Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312363 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Katherine Powell

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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 2005. She is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years; of these, two may be under the age of five years and one may be the age of one year. She currently cares for one child under the age of one year, one child under the age of five years and two children under the age of eight years. The childminder lives on a residential estate close to the centre of Grantham. The house is within walking distance of local amenities. Members of the household include the childminder, her husband and their young daughter. All ground floor

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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 rooms are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for one child under the age of eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as they are cared for in a clean and safe environment. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through daily routines such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. This ensures the risk of spreading infection is minimised. Good written records are maintained to ensure children's individual medical and dietary needs are met. The childminder's secure knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment ensures children receive good care and attention. However, parents do not always countersign the accident book to acknowledge the entry. Children benefit from opportunities to get fresh air and engage in physical activity. They walk to and from school on a daily basis and use the garden for outdoor activities. Children enjoy using a wide range of play equipment, such as balls, a slide, a trampoline and sit-on rides to promote their whole body movements. Children also

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Helping children to be healthy

visit a local park where they have access to large apparatus to promote their climbing and balancing skills. Children have good opportunities to understand the benefits of having a healthy diet. They are actively encouraged to make healthy choices at snack time, as fresh fruit is available, and they have access to regular drinks according to their individual needs. Children also enjoy home cooked meals which are prepared using fresh produce and include portions of vegetables. The childminder takes account of children's preferences and parental wishes regarding meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised, child-friendly, safe and secure environment. The childminder's regular risk assessments of her own home are effective in identifying and minimising potential hazards. She has appropriate safety equipment in place which enables children to freely explore and play independently. The childminder makes good use of available space giving children opportunities to engage in indoor and outdoor activities and have time to rest according to their individual needs or routines. Resources and toys are easily accessible in the playroom and garden so children are able to safely select their own activities. Toys and play equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards.

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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 The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times and has implemented effective procedures to safeguard children on outings. Children's awareness of road safety issues is promoted during frequent walks around the local area. For example, children learn how to keep themselves safe by listening and watching carefully for traffic. The childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket in the kitchen and most children have developed their awareness of fire procedures within the home by practising the emergency evacuation drill. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures which has been developed through reading current legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They enjoy participating in a broad and stimulating range of activities which engage their interest and meet their individual developmental needs. Children have good opportunities to develop their social skills as they play alongside other children and when sitting together at the table at meal times. They also have opportunities to socialise with other children at local pre-school groups. Children are able to initiate their own activities and freely select from a good range of toys and play equipment. They receive good support during play activities and the childminder promotes children's speech and language skills through effective interaction. Children enjoy selecting books to share with childminder and are fostering an interest in reading. Children participate in a range of activities which help to promote their learning in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different areas. For example, the garden is regularly used to enable children to practise their physical skills and a wide range of materials and play equipment are provided to encourage children's creativity and use of imagination. Children respond well to the childminder and they have formed effective relationships with their peers. The childminder fully involves herself in children's play and activities. She knows individual children well so is able to provide a suitable range of experiences to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and are valued and respected as individuals. Some play resources reflect positive images and help to promote children's awareness of diversity within society. The childminder ensures that she gathers information from parents to enable her to provide appropriate care and to fully meet the child's individual needs. Children are able to learn about the local community by going on regular walks and visiting local pre-school groups. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to obtain to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with special needs.

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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 Children behave well due to the childminder's good awareness of effective behaviour management strategies which are appropriate to the differing ages and stages of development of the child. The childminder is calm and positive with the children, using positive reinforcement to promote good behaviour and develop a child's self-esteem. Children are cared for consistently and according to their usual routines as the childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and regularly exchanges information with them. Parents receive comprehensive written and verbal information, keeping them well informed about the childminder's service and practices. Written diaries are used effectively to share information regarding the care of the youngest children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of support and supervision, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the setting. Consequently, children are confident to make their own choices, selecting toys and initiating play. Space is organised well to ensure children are able to move freely between different play areas, including the garden. Documentation is well-organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for children and parents. All required documentation is in place and is shared with parents. Children benefit from information being shared on a daily basis between the childminder and parents, ensuring their individual needs are met. The childminder has developed her awareness of childcare issues through attending a range of professional courses, such as food hygiene, oral hygiene and promoting musical skills. The childminder uses this knowledge well to provide good quality care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of any 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 parents countersign entries in the accident book.

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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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