Lake Caroline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101162 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Kristin Hatherly

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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 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?

This childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her family in a house on a new estate in a village close to Northampton. Minded children have use of the whole of the downstairs apart from the dining room. There is a bedroom available upstairs for minded children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. The registration does not include over night care. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Assocation.

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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 has three cats. It is a non smoking household.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care at appropriate times such as washing their hands before meals and snacks, which contributes to their well-being. Children have separate flannels and towels which helps to prevent the spread of infection. However, recording of medication is not fully completed. Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of nutritious snacks and meals. The individual dietary needs and requirements of children are met through the recording of information gained from parents. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day. Children's good health and physical well-being is promoted as they play on a variety of equipment in the garden and through regular walks and visits to the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where space and equipment are used well. Suitable furniture and equipment ensures that children are comfortable and that they can play and eat together. They enjoy a range of activities and resources. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a good understanding of the need to supervise children at all times. Safety measures are in place to minimise hazards such as a fire evacuation plan which is practised regularly. This enables children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. Children are protected and their welfare promoted because the childminder has some knowledge of child protection issues although she does not have the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Generally, the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good and varied range of activities and resources which meets their individual needs well and enables children to progress appropriately. Children confidently play and show an interest in activities which is further developed by the childminder's good interaction with the children as she engages and encourages

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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 them in their play. Children are able to choose between a variety of toys and games. They are able to explore a good range of activities such as small world play, craft, games and puzzles. They also enjoy a variety of outings and frequently socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler and childminding groups. Children enjoy physical exercise in a large garden which develops their large body skills as they play on large equipment such as wheeled toys and slides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to develop an awareness of diversity through the childminder's understanding of the need to promote diversity in her childminding practice. However, there are a limited range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Children are valued and respected as individuals and receive regular praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Children behave well and are encouraged to develop good manners. They make themselves at home and develop their independence and are able to choose toys and resources to play with. The childminder has friendly and professional relationships with parents. She has policies which she shares with parents. They share relevant information regularly in order to consistently promote the welfare, individual needs and care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a well organised home enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are organised well to meet the needs of the children and good adult support is given. As a result, children feel secure and confident. Although the childminder has experience of children under three, she has not implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Apart from the appropriate recording of the hours of attendance of children and medication, most records and procedures are in place to ensure the efficient and safe management of the provision and promote the safety, care and well-being of children. All this contributes towards the effective and safe level of care of the children. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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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 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 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): • further develop recording of medication • ensure children are protected and their welfare is promoted through developing a knowledge and understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures • continue to develop an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • ensure that the hours of attendance of children is recorded appropriately • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of children under three, for example, by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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