Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306790 Inspection date 26 January 2006 Inspector Anne Barnsley

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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 with her husband and two children aged three and eight in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and a gerbil.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well because the childminder implements stringent practices that effectively teach children about the importance of being healthy from a young age. Very young children are well supported in their learning. As children grow older and develop greater levels of independence they enjoy helping to prepare and clear away after snacks and meals. Comprehensive policies and procedures, that are shared with parents, avoid the spread of infectious illness. Children are clearly beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are developing an appreciation of eating vegetables and fruit and are involved with trips to the supermarket to buy ingredients for cooking. This helps children to learn about food and the changes that occur when food is cooked. It helps children form an interest in cooking and healthy eating. Meals and snacks are well prepared and

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Helping children to be healthy

account for children's preferences, appetites and stage of development. Parents are encouraged to send healthy options in children's lunch boxes to ensure continuity. Children are offered regular drinks of water throughout the day and occasional drinks of low sugar juice with a meal. Children have exceptionally good experiences that develop their physical skills. Daily walks, outside play and frequent trips to gym tots and parks develop children's whole body movements. Access to a wide range of resources and an excellent variety of activities develop and extend children's small body movements and skills. From a young age children develop bodily awareness and know that they need to take clothes off when they are hot and to put additional clothes on when they are cold. They understand their personal needs and know when they are tired, hungry or thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder undertakes thorough risk assessments and implements safety measures that effectively meet the needs of the children she is caring for. Children are able to move feely in a safe environment because the house is well maintained and organised. There are designated sleep areas to ensure that young children can sleep safely. Children enjoy being involved and valued for their help. They keep safety gates closed when these are in use for young children and are protective and mindful of the welfare and needs of their younger peers. Toys and resources are stored safely to account for the different ages and stages of children being cared for. This ensures that children are able to choose independently from a safe variety. Children are learning how to prevent accidents by clearing toys from the floor when they have finished playing with them. They appreciate how to respect and care for

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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 their toys and inform the childminder if a toy gets damaged. Children understand road safety and stay close to the childminder when on outings and trips. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place. She has a current first aid certificate, and has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's preferences are highly respected by the childminder. Children are learning to care about each other and their belongings which enables them to contribute positively and have a sense of belonging. This is a secure and stable environment in which children are included in all areas of learning. Children learn through play, family routine and good levels of support and guidance. This is a stimulating and happy environment where children benefit from the extensive range and variety of toys, resources and activities. 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. Children contribute greatly to planning by identifying areas of particular interest or preference. Younger children benefit from attending facilities that increase their social and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interactive skills. 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a satisfactory range of resources that enables them to learn about the wider world and diversity. Children are developing a positive understanding of others. Younger children are learning about differences and individuality through general play and exposure to resources that promote positive images. Children's development is carefully monitored to ensure that their continuing needs are realistically met. Their individual needs are catered for exceptionally well, through close liaison with parents, discussion with the children and observing children at play. Parents are kept very well informed about their child on a daily basis and records are kept current and comprehensively maintained. Children benefit greatly from their first hand experience of positive partnership between the childminder and their parents. Children behave very well. Expectations are realistic, clear and consistent so that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children feel secure and confident in the setting. The behaviour management policy does not fully reflect the good practice that is in place to manage a wide range of behaviour. Children know what is expected of them and work in harmony as a family group. Older children help younger children and all children are learning to take responsibility for safety, resources and each others feelings.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is organised extremely well to ensure that children are secure and well cared for. Children are treated with exceptional kindness and valued as part of a family environment. They are relaxed, confident and have a sense of belonging. Children are part of a stable family environment that is organised around their individual needs and attendance. Records are kept current and are shared with parents to keep them informed about their child's care. and the service being offered. Daily discussions take place to enable any changing needs of the children to be organised swiftly so that their well-being is always ensured. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 all accidents and existing injuries are recorded regardless of how minor • increase the range of resources that promote positive images of diversity and continue to develop the behaviour management policy to reflect the strategies you use to manage a wide range of behaviour with all ages and stages of children • maintain a complaints log in which all complaints and action taken can be recorded

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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 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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