Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217421 Inspection date 04 November 2005 Inspector Sandra Jean 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 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 May 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 and a half and 10 months, in a residential area of Scunthorpe. Minded children have access to the patio room, dining/kitchen and a downstairs toilet. There is a large enclosed rear garden. The family have one dog. Local shops, schools, parks and toy library are in walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for three children under the age of 8 years.

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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 There are currently two children on role. She holds the National Nursery Nurse Examination Board qualification and is working towards a Foundation Degree in Early Years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an environment that is very clean and well maintained. They begin to learn good hygiene procedures, such as hand washing after toileting and before meals. The provision of individual hand towels and the childminder's rigorous sick child policy effectively reduce the possibility of cross infection. Toys and resources are very clean and are washed regularly. Consistent hygiene procedures with regard to the childminder's dog ensure that the environment is kept hygienic for the reception of young children. The children enjoy valuable opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, using cycles, wheeled toys, a slide, small trampoline, balls, hoops and bean bags to develop their skills and control of their bodies. Visits to parks and walks in the fresh air provide further outdoor experiences. Babies are encouraged to become mobile through the use of wheeled toys, action games, activity centres and they gain

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Helping children to be healthy

confidence when they support themselves on the strategically placed items of adult furniture. The children are well nourished when snack meals of eggs/beans on toast are provided and healthy snacks of fruit or yogurt are available. Babies' bottles and food provided by parents are refrigerated and heated appropriately ensuring the health of the children.

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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 and secure environment that is risk assessed. Well implemented policies and procedures ensure the safe running of the setting. Hazards are identified and minimised ensuring the safety of the children. The children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's awareness of appropriate child protection procedures. However, their safety may be compromised as she does not have up to date first aid training. The equipment used by the children is clean, safe and well maintained. They are able to choose their resources easily and safely from a selection at floor level or from clear fronted boxes at child height, helping them to develop their independence. On outings appropriate equipment such as safety restraints on buggies, reins and wrist straps ensure that the children's safety is maintained. They begin to learn to keep themselves safe, as they are encouraged to stay close to the push chair, hold

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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 hands and learn road safety procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and settled in a very welcoming environment. They acquire new knowledge and skills through the effective use of a wide range of age appropriate toys, games and activities. For example, interactive toys, mobile and soft toys, shape sorters, role play, books, threading, music, art and crafts help the children to learn through play. Outings, such as visits to other childminder's help to develop their social skills. The childminder's use of the Birth to Three Matters framework ensures that the children are challenged and begin to progress. The children show interest in what they do as they freely access the shape sorters, soft and interactive toys. They are thrilled as they begin to recognise themselves in mirrors, enjoy moving to music and join in action rhymes. They excitedly respond to challenge as they begin to understand that pressing a button activates a toy. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children make positive relationships as they interact well with the childminder and play amicably side by side. The children's individual needs are met as the childminder acknowledges the different interests of the children and provides equipment and resources to meet their varying needs and abilities. For example, chunky crayons and pencils enable younger children to participate in creative activities. Older children are given opportunities to work and play independently, the childminder providing support as and when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents to meet the individual needs of their children. She ensures that all relevant information is discussed, recorded and respected. Her positive attitude to the inclusion of children of all abilities ensures that all their needs are valued. The children feel a strong sense of belonging as they are praised and encouraged. The babies laugh and clap their hands as they are told how clever they are. They enjoy lots of cuddles and benefit from consistent care routines. They receive appropriate support as they are helped to progress. The babies begin to make choices and decisions as they access their resources easily from selections at floor level. Older children can choose from further selections in clear fronted drawers and on child height shelves. The children become actively aware of a wider society through the daily use of books

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promoting positive images of cultural diversity, dolls, open discussions and the encouragement of non-stereotypical play.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are cared for by a childminder whose commitment to improving her knowledge and understanding of child development is indicated by her ongoing studies in early years. The well organised environment contributes to the support and care the children receive. The childminder's high regard for the well being of children is demonstrated by the warm, welcoming environment she offers, where children are relaxed and settled. Parents receive most of the required documentation. Daily diaries, along with verbal exchanges, ensure that they are kept up to date with the progress of their children. The policies and procedures relevant to the smooth operation of the setting, work in practice to promote the welfare of the children. The needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that hazardous substances were inaccessible to children; these are now kept in cupboards above child height, improving safety procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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):

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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 • complete a training course in first aid that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • devise and implement a system for recording complaints, in line with revised requirements.

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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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