Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209277 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2007 Inspection date Ros Church 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children in a town between Stamford and Peterborough. Minded children have access to all ground floor areas, with toilet facilities within this space, and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently cares for five children under five both part and full-time, and three children over five years before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. The routine of the day includes walking to and from school. Children have daily opportunities for play within the garden where they enjoy using a range of equipment which includes wheeled toys, slides, hoops, bats and balls. They enjoy running and chasing activities. Children also have

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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 regular opportunities to visit local parks where they are able to use fixed climbing and balancing equipment, this enables them to extend their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. They stay healthy because the childminder follows satisfactory hygiene procedures. For example, the childminder encourages the children to wash hands after using the toilet and before handling food, older children learn to carry out this routine independently. The childminder follows suitable nappy changing procedures. Recording systems are in place if the childminder is required to give any medication or in the event of an accident whilst childminding. However, although there is an accident record in place, occasionally accidents and injuries have not been recorded and the accident record does not always include existing injuries which children have when they arrive. This could compromise children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder takes account of preferences and respects parental wishes regarding snacks. A packed lunch is usually provided by the parents. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of eating healthily and enjoy some snacks which include fruit. Drinks are offered to younger children regularly to ensure they do not become thirsty. Older children are able to ask for a drink when they require.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure premises which are used effectively to enable them to participate in a good variety of activities. The lounge is the main play area and the kitchen is used for craft activities and meals. Children are kept within a safe environment as the childminder identifies and minimises any risks prior to children arriving. Hazardous cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach, a safety gate is in position at the bottom of the stairs and door stoppers are in place to prevent children trapping their fingers. Children receive close supervision indoors, outside and during outings to ensure their safety. During outings children learn about road safety, they either hold the childminder's hand or hold onto the pushchair, with younger children being safely secured in pushchairs. Written parental permission is in place for outings, although this does not include travelling in a vehicle, to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensure children's welfare and parental agreement to all activities. Sleeping children are visually checked to ensure their safety. Good detection and prevention measures are in place in case of fire, and emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. The childminder has attended a child protection course and knows what to do in the event of any concerns. A clear child protection policy is in place and shared with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the childminder's care. They are confident and make good relationships with the childminder and one another. Children talk about their interests and experiences, such as what they have been doing at school. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. The good range of craft activities take account of children's interests and often link with different themes and festivals, such as making Santa faces or Christmas crackers. Children use a good range of different textures and materials which helps them to make their desired product. The

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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 childminder uses resources, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, along with her knowledge and understanding of how children learn through play to help her plan, provide and adapt activities for the youngest children. Children enjoy playing games together, such as 'Splashers' a fishing game, or the 'Hungry frogs' game. Whilst playing these games they learn to take turns and share, and older children learn to help those younger than themselves. The childminder interacts well with the children, she gets down to their level and follows their lead. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the childminder's home, they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works well with the parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Parents learn about their child's care and the activities they have been involved in through daily communication with the childminder. The childminder has satisfactory systems in place to support the inclusion of children with identified disabilities and/or learning difficulties. A folder which includes her policies and course attendance certificates is shared with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their community through regular visits to local parks, shops, the café, market and toddler group. However, there are limited play materials and resources which support children's independent learning about diversity in society. Children learn to play cooperatively together, they share and take turns during play. They learn to take care of equipment and tidy away after they have finished playing with an activity. The childminder manages children's behaviour appropriately, taking account of their age and understanding. Children are regularly praised and encouraged, this helps them to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have suitable levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure within the setting. The space within the home is organised to enable children to have space for active play, relaxation and sleep as required. All adults in the household are appropriately vetted to ensure children stay protected from harm. Children enjoy their time in the home and develop warm relationships with the childminder and one another. Most records for the safe and efficient running of the setting are in place and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder keeps up to date with required training, such as first aid. She has also attended additional courses and workshops, which include a food hygiene course, and workshops which include music sounds and activities for older children. The childminder uses the knowledge gained to help her improve her service. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint, and to ensure that parents sign records relating to existing injuries. A system has been set up for recording any incidents of physical restraint and parents sign the existing injury record. This helps to promote children's well-being.

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Improvements 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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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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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): • ensure all accidents are recorded, including existing injuries when a child arrives • develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, to help children learn to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences • ensure all written agreements are in place with parents, with reference to travelling in a vehicle.

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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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