Childminder in North East Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298690 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Rachel Elizabeth Bent

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives in Walton on Thames in Surrey, the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children, some of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the park and other

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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 local amenities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and relaxed environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Effective routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. For example, children of all ages use their own flannel to wash their face and hands before and after eating. This ensures children develop good hygiene habits from an early age. The childminder acts in the children's best interest if they become ill. Children enjoy fruit such as a apples and bananas at snack time. They receive nutritious meals that include plenty of fresh vegetables. This ensures children develop good eating habits. Water is always available in suitable containers, children have plenty to drink and this contributes to their good health. Children enjoy lots of physical exercise that keeps them healthy. Playing in the garden and park visits ensure children have plenty of fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children have strong relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. This caters for their emotional well-being and ensures they feel safe, valued and comfortable in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a warm, welcoming environment. The space is well organised and this allows children to move around safely. They have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development. Regular checks ensure there are no broken items that could harm a child. A risk assessment of the home ensures children's safety. For example, the childminder supervises children in the kitchen and uses a stair gate if necessary to prevent access, however, keys to all window locks are not easily accessible and keys to the front door are left in the door lock which could result in children leaving the home un supervised. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play. The children's play area in the garden is securely fenced off to prevent children from accessing unsuitable areas. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. For example, when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

playing in public parks, the childminder checks all areas for safety and keeps children in her sight at all times. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is clear about her role and explains this to parents. However, she is unsure of the procedures to follow if concerns are raised about her or a member of her family.

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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 play happily and confidently in the childminder's home. They enjoy very positive relationships with the childminder. Children show independence as they freely choose from a selection of good quality toys. Constant praise and encouragement builds self-esteem and allows children to learn and develop new skills. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are fun and age appropriate. They enjoy playing with a dolls house and farm which encourages imagination. Good open-ended questions encourage children to express their feelings. Visits to toddler clubs give children the opportunity to mix with other children. This helps them develop important social skills such as sharing. Good interaction with the childminder ensures children's language develops well. Good support for young children makes learning relevant and fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their individuality. She has a few toys and some books that reflect positive images of diversity. She talks positively to children about different people in society. This helps children see and accept differences from an early age. She knows the children well and this makes children feel confident and relaxed. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a good self-image. The childminder gathers all relevant information and ensures that individual routines are in place immediately. Daily feedback to parents ensures continuity of care. Children behave well when with the childminder. She uses positive strategies to promote good behaviour. She asks children to do things and trusts that they will. This means children learn self-control. This also encourages children to take responsibility for their actions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to make them feel secure and confident. There are good procedures in place to protect children from strangers. The childminder keeps up-to-date with current good practice by attending relevant courses. This ensures she builds her knowledge of childcare so she can support individual children.

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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 All required paperwork is in place and well maintained. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the range of needs of the 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that keys to all window locks are easily accessible and door keys are kept out of reach of the minded children • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and how to proceed if concerns are raised regarding the childminder or a member of her family.

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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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