Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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956125 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Gill Ogden 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and 12-year-old daughter in Branston, Lincolnshire. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family keeps four cats as pets. Amenities such as local shops, schools, pre-school and park are within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age at any one time. She is currently minding two children in this age group outside of school hours and another five older children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where very close attention is paid to their health and hygiene needs. Regular cleaning routines ensure that the home is kept very clean. Parents are clearly informed that children who are ill cannot attend because this would be detrimental to the

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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 health of others. Children learn good personal hygiene habits such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet because the childminder acts as a very good example to them. A well-resourced first aid kit is available for use in the event of an accident occurring but the childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate so this could be detrimental to children's overall health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get lots of fresh air and exercise by walking to and from school each day, going to the shops, playing in the park and feeding the ducks. They also play in the garden regularly, especially in the better weather. Here they are able to use a variety of equipment that helps them develop their whole body strength and co-ordination. Young children are able to rest or sleep comfortably in a bed or cot whilst older ones enjoy relaxing on sofas. There is plenty of safe, indoor space for babies to learn to crawl and walk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals provided by the childminder in the evening. They discuss what they would like to eat with favourites being pasta bolognese, roast chicken and sausages with Yorkshire pudding. Children enjoy preparing, for example, fruit skewers, for dessert. There is always plenty for them to drink and the childminder sets them a good example by drinking lots of water herself. Children especially enjoy the childminder's homemade flapjacks and cakes as a snack when they get in from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and well-maintained home. Children spend most of their time indoors in the lounge-diner which offers them plenty of space to enjoy all activities. Toys and play resources are stored in the under-stairs cupboard which they can access easily from this area. All the toys and play equipment that children use is kept in excellent condition and replenished according to children's interests and abilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe very well because the childminder is rigorous about safety issues. For example, children's imaginations are captured about fire drills because the childminder has composed a poem which they learn. 'We must not hide, we must go outside. Do not run or shout, stay calm, get out.' She is similarly vigilant about road safety on the walk to and from school. Younger children know that they must hold tight onto the pushchair and follow the rules for crossing the road. It is made very clear to children what the procedure is if the childminder is late in picking them up from school. All the necessary safety equipment is in place or available such as smoke alarms, fire blanket and safety gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder is very aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection and makes sure that parents are well informed about them. However, she is not fully up-to-date about the latest local procedures that must be followed in the event of a referral being necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder. They have warm and caring relationships with her family and know routines well. Children of all ages interact well with each other, chatting and joking, and the older ones help the younger ones and join in with games and songs together. Children's individual play interests are well known to the childminder and she makes sure that activities and resources are available for them. For example, children who

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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 enjoy small world pretend play are able to enjoy a fully-resourced large dolls' house and cars with a road mat. A full range of activities are provided that support children's development emotionally, intellectually, socially and physically. For example, children have lots of opportunities to learn about the natural world through activities such as collecting items like leaves, pinecones and feathers when they are out walking and feeding the ducks. They talk about walking through the 'jungle' on the way home from school and enjoy making bridges across the stream.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activity weeks related to, for example, colour, being a baby and food, fitness and fun. Children are encouraged to come dressed in certain colours, to play with toys in those colours and do paintings and collages using those colours. In this way they learn about different colours very well. They bring in pictures of themselves when they were babies and think about how they have grown and changed. Children make collages of their favourite foods and think up ideas for exercising.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of opportunities to socialise when they go to toddler groups and visit the library and the shops. If they want to do their homework when they get in from school they are well supported to do so.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made welcome in the childminder's home and their family backgrounds are valued. Initial information is gathered from parents so that children's needs can be met appropriately and then on an ongoing basis between the childminder and parents. Children's self-esteem is boosted through positive attention, praise and activities such as making cakes to celebrate children's last day with the childminder. Children's own cultures are celebrated through activities related to relevant festivals and national events but children are introduced to few differing cultures. There are plenty of resources available to children as part of their everyday play, such as puzzles, books and play people, that help them develop a respect for all members of society. Children behave well because the childminder sets them a good example and they are given clear boundaries such as expectations of their behaviour in the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder provides parents with a useful information pack about her service and sends out regular newsletters to keep them updated about plans and activities. Information is shared regularly when parents drop off and pick up children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is experienced in caring for children both at home and in school and this is beneficial to the care she provides for them. Her home is set up with relevant play materials ready for the children arriving and an evening meal is part prepared before children are picked up from school so that the childminder has plenty of time to give to them when they get in. The childminder is very aware of her legal responsibilities and although she makes every effort to attend the required training she has not been totally successful in achieving this recently. She has attended introductory training about the incoming Early Years Foundation Stage so that she is suitably informed in time.

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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 All the necessary records are kept very well. They are organised and stored carefully and are kept confidential. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the recommendation made at the last inspection parents are better informed about the activities their children take part in whilst they are with the childminder and the range of toys they have to play with.

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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): • update knowledge of current Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • develop activities that introduce children to a wider range of differing cultures • ensure first aid training is updated as soon as possible.

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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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