Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306842 Inspection date 09 November 2005 Inspector Susan Hoult

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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 2005. She has previously been registered as a childminder in England and abroad for over 15 years. She lives with her husband and their 3 children aged 17, 15 and 10 in Bracebridge Heath, on the outskirts of Lincoln, Lincolnshire. There are schools, shops and parks within walking distance. The whole of the childminder’s house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to look after 6 children at any one time during the day and may provide overnight care for 2 children. There is currently 1 child on roll. The

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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 family has a pet cat, a dog and hamsters. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and meets regularly with other registered childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through routines and discussions. Good arrangements are in place to prevent infection through cross-contamination. For example, the childminder cleans work surfaces with anti-bacterial spray prior to preparing food and thoroughly cleans the nappy-changing mat after use. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is therefore able to deal with any accidents. However, written consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment is not obtained. Children's understanding of healthy eating is reinforced through discussion with the childminder and play activities, such as making healthy sandwiches using play food. The childminder makes sure she liaises closely with parents and has written details about any allergies, special dietary needs and individual likes and dislikes so that she

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Helping children to be healthy

caters well for children's individual health needs. Parents currently choose to provide meals, snacks and drinks for their children which are stored and served safely. When the childminder does provide food she ensures children receive healthy, nutritionally balanced meals. Children freely access drinks throughout the day ensuring they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy regular walks and vigorous physical exercise in the garden and at the local park which provide good opportunities for play and healthy development. Activities include using a large trampoline fitted with safety nets, riding sit-on toys, climbing using the playhouse ladder and a variety of ball games which develop children's large muscle skills and body control. Children's emotional well-being is fostered well through the warm relationship they have with 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 welcoming, secure and well maintained environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children are always within sight or hearing of the childminder. This means they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Children learn to keep themselves safe through the childminder effectively reinforcing safe practices. For example, she gently reminds a young child not to put shells in their mouth and carefully shows them how to use pastry cutters without hurting themselves. Emergency evacuations are practised regularly so that children understand what to do in case of a fire.

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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 Children independently select from a wide range of high quality, well maintained toys, books and equipment that are easily accessible. Good use is made of the ground floor to give children individual space to become involved in activities relevant to their age and stage of development. Harnesses are used on equipment such as highchairs, car seats and pushchairs to prevent accidents. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and very settled in the childminder's comfortable, stimulating home. Children have fun and initiate much of their play as resources are easily accessible; this promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence and learning in all areas. Children respond very well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead. She extends their learning and thinking through challenging them appropriately. This also raises children's levels of confidence and independence. Children develop their skills and understanding by using the good range of toys and activities that stimulate their imagination, investigative and creative skills. For example, a young child has fun pushing a variety of shells into the play dough that he has helped make. He then moves on to cut shapes out of the play dough and describes what they look like.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

When the child puts the shells in his pocket, he moves around and listens to the sound they make. The childminder skilfully holds the child's interest and reinforces the colours and sizes of the shells and helps him count them. Children enjoy a range of experiences outside the home that stimulate their learning including nature walks, visits to a stream to feed the ducks and watch the fish, shopping to buy ingredients for baking activities and visits to a garden centre where they also see a variety of animals. They socialise with others through regular attendance at toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and therefore provides an environment where they are stimulated whilst having fun. Children have a sense of belonging as they access toys and books freely and help choose which of their art to display. They feel valued as the childminder listens carefully to what they have to say and is interested in what they do. Children behave very well helped by the childminder who is a good role model and has realistic expectations of individual children. They know the house rules and learn to care for, and respect themselves and each other supported by the childminder's skilful use of praise, encouragement and explanation which also develops children's self-esteem. Children develop their understanding of the wider world through access to a variety of

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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 activities, books and toys that promote positive images of our diverse society. Discussing various festivals, such as Christmas, Ramadan and Eid further increases children's understanding of diversity. The childminder works closely with parents, whom she values and respects, to create a trusting partnership which enhances children's well-being, development and progress. Parents learn about the service offered through discussions with the childminder and reading her informative portfolio. They are aware of what their children have done through daily chats. New children are offered a gradual introduction to give them time to settle.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment that is organised well for its purpose whilst at the same time maintaining a homely atmosphere. The childminder ensures children are never left alone with unvetted persons. She is conscientious and enthusiastic about her work and attends relevant training. Children's attendance is accurately recorded and paperwork is very organised and easily accessible. This and the comprehensive policies and procedures that are in place work in practice to effectively promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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