Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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405082 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Sharon Watson 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 13 years in the Broughton district of Brigg, North Lincolnshire. The whole ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and currently has eight children on roll. The family has three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children on outings around the local area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a very clean home that is tidy and free from clutter. Health and safety measures are followed to enhance children's welfare. In particular, all food preparation surfaces, door handles and toilet areas are effectively cleaned. Children routinely wash their hands before eating and they learn about germs though discussion at this time. Individual hand drying

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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 facilities limit children's risk of cross infection and appropriate measure are taken when they are ill. A clear medication procedure is followed and health details recorded to promote children's health. Children benefit from regular exercise as they enjoy a long walk to and from school. They also use the local park and enjoy outdoor toys and equipment to promote their balance and co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are agreed with parents and special dietary requirements are acknowledged. Generally, parents provide children's lunches and the childminder ensures they are stored appropriately. The childminder provides healthy snacks for the children, for example, yoghurt and dried fruit. Children have access to fresh drinking water throughout their stay. Feeder cups are replenished to ensure young children drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home environment is welcoming and stimulating to children. They have adequate space in which to carry out activities and move around easily. The lounge provides a suitable rest area for children and regular checks are made when they are sleeping. Rooms are appropriately heated and ensure children remain warm and comfortable. A good range of safe and suitable toys are set out daily to stimulate children's interest. A good range of outdoor toys and equipment are also accessible and provide for children's varying abilities. Suitable equipment, such as highchairs and pushchairs, are used to aid children's comfort and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good safety measures are implemented and ensure children can move around the home safely. In particular, fireguards are in place and low level kitchen cupboards are secure. Safety gates fitted to the stairs reinforce no-go areas for the younger children. Fire safety procedures are implemented, in particular, children are aware of the emergency escape route and smoke alarms are regularly checked. This helps children learn to take responsibility for their own safety. The children's safety and well-being are enhanced by the childminder's good understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally engaged in their play as they play imaginatively with toys, such as a cooker, garage and dolls house. Resources are easily accessible and support children in their self-selection. Children are happy and relaxed after the morning activities that include creative play, such as painting and play dough. During the daily walk to school, children express themselves freely as they talk about their interests and family events. They display good relationships with the childminder's own children as they enjoy their company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A computer is accessible to children to aid their learning. The general routine of the day follows free play after the school run and a mid-morning sleep for the babies. More structured activities, such as collage, painting and colouring, are introduced to add interest to children's play. During school holidays, children generally remain interested in what is available. However, the childminder does not effectively plan activities at this time and, therefore, children do not always remain interested.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the family household and children are at ease in the childminder's care. Children's care is discussed prior to their attendance and provides a starting point from which to get to know the children. Setting policies and procedures are shared with parents and help children settle well into the setting. The children benefit from the childminder's caring approach to meeting their needs. In particular, she spends time with children new to the setting and ensures they feel included. The resources provided generally maintain children's interest and are suitable to their age and stage of development. Children access a satisfactory range of multi-cultural resources that generally raise their awareness of cultural and racial diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A satisfactory procedure is implemented to support children in their learning and development. A behaviour management policy is agreed in partnership with parents to ensure a consistent approach is maintained. Children are well behaved and no incidents are observed. Setting rules are applied and this helps children learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Parents are informed of their children's care and learning on a daily basis, in particular, daily diaries are completed for children under two years. Comprehensive policies and procedures are available and keep parents informed about the operation of the setting. However, they are not provided with information about children's activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised daily in readiness for children's arrival. In particular, a good range of large toys are put out in the kitchen/dining area, allowing children room to play. Children have free flow movement between all areas of the ground floor. The lounge provides an area in which children can relax and sleep. Toys are well organised in boxes to help children self-select their toys. The dining table is used well for table top activities and ensures children are not restricted in their play. For example, at times when older and younger children are both present at the setting. Adult to child ratios are good and children's attendance is completed up-to-date.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised for ease of use and available for inspection. Children's records remain individual and are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Vetting procedures are effectively followed to ensure suitability of persons living in the household. First aid training remains up-to-date and further training has been completed by the childminder to enhance children's care. 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

The childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection procedure and signs and symptoms of abuse to enhance children's safety. Satisfactory procedures are implemented to monitor children's learning and development in partnership with parents. Satisfactory steps have been taken to raise children's awareness of racial and cultural diversity.

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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

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 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 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 the written agreement sets out the expectations of both parties as to the activities provided • plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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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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