Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208609 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Beverly Kemp-Russell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her partner and daughter aged 6 years on the outskirts of Gainsborough, close to local shops and schools. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes. There is a lounge/ dining room, toilet and kitchen on the ground floor. The sitting room and first floor are excluded from registration. There is a small garden area for outdoor play used by children under supervision. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged 7 months and 2 years whom attend on both full and part

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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 time arrangements. The family keep a dog, a cockatiel and a rabbit as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. There are planned outdoor activities to help them develop physical skills and develop body control. The garden is currently being developed to ensure children have good opportunities for outside play in the future. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children follow hygiene routines and their clear understanding of regular hand washing reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children's health is promoted by the childminder holding a current first aid certificate and maintaining accident and medication records. Children's dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met through the parents providing all food for their children and by the childminder using appropriate storage to ensure good health.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and freely. They access appropriate resources to meet their needs and are happy, relaxed and secure in the homely environment. Children independently select from a wide range of toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outdoors, to ensure their safety at all times. Appropriate safety and fire fighting equipment is provided within the home and emergency evacuation procedures are practised with children. Children's welfare is promoted by all the required procedures and documentation maintained by the childminder. She recognises her responsibilities towards the children in her care and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the procedures to follow to ensure children are well protected and has a policy to support this. However, she is not fully aware of the procedures to follow if allegations of abuse were made against a family member or herself.

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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 The provision is good. Children are confident and independent and develop self esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try new activities and giving praise and encouragement. Children select resources and activities which develop their learning such as programmable toys, small world play and construction. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. Children make their own choices and access a wide range of resources that are age/ stage appropriate and which meet their needs. They experience a rich learning environment. The childminder includes younger children in all activities to develop their skills but she is not yet making full use of the Birth to three matters framework. Children's language skills are developed through the effective questioning techniques

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

used by the childminder. Children are valued and the childminder listens and responds to what they have to say. Children feel a sense of belonging and are relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to play resources and activities and their individual needs are well met. However, resources that reflect diversity are limited. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure the appropriate care of children with special needs. Children's behaviour is good due to the childminder's consistent approach in promoting positive behaviour. Children show respect for themselves and others, encouraged by the childminder setting a good example. Children are calm in response to the childminder's relaxed manner. The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's needs are met by effective verbal and written communication between the childminder and parents. Children are looked after according to parent's wishes and the childminder ensures she is aware of their opinions and attitudes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are effectively met by the way the childminder organises the room layout. Children feel at home and at ease in this environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are comprehensive and promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal and written communication. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the care of children by completing risk assessments to ensure a safe environment for children.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of some child protection issues • ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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