Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362474 Unique Reference Number 06 August 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 was registered in 2007. She lives in Blyton, Lincolnshire. There is a school, shop, park, farm and ice cream parlour within walking distance. All areas of the house are used for childminding except the front room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has two pet dogs, a cat and freshwater fish.

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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 three on a casual basis. She 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 generally good attention is paid to their health needs. The childminder has regular cleaning routines to maintain a satisfactory standard of cleanliness in the home. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating and they know it is to get rid of 'dirt'. Soiled nappies are immediately disposed of in an

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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 outdoor bin. Children are further protected from cross-infection because the childminder is clear with parents that if children have contagious illnesses they cannot attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get enough fresh air and exercise each day through spending time playing in the garden or going for walks. They use play equipment in the garden such as bats, balls, tricycles and a swing to help them develop strong bodies. Children are able to rest according to their needs and parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide packed meals for their children which are stored appropriately. The childminder provides the children with healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, dried fruit and vegetables from which they make their own choice. Drinks are always available such as milk, water and fruit juice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a home that is safe, secure and suitable. The front door is kept locked on a latch so it is easy to get out of in the event of an emergency. Children take part in weekly fire drills and the smoke alarm is tested at the same time. Appropriate safety equipment is in place such as a stair gate, fire guard and catches on kitchen cupboards and drawers. A screen in the hallway helps provide a welcoming and informative entrance area for parents. It has posters on it and is positioned to prevent children from accessing the front room which is not used for childminding. Children are kept very safe on outings because the childminder ensures that the younger walkers wear reins and the older ones hold her hand tightly. They learn good road safety procedures through consistent prompting from the childminder. Toys and play equipment is maintained in good condition and there is a good range for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder has a solid understanding of her child protection responsibilities as a result of being pro-active and attending training. She makes parents very clear about her responsibilities and what action she will take if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a warm relationship with the childminder. They arrive eager to see who else is there and what there is to play with. Conversations are ongoing between the children and the childminder which encourages them to develop their communication skills. Children make decisions about what they want to do and the childminder helps them to use their chosen resources. For example, a child is very interested in programmable toys and finds the 'Elefun' game which is new to her. The childminder shows her how it works and she screeches and runs around with delight trying to catch in her net the cloth shapes that are blown out. This supports the development of her hand-eye co-ordination. The childminder also uses this game to encourage the child to count and recognise colours which is effective because it is meaningful to the child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a flexible planning system in place that includes opportunities for children to enjoy creative activities each day such as painting and collage and to spend time outdoors where they can observe the natural world. The childminder is beginning to observe children and record their achievements so that she can plan new challenges for them.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are made welcome in the childminder's home and their backgrounds are valued. Events such as their birthdays are celebrated to reinforce their culture and support their self-esteem. They learn to feel part of the local community by visiting the farm park, ice-cream parlour and going for walks. However, opportunities for them to learn about the wider world and to gain an understanding of all members of society are limited because the childminder has few resources to support this. Children behave well because the childminder treats them with respect and expects that they will do likewise. She is very keen that they have good manners and simple house rules give children clear boundaries so they feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to spend time with the childminder and to chat informally about their children over a cup of tea in the interests of good continuity of care. They receive a parent pack which explains the service offered clearly. Informal chats on a daily basis provide opportunities to share information regularly.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very motivated to provide the best care she can for children. To this end, not only has she completed the required training but she has also taken up further training opportunities in important areas such as child protection and the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is using the knowledge she has gained to put her service on a sure footing for the future such as beginning to self-evaluate her provision.

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Organisation

The childminder's home is organised well for the care of children. They have plenty of space, both indoors and outdoors, to play. A range of play resources appropriate to the needs of the children being cared for are set out for them to access freely. Children receive plenty of attention from the childminder and are supervised carefully to ensure their ongoing safety. All the required records are kept well and confidential documents are stored securely. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • increase resources that help children learn about and value diversity.

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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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