Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362669 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Beverly Kemp-Russell 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and two years in Lincoln, close to local shops and schools. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes with the exception of the main bedroom on the second floor. There is a secure garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding four children between the ages of one and five years who attends on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute to children's health. There are planned outdoor activities to help them develop physical skills and develop body control. The garden

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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 and the local park are used regularly to ensure children have good opportunities for outside play. The children enjoy going to the nature park to collect things of interest such as, pine cones, leaves and wild flowers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children follow clear hygiene routines and their understanding of regular hand washing reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children's health is promoted by the childminder maintaining good accident and medication records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met through the childminder providing healthy drinks, meals and snacks to ensure children are well nourished. She encourages children to make healthy eating choices but also takes their likes and dislikes into consideration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home provides a safe, secure and homely environment for the children. Most areas of the home are used well to enable different play opportunities at the same time. The childminder is safety conscious and all necessary safety equipment is in place including a stair gate to prevent unsupervised access to the stairs. Children are always in sight or hearing of the childminder to ensure their safety. This means they are able to move around independently which increases their confidence. The childminder helps children learn about keeping themselves safe for example, through planning to practice fire drills and making sure that children understand about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. Toys and play resources are appropriate to the needs of the children being cared for and are kept in good condition. All this contributes to keeping children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is aware of her child protection responsibilities. She knows who is allowed to pick up children and makes sure parents are informed of the action she would take in an emergency or if they were late collecting their child. She has a child protection policy but she is not fully aware of child protection and safeguarding children procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. The child spontaneously cuddles the childminder and responds well to the childminder's own child. They play well together and in harmony. Children select resources which develop their learning such as programmable toys and prams and dolls. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. Children make their own choices and access a good range of resources that are age-appropriate and which meet their needs. They experience an interesting learning environment through activities provided by the childminder such as nature walks. She offers a range of art and craft activities to develop children's creativity such as making and using play dough, sticking and painting.

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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 Children's language skills are developed through the effective questioning techniques 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 satisfactory. Children have equal access to play resources and activities and their individual needs are well met. However, activities and resources that promote anti-discriminatory practice and inform children about the wider world are limited. The childminder is aware of the need to work closely with parents of children with special needs to ensure that appropriate care is offered. All children are made welcome by the childminder and she displays affectionate and warm relationships with children which ensures that they feel a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well 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 receive lots of praise and encouragement, and guidance is applied consistently to ensure they are aware of acceptable boundaries. Children are calm in response to the childminder's relaxed manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. Children's needs are met by daily verbal communication between the childminder and parents. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes and the childminder ensures she is aware of their opinions and attitudes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met by the way the childminder organises the room layout. Children are able to feel at home and at ease in this environment. Most policies and procedures are comprehensive and promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept informed about the service provided by regular verbal communication. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • improve knowledge of child protection and safeguarding children procedures • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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