Tebb Elizabeth Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208807 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Susan Hoult

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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 2000. She lives with her partner and her two children aged 11 and 8 years. Her partner's three children, aged 14 and twin 12 year olds, visit three times a week and stay occasionally. They live in a house in the Doddington Road area of Lincoln. Shops, parks and schools are within walking distance. The ground floor of the home, except the lounge, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time.

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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 She is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis in addition to caring for three children aged eight and over. A dog and goldfish are kept as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and meets regularly with other childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of challenging activities which contribute to their good health. Regular walks, visits to the park and physical play in the garden, such as digging in the sand, football and playing on the slide and trampoline, help children develop their physical skills and body control. Discussions about the benefits of walking rather than using the car effectively promotes children's understanding of keeping fit and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Good arrangements are in place to protect children from the spread of infection by preventing cross contamination. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray to clean surfaces before children eat and they use paper towels to dry their hands after hand washing. Children's health is well promoted by the childminder having a current first aid certificate and having clear

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures in place should a child become ill or need emergency medical treatment or advice. Children's emotional well-being develops through the very warm relationships they have with the childminder. Young children settle happily to sleep when tired. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure she meets children's individual dietary requirements, likes and dislikes. Children enjoy a variety of high quality, nutritious meals and snacks. They have ready access to drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel very secure in the childminder's warm, welcoming home where the majority of risks are identified and minimised. Clear, detailed risk assessments are regularly made to ensure children's safety is maintained whilst an extension is being built on the house. There is also an assessment in place for the use of the trampoline, which is fitted with a safety net and is always closely supervised when in use to help prevent accidents. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through the childminder very capably reinforcing safe practises such as gently reminding them that only one child at a time should use the slide and they should not walk in front of the swing when in use. Children independently select from a wide range of toys that are clean and in good

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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 condition. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. She actively supervises children both indoors and outdoors to ensure their safety at all times. Children understand what to do in case of a fire in the home through the practising of emergency evacuations. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and her knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle extremely well in the childminder's home. They enter confidently, make themselves at home and have fun whilst they play happily with the wide variety toys. Children relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups, a music group and meeting for activities with other childminders. Children receive good levels of attention and support which promotes their learning in all areas and raises their levels of confidence and independence. This also supports young children's feelings of self. An older child enjoys chalking, looking at books and singing with the childminder whilst the younger children sleep. Good communication skills are developed as children interact with the childminder who has a caring relationship with them. Children maintain interest in their play as the childminder skilfully challenges them to extend their learning and thinking. They show

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

great excitement when a child is given a birthday present to open, the older sibling gently helping to unwrap it. Personal care such as nappy changing is done sensitively and with respect so children feel valued and nurtured.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to play resources and activities. Children's individual needs are respected and catered for well by the childminder. Their self-esteem is raised through the childminder knowing them well and promoting their achievements. Children are proud of the stickers and medals they receive as rewards for effort and winning at the sports day organised by the childminder. Children behave very well. They respond positively to the childminder's sensitive, calm approach to reinforcing good behaviour and helping them understand the effect of their behaviour on others. Children learn to show respect for others through the encouragement and good examples given by the childminder. They learn about our diverse society through a variety of toys, books and activities that the childminder is increasing. Children develop a sense of belonging through the effective partnership between

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their parents and the childminder. Parents are very complimentary about the care their children receive in the homely environment. They appreciate the childminder's

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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 reliable and flexible approach to childminding. Children's needs are met through the very effective communication between the childminder and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the efficient and effective organisation of the space available in the home and garden. They are able to choose activities freely and have space for active play, relaxation and sleep as needed. All the required paperwork is in place and is stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge through attending relevant courses, such as Birth to three matters and child protection, to further improve the quality of care for children. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children do not have access to hazardous substances. All such substances are now inaccessible to children which ensures they do not suffer any harm from them.

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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): • make sure that any potential trip hazards in the garden are made safe.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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