Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362640 Unique Reference Number 21 July 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 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and four-year-old daughter in Lincoln city. All areas of the childminder's home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed backyard for outside play. There are schools, pre-schools, shops and parks within walking distance. The childminder uses her car for visits further afield.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years of age at any one time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is given good attention. Every effort is made to minimise opportunities for cross-infection. The childminder's home is kept very clean as a result of regular routines. Parents receive clear information about keeping children at home when they have a contagious illness, particularly diarrhoea and vomiting, because this is in the best interests of all the children. Robust nappy changing procedures are in place with soiled nappies being disposed of

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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 immediately in an outside bin. There is a written policy in place related to the toilet training of toddlers that informs parents of the importance of working closely together to achieve the desired results. A simple reminder is attached to the door of the toilet to remind older children about hand washing procedures. Any accidents that occur are recorded in detail and clear explanations are given to parents about the importance of medicine records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise each day. They usually go to the park where they can run around freely. Sometimes they play in the back yard. There are adequate toys and play equipment to help children develop strong bodies and good co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are mostly met by parents. They provide a packed meal which the childminder stores appropriately to ensure it is safe to eat when the child needs it. Snacks such as fresh fruit, according to children's preferences, and a biscuit as well as plenty of drinks are provided by the childminder.

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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 safe, secure and well-maintained environment. All external doors are kept locked so that children cannot get out alone and the keys are stored on a high hook attached to the door so that it can easily be unlocked in case of emergency. A safety gate is fixed across the bottom of the stairs and all other necessary safety equipment, such as cupboard and drawer catches and door stoppers are in place. Smoke alarms are checked weekly and the check is recorded. There is a detailed, written risk assessment that identifies potential hazards and a clear fire plan which is practised when older children are present. Outdoors, the gate and shed are both padlocked. Children are helped to learn to keep themselves safe from an early age as a result of the childminder talking to them about road safety when they are out and about and prompting them to 'be careful' in the home. All toys and equipment are checked

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her child protection responsibilities and potential signs and symptoms of abuse. A written policy and procedure is shared with parents so that they are also made aware.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy with the childminder. They have good relationships with her and her family. Children receive plenty of attention because the childminder involves herself in their play and makes sure she provides toys and activities that interest them. For example, she puts out cars for a toddler and then, as he loses interest in them, brings out puzzles. She sits on the floor with children to help them play and to talk to them. Children can access most toys for themselves and the childminder goes along with their choices. When a child brings a book to her, although he does not have the language to ask for it to be read, she immediately starts to look at it with him, reading the story and pointing out pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to achieve as a result of the childminder praising them for their efforts. For example, when a child fits all the pieces in a puzzle for the first time the childminder tells him 'well done' in and excited manner. Observations of what children can do are recorded by the childminder and she is beginning to grasp how they can be used in planning future activities to promote children's development and learning.

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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. Each child is treated as an individual by the childminder. She gathers information from parents and then makes her own observations to ensure that the child's continuing needs are met. Efforts are made to ensure the needs are met of children whose first language is not English. For example, if a relative who does not speak English picks the children up then the childminder always makes a telephone call to parents later to share daily information or puts a note in the child's bag. Children get out and about in the community regularly and so soon develop a feeling of belonging there. However, they do not have enough opportunities to learn to value all members of society or learn about the wider world during their everyday play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder gives them clear boundaries from an early age. For example, children develop the habit of always sitting at the table for meals and gentle prompting reminds them to play with toys carefully. Children who may be going through a biting phase are consistently told 'no' and are explained to that it hurts and is 'not nice'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made aware of the extent of the service offered through talking to the childminder and seeing her portfolio. Some policies and procedures are in writing which helps to clarify any discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the required training and undergone the necessary vetting to become registered. She is very keen to provide as well as she can for the children in her care. To this end she has identified and booked on training related to behaviour management, food hygiene, non-verbal communication and multicultural awareness. She has recently attended training on the incoming Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also makes the most of any support there is on offer, for example, meeting up with her support childminder weekly and talking to her about anything she is unsure about. She recognises she still has lots to learn and is enthusiastic about the future.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home well to care for children. She uses her lounge for quieter activities and for children to rest and her dining room for more active and messier play. All the required records contain plenty of detail, are maintained well and stored efficiently. 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 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): • increase resources that help children learn to 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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