written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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