Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208743 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Christine Hands

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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 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 July 2000. She is currently registered to care for 5 children under 8 years of age. At present she cares for 10 children all of whom are on a part time basis. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 13 and 5 years on the outskirts of Lincoln city centre. The whole of the house is registered, however children mainly use the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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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 The family keep a dog as a pet. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has just completed a quality assurance programme called Quality First.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children are gaining an understanding of the importance of following good hygiene procedures to prevent them from becoming poorly. Children are protected from the risk of infection through the childminder's commitment to following good hygiene procedures as well as ensuring that she follows current veterinary advice with regard to her dog. Children are protected from the spread of infectious illness by the comprehensive policies and procedures that are in place and are shared with parents. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up-to-date knowledge of first aid and all procedures are in place in the event of any medical emergencies. The children's dietary needs are met as the childminder discusses individual requirements with parents and keeps a record of these, ensuring that any special diets are observed. Children are offered a nutritious and varied diet which includes a

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Helping children to be healthy

selection of fruits and fresh vegetables, helping to promote their growth and development. Drinks are available throughout the day and children are aware that they can help themselves to these at any time. The childminder ensures that younger children are given drinks at regular intervals. Children participate in a range of physical activities, which contribute to the promotion of their good health. They have opportunities for outdoor exercise on a daily basis, such as walks to school and visiting the local park. They are suitably protected from the weather, using suncream in the summer and warm waterproof clothing in the winter. Children enjoy splashing through puddles and kicking leaves at this time of year.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is committed to safeguard and promote children's welfare. She has all the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate, has a secure understanding of local child protection procedures and her responsibilities in relation to them. However, whilst the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in relation to the emergency evacuation procedure and has a written one in place, it is not regularly practised to ensure that it is adequate to safely evacuate children quickly and safely in an emergency. Children are cared for in a secure and well-maintained environment. Potential

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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 hazards are identified and minimised both indoors and during outdoor activities to help keep them safe. Children begin to develop an awareness of safety as they respond to the childminder's guidelines and procedures. For example children are able to speak clearly about road safety and how to keep themselves safe when away from the home. The older children are even clear about what they would do if they were lost, for example going into a shop to ask for help. This clearly demonstrates the importance the childminder places on ensuring that children are given enough information to assist them in making informed decisions as to how they can keep themselves safe. Children are able to choose from a variety of good quality toys and play materials. The childminder monitors the resources to ensure they remain safe and suitable for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's use. Children's welfare is promoted by the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children receive excellent levels of adult support which encourages independence and the confidence they need to initiate their own activities. For example, children may wish to use the computer, participate in the wonderful range of craft activities, read books or play with floor toys all of which are accessible to the children. Children's learning is promoted in all areas through the knowledge the childminder has of child development as well as the interests of the children. She skilfully tailors activities to meet individual needs. The childminder has both the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum and uses these as a basis for some of the interesting activities provided, ensuring that children's all round development is very well promoted. The children have developed warm relationships with the childminder and are confident to approach her for a cuddle or support. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and the childminder all demonstrate the fun they are having through laughter and discussion, with all experiencing a sense of belonging. Children are taken on outings and trips to places of interest and have excellent opportunities to talk about and share their experiences. Children are happy and confident to express themselves in this setting. Children are developing their imagination through dressing up and enacting different scenarios such as dressing up in football clothes and pretending they are at a football match. Children have opportunities to experience a wealth of activities that promote language, discussion and feelings, for example during the harvest festival the children were making bread. When asked what it felt like when kneading the bread a child replied 'comfy'. The childminder uses conversation well and is skilful when questioning to encourage the children to think before they answer.

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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 Children feel valued and respected because the childminder ensures that she is aware of their individual needs and she is able to meet these consistently. Information is exchanged with parents on a daily basis to ensure she is aware of any changes that may affect a child's behaviour. The children's daily routine is well balanced and allows time for meals, rest, quiet and active play. Their social skills are developing and relationships forming through the opportunities provided for meeting other children and adults, for example on visits to the library and toddler groups. Children play well together and are learning about sharing and turn-taking. Their behaviour is very good and the childminder continually uses praise and encouragement to enable children to feel confident and gain a feeling of self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have consistent boundaries and are always given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to think about their behaviour and start to take responsibility for themselves. Children benefit from the excellent relationships between their parents or carers and the childminder. Parents are provided with a portfolio to look at which contains information about the childminder and her family as well as various policies and procedures. Parents are therefore able to make an informed decision as to whether they feel this is the best place for their child. Children's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and ways of life is very well promoted. The childminder provides a wide range of resources and activities to increase their understanding of this, for example through books, small world toys, activities, dressing up clothes and discussion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe and secure, knowing that their needs will be met. The children's safety and welfare are promoted as the childminder has all relevant paperwork in place and there are clear written policies and procedures. The varying daily requirements of all children are met well though the childminder's adaptation of the routine and activity plans to suit individual children. She ensures that there is always time to give them additional one-to-one attention when needed. The children are confident and can therefore initiate their own play and learning, knowing that the childminder will always be there to offer support. The children's overall development is very well promoted because the childminder carefully plans and organises her day to add variety and provide activities that hold the interest of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to attend training in order for her to gain a greater understanding of the needs of young children and continue to improve the service she offers. The childminder has just completed a quality assurance scheme with the National Childminding Association . Overall the needs of all children are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents for her to be able to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment in the case of an emergency. This has now been obtained and ensures that should there be an emergency, there would be no delay in children receiving treatment.

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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): • practise an emergency escape plan at regular intervals.

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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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