Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303967 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Sandra Jean Russell

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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?

The childminder was registered in March 2005. She lives with her three children aged eleven, eight and six. The family live on the outskirts of Scunthorpe. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family own two Labrador puppies The childminder is registered to care for three children under the age of eight years. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder takes children to and collects them from Lincoln Gardens Primary school.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in an environment that is clean and well maintained. They understand good hygiene procedures that help them stay healthy, such as hand washing routines after toileting, before eating and after helping to feed the childminder's dogs. Their health is further maintained as the childminder ensures that the dogs are secured in a pen. However, the childminder's knowledge of first aid is limited and compromises the health and safety of the children. The children enjoy a range of outdoor activities to develop their physical skills, such as ball games, riding bikes and tricycles, visiting parks where they can run and climb and taking local walks. They move confidently around the setting demonstrating spatial awareness and control of their bodies. The children are well nourished as they receive well balanced meals that consist of dishes such as casseroles, stews, soups, egg, cheese and pasta. They are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to eat fresh vegetables and fruit snacks, ensuring that they begin to learn about healthy living. Their dietary needs are addressed as the childminder works closely with parents by discussing and providing for any special requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a safe environment, where the childminder identifies and minimises risks, to ensure their safety. For example, the security of the premises, protection from electrical sockets, correct storage of cleaning products and careful supervision when in contact with the family's dogs protect the welfare of the children. A suitable emergency evacuation procedure is in place, although this has not been practised with the children. On outings the children understand how to keep themselves safe as they learn the green cross code, are encouraged to hold hands and are warned not to run ahead. They benefit from the childminder's appropriate understanding of child protection. The children have safe and easy access to a range of age appropriate toys and games, which are stored in novelty baskets, drawers and on child height shelves. Resources are of good quality are clean and in good condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled in an environment that is welcoming to children. They relax comfortably after lunch with a video, then join in enthusiastically with a structured craft activity. They construct a finger mouse, using initiative and skill as they manipulate scissors and glue sticks. They confidently move off to participate in

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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 free play activities when their mouse is completed. The children enjoy being involved in helping the childminder feed her dogs, measuring and counting cups of food. By helping with simple household tasks such as folding washing and pairing socks they continue to learn simple mathematical skills. A further range of interesting activities such as construction, role play, musical games, computer, books, box games and outdoor play ensure that the children develop their knowledge and skills. The children develop confidence and self esteem as they are praised and encouraged whilst completing their craft activity. They develop positive relationships as they interact and communicate well with the childminder. The children's individual needs are met as the childminder ensures that activities are age and stage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel a sense of belonging as they move confidently around the setting and demonstrate settled relationships with the childminder. They are cared for by a childminder who works with their parents to ensure that their individual needs are valued and respected. The children begin to understand responsible behaviour as they readily help to tidy toys and equipment away. They make choices and decisions about their play resources and develop self esteem through the praise and encouragement of the childminder. Although resources are limited, the children become aware of a wider society through interesting activities such as Chinese character writing, the celebration of different festivals, tasting foods from different cultures and positive images portrayed in books.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are settled and at ease in the warm, welcoming environment. They move freely around the setting demonstrating confidence and independence. The childminder's appropriate understanding of child development and the provision of age appropriate resources ensure that the children continue to learn and progress. Most documentation is in order. However, the childminder does not meet training qualification requirements as she does not hold a current first aid certificate and the required complaints recording system is not in place, compromising the welfare of the children. Clear, concise policies and procedures work in practise to promote the children's well-being. These are shared with parents and copies are provided on request. Regular verbal exchanges with parents, ensure that they are kept up to date with the progress of their children. The needs of the children are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • devise a system for recording complaints in line with revised requirements.

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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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