Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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954403 Unique Reference Number 14 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Hoult 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her two children aged 13 and nine in a village south of Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Shops, parks, a nursery, a pre-school and schools are within walking distance. All areas of the home are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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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 currently looks after 11 children, including four aged eight and over, on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local group meetings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where the childminder minimises the potential for cross-infection. For example, she routinely uses an anti-bacterial spray to clean kitchen

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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 surfaces and the nappy changing mat and makes sure parents understand that she cannot look after ill children. Children learn good personal hygiene habits such as washing their hands after using the toilet, playing outside and before eating or baking. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and clearly records any accidents so that parents are fully aware of any injury and the treatment given. Written permission to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment is in place for each child so suitable action can be taken if needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise through regular walks and playing outside in the garden. They enjoy using the swing, bikes, sit-and-ride toys, swing ball and the sand pit. Children take part in a variety of games catching and throwing balls, using racquets and playing in the paddling pool when the weather is warm enough. Children visit the local park where they have opportunities to play games such as football and use the climbing equipment and occasionally visit soft play areas or go bowling. Younger children enjoy regular group music and movement sessions. Inside, children enjoy activities such as dancing, action rhymes and using a physical interactive games console. All these activities contribute to children’s good health, developing their large physical skills and strengthening their bodies. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children are well nourished and learn about the benefits of healthy eating through activities and discussions. She ensures meals she provides are nutritious and well balanced. Children enjoy snacks such as fresh fruit, raw vegetables and biscuits. When children have been baking they eat what they cook. The childminder ensures any food provided by parents is stored and served appropriately. Drinks are freely available for children to access ensuring they do not become thirsty.

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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 secure and safe home environment which is well maintained. Effective use is made of the space available so children can enjoy different activities at the same time. Children independently select from the wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are rotated to maintain children's interest. The childminder carefully stores small items out of reach of young children to prevent accidental injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding and attitude to keeping children safe whilst still giving them plenty of opportunities to develop their independence and be able to explore their environment. For example, she makes sure children do not have access to hazards such as cleaning substances, electrical sockets or sharp knives. This means children are able to move around independently which helps increase their confidence. Children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe through daily routines and explanations. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and the childminder explains to children what action to take should there be a fire. However, no fire drills have been practised so children may not be fully aware of how to evacuate the home quickly and safely should the need arise. The childminder closely supervises children at all times and does not let them go into the garden unless she is with them. When

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

taking children out of the home the childminder reinforces road safety and makes sure children walk close to her with younger children either holding her hand or safely strapped in a pushchair. Children use appropriate seating when travelling in the childminder's car for which she has parental permission.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children's welfare as she has attended training and has a good understanding of possible signs of abuse and child protection procedures which she shares

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 with parents through a written policy. The childminder never leaves children with unvetted persons and knows who may collect each child. She makes sure that parents are aware of the action she would take in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, very happy and settled in the childminder's home where she creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. She fosters children's emotional well-being by the warm, caring relationships she develops with them. The childminder uses her understanding of how children learn and develop through play to plan and provide a good range of activities to stimulate their interests. She refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework when working with children aged under three years. The childminder supports all areas of children's learning well helping further develop their skills through free play and more structured activities. For instance, children mathematical skills increase as they count and measure and they learn about change as they plant and grow sunflowers. Children take part in a variety of craft activities such as painting, cutting, sticking, making collages using man-made and natural materials and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

occasionally using play dough. Displays of art created by children include tissue flowers, foam flowers and pictures using a variety of sequin type items, coloured feathers and foam shapes. Children often go with the childminder to feed the ducks and love watching a mother duck with her chicks each year as they wander near the childminder's home. They have plenty of opportunities to construct, dress up, use their imagination in role play situations, use the computer and interactive games consoles. The childminder encourages children to try new things for themselves and promotes children’s thinking skills by asking questions and joining in their play whilst encouraging them to take the lead.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder actively listens to children and is interested in what they say and do. She has a good rapport with the school-age children she cares for giving them time to conclude their play with a train track before having to get ready to go to school. They laugh and chat together as they put their coats and shoes on and leave for school happily telling the childminder what they would like to do on their return after school. When a young child arrives they quickly decide to help the childminder clear away the train set so that they can play with a variety of dolls. The child and childminder play together feeding and dressing the dolls before the child takes them for a walk in a pram she chooses. The child is fascinated by the music produced whilst playing with a tape recorder. The child concentrates well whilst cuddled up on the childminder's knee looking at a 'feely' book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and diversity which is reflected in her policies. She makes all children welcome, respecting and valuing their individuality and helping them develop a sense of belonging by finding out as much as possible about them before they start and displaying their art. The childminder works closely with parents and attends training so that she can fully support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and maintain the strategies used at home and at school to meet their needs. This results in her providing a fully inclusive environment. Children learn about a wider society through having access to a range of books, dressing-up clothes, dolls, jigsaws small world toys that reflect diversity positively. They learn about their local community through, for example, walks, visits

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to the shops, the book and toy libraries, a children's farm park, toddler’s groups and meeting with other childminder’s and the children they care for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well through the childminder being a very good role model, setting realistic, consistent boundaries and having simple house rules which all children and parents are aware of. The childminder uses praise, explanation and encouragement effectively helping children learn to distinguish between right and wrong taking into account their levels of understanding. When rarely children need 'time out' this is done in the childminder's presence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to parents' wishes. Parents write that they are very happy with the service which 'they cannot fault', is 'excellent' and would 'highly recommend'. They state that they are 'very lucky to have someone we can rely on and trust' and that the childminder offers a 'safe, happy, loving family environment'. The childminder acknowledges parents as central to their children’s life and develops professional but friendly and trusting relationships with them, recognising good communication is crucial to children's well-being. A gradual introduction and the opportunity to meet the childminder’s family is offered to new children to help them settle. Children’s welfare, development and progress is enhanced through daily verbal exchanges of information between the childminder and the parents. The detailed portfolio gives parents good information about the service the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder enjoys working with children, is experienced and has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She regularly attends relevant training and has received a gold star award for attending 13.5 hours additional training in 2005 and 16 hours in 2006. In addition to this she keeps up to date with current trends in childcare through meeting with other childminders and reading relevant literature. The childminder has recently attended a briefing on the recently published Early Years Foundation Stage and intends developing her knowledge further through training later in the year.

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Organisation

The childminder organises the space in her home to enable children to enjoy active play, relaxation and sleep as needed. Documentation provides a good framework for the care of children. It is organised effectively, stored confidentially, is up to date and available for inspection. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that records of medicine given to children include the date and time of last dose and that appropriate safety measures are in place when children use the top patio garden. These recommendations have been implemented effectively helping to promote the good health and safety of children.

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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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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

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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): • further develop safety by practising fire drills with children.

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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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