Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208739 Inspection date 04 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 registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years. The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged 17, 15, 14 years on the outskirts of Lincoln city centre. The whole of the house is registered, however childminding normally takes place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family has a dog as a pet.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has undertaken their Quality Assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their health is promoted as there are effective hygiene procedures, such as washing hands after using the toilet, before meals and after outdoor play. Children are gaining an understanding that it is important to follow these procedures to prevent them from becoming poorly. The childminder has excellent hygiene procedures in place and ensures that she has taken veterinary advice with regard to the family dog. Before visiting places such as farms where children may be in direct contact with animals the childminder ensures that she is aware of all necessary hygiene precautions and has the means to apply these, for example carrying anti-bacterial hand wash or lotion that can be used without water. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures regarding infectious illnesses which she shares with parents to make them aware of

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Helping children to be healthy

the times when their child will be unable to attend the provision. This ensures that children are protected from the spread of infection. 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 range of nutritious snacks and home cooked meals which include fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, helping to promote their growth and development. Children participate in a range of physical activities, which contribute to the promotion of their good health. They are offered opportunities for outdoor exercise, taking the dog for a walk, visiting the local park and outings to places of interest such as Rand Farm. They also enjoy playing in the garden, making use of a range of toys and equipment such as sit and ride toys and balls, enabling them to develop control of their bodies and improve their skills in these areas. All activities are based around the

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Helping children to be healthy

ages and abilities of children attending to ensure that they are all able to join in.

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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 secure and well-maintained environment. Potential hazards are identified and minimised both indoors and during outdoor activities to help keep children safe. Children are developing an awareness of safety and are beginning to take responsibility for their own as they learn how and where to cross roads safely.They are aware of the importance of tidying up toys before getting more out in order to avoid accidents through lack of space. Children's safety in an emergency situation has been clearly thought through. There are written fire plans and procedures and the childminder ensures that children know how to respond

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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 through undertaking regular practices. Children independently select activities from a wide range of clean, good-quality toys and equipment which are regularly checked for safety as well as being appropriate for their age and stage of development. Older children are aware that when using any games, craft materials or toys that have small pieces they must ensure that they do so in areas that are not accessible to the those who are younger, for example when using hamma beads they must sit at the dining room table and pick any up that happen to drop on the floor. The children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection. She ensures that she has emergency contact details readily available and has all relevant information regarding

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled within the childminder's home, confidently choosing toys and activities. All children are warmly welcomed promoting their self esteem and their feeling of self-worth. This is a stimulating and happy environment where children benefit from the extensive range and variety of toys, resources and activities. The children thoroughly enjoy being cared for by the childminder and openly demonstrate that she is fun and has wonderful things for them to do. The rotation of toys maintains children's interest and provides increased scope when they are used in the future. Independence is promoted exceptionally well and children are confident and outgoing. Resources are stored in accessible units and children can self select and organise their own preferences and ideas. Younger children benefit from attending facilities that increase their social and interactive skills. Children who attend pre-school or school

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

discuss the activities that they have been participating in and the childminder extends their learning through stimulating activities that are fun and support their understanding. 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. Their emotional well-being is suitably promoted through the knowledge the childminder has of the importance of following home routines as closely as possible enabling them to feel secure and settle well. For example, children's needs for sleep and food are arranged with parents. A range of appropriate resources are also in place to promote children's awareness of difference and how this is to be valued. Their self-esteem is suitably promoted as the childminder ensures that parents are able to share in their child's achievements as they take home examples of their work. Children's changing needs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are identified appropriately by working closely with parents who receive a daily report of their child's progress and development. Children are developing an excellent awareness of the wider community and other cultures by frequent trips out to places such as the library and toddler groups. A wide range of appropriate resources are in place to promote children's awareness of difference and how this is to be valued. The childminder has recently obtained ethnic dressing up clothes and a book in Braille which have both promoted excellent opportunities for discussion. Children are

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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 beginning to realise that some people require different levels of support and equipment to accomplish certain activities. This is a secure and stable environment in which children are skilfully included in all areas of learning. Children learn through play, family routine and excellent levels of support and guidance. Children are happy and confident to express themselves. All areas of learning are covered through a variety of activities such as weighing and measuring when baking, and symmetry with hamma beads. The childminder uses conversation well and is skilful when questioning to encourage the children to think before they answer. Children's behaviour is excellent and the childminder has various strategies in place, according to the age and understanding of the children. For example older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

receive 'time out' to encourage them to reflect upon their behaviour whilst younger children are distracted. Children are confident and self assured as they receive a high level of praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children's self-esteem is suitably promoted as the childminder ensures that parents are able to share in their child's achievements as they take home examples of their work. Children's changing needs are identified and met through the childminder's daily conversations with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 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 and carers on a daily basis to ensure she is aware of any changes that may affect a child's behaviour. The childminder provides a portfolio containing details of the service she offers as well as information about her family and written policies and procedures to enable parents to gain a greater understanding of the type of care their child will receive. 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. Children play together well and are learning about sharing and turn-taking. Their behaviour is very good and the childminder continually

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Helping children make a positive contribution

uses praise and encouragement to enable children to feel confident and gain a feeling of self-worth. 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's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and ways of life is very well promoted. The childminder provides an excellent range of resources and activities to increase their understanding of this, for example through books, dressing up clothes, small world toys, activities and discussion. The childminder provides activities that enable children to gain a greater understanding of the fact that although we are all different, and as such have different experiences and needs, we are all important as individuals. Through the skill of the childminder the children are gaining a feeling of self-worth. The childminder has some experience of caring for children who have special needs

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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 and would seek training in any areas needed to ensure that she was able to offer appropriate care and be able to support both the child and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy and content in the childminder's home. The space and resources are organised effectively to provide for a wide range of activities and room for rest, eating, floor and table toys to meet the needs of the varying age groups. Children are well supported during activities to promote their learning as well as the time and space to play independently. Children's care and well-being are safeguarded because all documentation is in place and there are clear written policies and procedures. Records are maintained accurately and are shared with parents to ensure continuity of the children's care. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ongoing training and the continual improvement of her childcare knowledge and skills. 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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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed.

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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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