Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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205791 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Anne Marsh 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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two children aged 18 and 14 years. The family live near to Scunthorpe city centre, close to schools, shops and a park. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding with the addition of the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat and hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently caring for 11 children under eight years who attend various sessions during the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly walks to local schools and parks. She offers day care for the local authority social services department.

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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 satisfactory. Children are becoming aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet because the childminder works closely with parents regarding the arrangements and provision for children's meals and drinks. Midday meals are mostly provided by parents and are correctly refrigerated. The childminder takes preference to providing children with healthy snacks of fresh fruit and raisins. The childminder is sensitive of the children's needs taking into account likes, dislikes and individual dietary needs. She is proactive about not giving sweets as treats. Any children who stay for tea have their health supported when they enjoy nutritious home cooked meals with the childminder's family. For example, cottage pie and meat roast dinners. Drinks of water and sugar free juice are freely available to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children receive regular outdoor play, which helps children develop physical skills and to receive fresh air. They walk to and from school, shops and playgroups. They enjoy play in the garden and park where they can gain confidence and control of their bodies with a variety of outdoor play equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning how to manage their own personal hygiene, they blow their own nose and wash their hands appropriately. Wet wipes are used to clean up any mess quickly. However, the sharing of hand towels leads to children being at possible risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate records are in place and the childminder has relevant first aid training to support children should they become ill or require medical attention.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the home and areas of free space suitably meets the needs of the children. The majority of active play takes place within the kitchen/diner which sometimes is restrictive in space and comfort for the children. The lounge area supports children's quiet activities and rest. Play resources are satisfactorily organised to allow free choice for the children from storage boxes stored at a low level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken action to ensure any potential risks to children's safety inside and out are minimized. A detailed risk assessment is checked on a monthly basis to ensure the home remains hazard free. A written fire plan is in place but the children have not had an opportunity to practise this, which compromises their safety in the event of an emergency. Children are developing an awareness of their own safety on outings. For example, when walking to school children hold onto the pushchair and children learn from a young age how to cross the road safely and not to talk to people they do not know.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder who has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding safeguarding children. Any written policies and procedures are currently being updated in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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 very happy in the care of the childminder and this is evident in the secure relationships and good interaction between them. The childminder knows the children very well and is sensitive and caring towards their needs. The quality adult-child interaction positively encourages children to make good progress in their development. Stimulating activities, such as baking, arts and crafts are successfully developing children's knowledge of colours, shapes, letters and numbers. For example, the children colour and make their own laminated story book about the 'Hungry Caterpillar'. They enjoy retelling the story to the inspector counting all the different fruits the caterpillar eats before turning into a butterfly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language is encouraged as the childminder works closely with the local school and nursery and extends the children's learning into her home. She introduces new key words and letters to the older children through games which the children have helped to create.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to mix with other children at local groups which is developing their social skills. Children play well together, are learning to share and are tolerant of younger children who want to suddenly join in a game.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder builds with parents. She is very flexible often at short notice. This helps to meet changes to family life and circumstances to ensure she provides continuity of care for the children. Parents comment very positively about the care their children receive stating the environment is 'home from home' where children feel safe and relaxed. Parents feel extremely well supported and often visit the childminder out of business hours for support and advice on caring for their children. There are good verbal arrangements to exchange any relevant information about the children and to monitor the children's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and their needs are met very well. The childminder has a wealth of practical experience for caring for children with additional needs. She liaises very closely with parents and other relevant agencies to ensure children's needs are met and they progress well in their behaviour and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand the world around them. The diverse needs of the children being cared for and visits within the local community ensures children are fostering a positive awareness of their place in the world and the differing needs of others. Although, resources within the home that reflect diversity are limited. The childminder ensures children understand the need to share and their behaviour is managed consistently to ensure children understand boundaries which helps to keep them safe.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable with the childminder. She knows the children very well through talking to them and their parents. The childminder has many years experience caring for children and has a good understanding of development. Children feel at home with her as she balances her time well to meet their needs.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Most of the space and resources are adequately organised to promote free choice and play for the children. Regulatory documentation is in place and the correct information is displayed. Written policies are being updated on an annual basis, in particular safeguarding children procedures, to ensure they are relevant and work in practice. However, the complaints record is not kept fully in line with the 2005 National Standards Addendum.

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Organisation

The childminder offers family support to other childcare services and maintains her basic qualification requirements. She is interested in gaining training regarding future changes to ensure she continually meets the safety and welfare of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to keep hot drinks away from the children. Hot drinks are not consumed in the presence of children and their safety is maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection ofsted received a concern in 2005 relating to National Standard 1: Suitable person, managing an incident with the children. The provider was asked to investigate and submit a report. Ofsted reviewed the report and found the provision to comply with the National Standards and the childminder remains qualified for registration. A record has been maintained.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • practise the emergency escape plan • ensure information on complaints conforms to the National Standards Addendum 2005 • provide individual towels to promote the good health of children and to prevent the spread of infection • improve the organisation of space and furniture in the kitchen/diner to provide a stimulating environment for the children.

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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 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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