Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 209102 Inspection date 23 January 2006 Inspector Christine Hands

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a childminder since 1986. She lives in a modern detached house situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a residential estate within walking distance of Sleaford town centre. Minded children have access to all ground floor areas, with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family has a Labrador dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their health is promoted as there are effective hygiene procedures, such as washing hands before meals and after outdoor play. 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 snacks which include fresh fruit, helping to promote their growth and development. Children are safeguarded from food related illnesses because food brought in from home is stored appropriately. However, their immediate health and well-being could potentially be compromised as the childminder has not yet renewed her first aid certificate. Children have regular opportunities to take part in outdoor activities that furthers their good health and development. They increase their physical skills as they play garden

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

games, go on walks with the dog and walk to and from schools and nurseries.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and well-maintained environment. Potential hazards are identified and minimised in both indoors and during outdoor activities to help keep children safe. Children begin to develop an awareness of safety as they respond to the childminder's guidelines and procedures. Children are looked after in a home that is well organised to ensure that their safety can be maintained. Activities take place in the lounge, dining room and the kitchen which ensures that different areas are available for specific activities. Young children rest or sleep comfortably in well ventilated rooms on the first floor. When sleeping, children are checked at regular intervals to ensure their safety. Children are kept safe through the appropriate measures in place, for example, safety covers on empty sockets and current public liability insurance. The childminder ensures children are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe when outside the home by using wrist bands or reins on very young children. Older children are aware of the importance of following road safety procedures and how to keep themselves safe. They are also learning how to help younger children become aware of dangers on the road by holding their hands. They are suitably protected from the risks of fire because appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place and an emergency escape plan has been practised. Children can make their own selections from a good range of easily accessible resources that the childminder ensures are safe for their use. Children are protected because the childminder is clear about child protection procedures and how to recognise the signs of possible abuse, although she does not have the current government information. Children move about the house and garden in complete safety because the

p.3

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 childminder has a very good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure. She is able to identify and minimise potential hazards throughout the house and outdoor areas. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about personal safety and how to care for each other. Older children show concern by ensuring that when they play games using small pieces they do so out of reach of the younger children by either using the table or a different room.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care because she develops warm and caring relationships with them. The childminder listens and talks to the children and values what they say. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of indoor and outdoor activities of their choice as they take part in a more relaxed session at end of the school day or do their homework. Younger children successfully develop their writing and reading skills as they are encouraged to sound out words and practise the formation of letters during their favourite drawing activities. Children develop their creative skills as they take part in a range of art and craft activities and dress up during imaginary play and cooking activities such as decorating biscuits. They increase their knowledge and understanding of the world as they discuss how things work. Children especially enjoy the craft activities where they

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are able to see an end result, for example, bats for Halloween and crackers at Christmas, enjoying the comments and admiration from parents. This builds on children's self-esteem and confidence. Children develop their co-ordination and control using a range of large and small equipment. They are developing construction skills using lego and even the younger children use this, although under the careful supervision of the childminder. Children are becoming confident in their speech and enjoy listening to stories, singing and dancing to music.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's knowledge and understanding of other cultures and ways of life is very well promoted. The childminder provides a range of resources and activities to increase their understanding of this, for example through books, small world toys, activities and discussion. They are also gaining a good understanding of the needs of other people and of their local community as they visit, with parental consent, a local nursing home as well as shops and the park. The childminder talks to the children about how it is important that we all look after each other and that this can mean making sure that toys are not left around for people to trip over as well as not running around where there are other people in case they bump into them. She spends a lot of time talking to children and helping them to come to an understanding about themselves and their own feelings. Children are developing good relationships with the childminder and the other

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

children being cared for as they take part in joint activities and receive constant

p.4

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 praise and encouragement. This enables children to develop their self-esteem, confidence and feelings of self worth. Children's behaviour is very good because both the childminder and the parents work closely together to ensure that they are consistent in their practice. Children are aware of house rules and show respect for boundaries set. Children show care and concern for each other and older children support younger children with various activities and when away from the home. Relationships with parents are both professional and friendly. Through the daily sharing of information on a verbal basis and discussion about how the child has been and what they have been doing, the childminder ensures parents are kept fully aware of the level of care their child receives.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home and feel relaxed and at ease in this environment, enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play and learning. They have sufficient space and freedom to play and are able to access appropriate toys and resources easily. The children's overall development is promoted well because the childminder carefully plans and organises her day to add variety, and provide activities that hold the interest of the children. Although some of the documentation is in place, not all was available for inspection. The childminder has been undertaking a project with the children about recycling and some has accidentally been recycled. All documentation and record keeping is shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder had three actions and three recommendations. The actions relating to obtaining a fire blanket, using safety covers on all empty low level electrical sockets and having written agreements have all been met. The recommendations regarding the recording of existing injuries, devising emergency evacuation procedures and obtaining the leaflet regarding child protection have also been met, although the childminder does not yet have the latest government information regarding child protection. A further recommendation has been made regarding this. Safety within the home has been increased and children receive greater levels of protection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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 The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 all documentation is available for inspection and is held with regard to confidentiality • ensure that a first aid course is completed which includes training in first aid for children and infants • ensure that you obtain the latest government information regarding child protection.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6