Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288281 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Sara Louth 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 13 in Caistor, Lincolnshire. All areas of the childminder's home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 and is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and four guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a recognised childcare qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene to protect their health. For example, the childminder ensures children wash their hands before

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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 meals and washes her own after changing nappies. Parents are aware the childminder does not care for unwell children to protect other children's health. Children's safety is maintained since the childminder has a current first aid certificate and is able to deal appropriately with accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of exercise every day walking to and from school. The childminder believes fresh air is good for children's health. They benefit from using equipment in the garden such as a trampoline with handle and ride-on toys which strengthens their whole bodies and develops their physical skills. Children are able to sleep comfortably when they wish and the childminder considers their rest needs when organising activities in the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's food likes are met since parents provide meals which the childminder prepares accordingly. They enjoy healthy snack options after school including home-made cake and fresh fruit such as apple, grapes and satsuma. Children are able to have a drink whenever they are thirsty enabling them to become aware of their own needs. The childminder is aware of any special dietary needs they may have and works closely with parents to ensure she knows what can be eaten safely. For example, she uses special ingredients to make cakes for one child so they do not feel left out.

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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 well-maintained, suitable home environment where they have space to enjoy different activities at the same time. A wide range of suitable toys is available to children and are maintained in clean, good condition. Children are able to choose the toys they play with and the childminder carries out ongoing checks on their safety to ensure their continuing suitability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe since the childminder is very aware of the importance of providing a safe setting for them. All safety equipment is in place and working to ensure hazards are minimised. For example, smoke alarms, socket covers and safety gates protect children from harm. Children are kept safe when out as the childminder secures younger children in a buggy and older children walk close by. They are taught about road safety to help them begin to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded well because the childminder has good knowledge of child protection procedures. She is confident about recognising possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has attended training. Parents are aware of her responsibility regarding child protection as she informs them at the initial meeting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy and settled. They play with activities and toys that are stimulating and support their development and progress intellectually, emotionally and socially such as colouring, books, dolls and pretend kitchen with utensils. Children choose to play with the kitchen and the childminder kneels on the floor with them. She follows the children's lead and extends their play by asking 'Can you make me a cup of tea?'. She supports one young child by asking 'Can you find a cup?' which helps maintain interest in the play. Children use their imagination and make 'water' noises when they fill cups from the play tap. One child plays with a doll, pretending to clean it and changing it's clothes, showing developing dexterity. The play is valued and language development promoted as 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 asks 'What's dolly doing?'. The child responds confidently stating that dolly is crying, then says 'Ah poor baby' while cuddling it and patting it's back.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has days organised in a general routine and often spends time with another childminder which helps to develop children's social skills. Children have opportunity to do activities related to the times of the year. They show interest and developing concentration while colouring little bags for Christmas. Children have their colour recognition skills reinforced as they colour a snowman, penguin and Father Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed by the childminder who treats them equally and as individuals. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes to all members of society through sharing resources with each other including toys with disabilities. They learn about their own and differing cultures through activities such as bonfire splatter paintings, Christmas calendars and a range of resources including books. The childminder intends going on a multicultural cookery course with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has experience. She works closely with parents for consistency. Children behave well because the childminder praises positive behaviour, uses manners for the children to copy and encourages them to be polite. Children respond well to methods used to manage behaviour. For example, when one young child throws a toy, the childminder reminds gently but firmly not to throw toys, then they continue playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close relationships developed between the childminder and their parents/carers and their needs are well met through the daily verbal exchange of information. The childminder promotes the partnership to be up front and honest on both sides. There is a portfolio so parents know what to expect from the service. The childminder has all necessary written parental permissions in place such as for obtaining emergency medical advice or treatment. She understands the need to keep a complaint record. However, the complaints procedure does not contain relevant contact details for parents and carers. Parental feedback is very positive and recommends the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder enjoys being with children and is motivated to care for them as well as she can. She has lots of experience of working with children and evaluates her practice constantly to best meet their needs. The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills up-to-date through attending training including a Music Sounds Inclusive Workshop in March 2007.

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Organisation

Children have their needs met well since the childminder organises her home and time around their requirements enabling them to have room for active play, rest and relaxation as necessary. She aims to provide a safe, stimulating and enjoyable environment for children and is happy to be flexible. For example, on the day of the inspection two children were staying longer than usual according to the parental wishes for that day. The childminder has all necessary documentation in place and completed accurately. It is organised effectively, stored safely and available for inspection. This provides a good framework for the care of children.

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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 Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to increase resources that positively promote our diverse society.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased her resources and is continuing to buy more as long as they benefit the children. Children are now able to play with dolls with disabilities, dolls of both genders from different cultural backgrounds, books and puzzles that positively promote our diverse society as part of every day play.

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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 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 complaints procedure contains relevant contact details for parents and carers.

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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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