Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 500847 Inspection date 07 June 2005 Inspector Linda Phillips

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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 May 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two and a half years in a terraced house to the west of Kingston upon Hull on the Hull/East Riding of Yorkshire boundary. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years, of whom no more than two may be under 12 months. She currently cares for four children on different days of the week on a part-time basis. For child minding purposes only the ground floor of the home is used and there is a

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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 enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of outdoor and indoor activities which contribute to their good health. The rear garden enables children to access physical play at home, and other outdoor activities such as trips to the park provide additional opportunities. Parents attention is drawn to the childminders sick children policy, where there are clear details in the care and exclusion of sick and ill children to prevent cross infection. A valid first aid certificate is held within the childminders' portfolio and she is aware of steps to be taken should accidents occur. Children are cared for within a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Parents supply hair and tooth brushes for their children to encourage and assist with this care. The childminder has agreed the provision of food and drink with parents and as a result the children are offered healthy snack lunches and teas. Meals are nutritionally

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Helping children to be healthy

balanced incorporating fruit and vegetables daily to meet children's dietary needs and requirements which are essential for their healthy growth and development.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. They use the ground floor rooms only and are able to use the space safely and independently. The childminder remains in close contact with the children whilst allowing them to choose activities for themselves, which helps to promote safety and prevent accidents in their play. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe by ensuring hands are held when out walking, the use of pram restraints, and by taking them to a road safety day. Systems are in place for the childminder to check toys and resources for cleanliness and safety, which results in children having a wide range of quality items to play with. The childminder has all the required polices, procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has attended an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate first aid course and the certificate is available for parents to view. She has also attended a child protection course which has enabled her to increase her knowledge and understanding further, and of her responsibility to protect children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered a wide range of opportunities and activities both in the home and outside which encourage and enable them to become more independent through new experiences and challenges. Although activities are pre-planned these are very much subject to the needs and choices of the children. There are excellent systems in place for evidencing opportunities undertaken as examples of many photographs depicting outings, themed activities and outdoor play are available. The childminder plans activities in the main around seasons and cultural festivals, and as a result children learn about the wider world. A wide range of age-appropriate toys, resources and play materials are available within the well organised lounge which enables the children to experience physical play, art and craft activities, as well as having access to many books. Children are able and encouraged to make independent choices regarding play, with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder playing with them to broaden their opportunities and learning. The childminder is well-organised, calm and relaxed, and as a result is able to spend quality time with the children so they benefit from her full support and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are taken into the community to attend various groups each morning. This enables them to have a wider range of activities and opportunities to promote a positive view and to increase their awareness within the local area. They also have additional opportunities to meet up with other childminders and their children which expands their circle of friends and new experiences. The childminder promotes equal opportunities by offering care to all children irrespective of gender, race, culture and ability. She makes parents aware of this by including her policy within her portfolio. Activities and opportunities are well planned to ensure all children are included should they choose. Parents are asked about daily routines which as far as possible are followed closely to enable children to have continuity, and to feel comfortable in their surroundings. The childminder has a clear written behaviour management policy which she shares

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with them. Children behave well and have time together and time to play alone. Any behaviour problems are fully discussed with parents, resulting in children learning right from wrong in a gentle and calm manner. The children are guided by the childminder in their play, although they are encouraged to be more independent in choosing for themselves. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and is

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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 aware of the importance of working with parents and relevant parties to ensure children's needs are appropriately met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is extremely well organised. She presents herself in a professional way which enables parents to have confidence in her and for the children to learn, have fun and be happy. All records were available for inspection and maintained in a clear manner, however some minor amendments are required. Policies and procedures available are used effectively to promote the welfare and safety of children. The childminders' detailed portfolio is shared with parents and they are kept fully informed about the service and their child's activities and opportunities. As a result of this they are happy to leave their children in the childminders' care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to provide appropriate door security which she has done, and as a result children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. An emergency evacuation procedure was asked for and is now in place. This is shared with children to ensure they are aware of actions to be taken and how to remain safe. All parents now have written contracts with the childminder, and as a result are kept fully informed of the agreed services.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • ensure parents are informed immediately should a child sustain a head injury • ensure parents are aware of the childminder carrying photographs and personal details of children with her in case of emergencies.

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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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