Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313771 Inspection date 20 February 2006 Inspector Jackie Phillips

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in the village of Winterton, North Lincolnshire. The whole of the downstairs of the property is used for childminding. The rear garden may be used for outdoor play. Registration is for a maximum of two children under the age of 8 years old. Currently one child is on-roll, although was not present at the time of the inspection. On occasions foster children may be living in the home. The childminder is a member of North Lincolnshire Childminding network. The family

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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 have two cats and a pet snake.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean and well-maintained environment. The home is welcoming and space is used very well. Good systems, including checklists and written polices, are in place to support a hygienic setting. For example, the attention to regularly check all appliances, toys and resources ensures that high standards of cleanliness are adhered to and details are recorded. This practise makes certain that the areas and equipment children use are examined for safety and suitability. Exposure to fresh air and physical exercise supports the wellbeing of children. Walks within the local area or trips further afield provide them with opportunities for socialisation and stimulation. Information relating to local groups is being investigated to allow children to meet other children, develop friendships and take part in various activities suitable for their age. With written parental consent in place outings are a

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Helping children to be healthy

regular occurrence and include swimming at a nearby pool. A range of home-cooked food is provided that includes fresh produce, such as fruit and vegetables. Commercially produced or dried food for babies is avoided. The childminder has equipment for the safe preparation of babies bottles. She liaises regularly with parents regarding the weaning process, including the introduction of appropriate beakers for drinks. When children are ill or infectious their parents are discouraged from taking them to the setting. A written policy is in place to confirm this and is shared with parents. First aid is able to be administered to children because supplies are in place and the childminder is conscientious about maintaining a valid, relevant qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A written and illustrated risk assessment of the areas that children use identifies potential hazards to be avoided. The garden area has not yet been used for childminding purposes, but requires attention to fully ensure that children's safety and security is maintained. The childminder is proactive in reducing the risks to children. For example, she ensures that her emergency escape procedure is practised and smoke detectors are regularly checked. Appropriate documentation is in place to record accidents, medication and children's attendance. Written permission from parents is sought for children to experience outings and trips. However, written consent is not yet in place for children to be transported in the family vehicle. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibility to protect children from harm. This is because she has attended suitable training and has appropriate contact details in

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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 place. The family have a pet snake and two cats. Children's safety is maintained because the snake is safely housed and suitable feeding and physical care arrangements are in place for the animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A varied range of interesting activities are planned for children that meet their developmental needs. This is because the childminder uses her skills and experience of working in other childcare settings to plan suitable activities according to the age of the child. The toys available are well stored and rotated on a regular basis for added interest. They are clean and in very good condition. Equipment and resources are further supplemented by items introduced from the local toy library. This also involves raising children's awareness of diversity through a range of play-equipment. Activities include sand and water play, play-dough and art and craft experiences. To foster an appreciation of books, children are taken to the local library from an early age. Children enjoy activities inside or outside the home with opportunities to socialise at local groups. Space is used well within the home. Creative play activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

occur at the kitchen table whilst the lounge area is quickly adapted to maximise space for floor play. A toy and equipment inventory is in place to enable the childminder to be aware of the range of her resources and identify any possible gaps or items that require replacing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is particularly sympathetic and responsive in meeting the needs of children with special requirements. This is through experience and a commitment to ensure that all children are valued, respected and fully included. She has attended training on a number of issues to support children's special needs. This includes learning how to communicate with children with a sensory impairment. A range of strategies are able to be used by the childminder to help support children's behaviour. She supports the theory that if children are kept well occupied and are interested in the activities available to them, this will have a positive impact on their behaviour. Parents are kept informed of any issues regarding children's behaviour to ensure that consistency of management is applied. Parents are kept very well informed about the setting through good access to the well presented and clear range of polices and procedures. Individual diaries are written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and shared with parents on a daily basis. A positive partnership is fostered through effective communication and appreciation. A parent and employer have participated in the inspection process by providing written details highlighting and emphasising the quality standard of care and professional attitude of the childminder.

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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 range of polices and procedures devised and implemented support the efficient and effective operation of the setting. There is a complaints procedure in place that is shared with parents. However, this requires some development in line with new requirements. The childminder is well experienced in the care of children and applies her skills and knowledge to her own setting. She is very committed to training and continuous professional development. The excellent organisation of the setting means that children's needs are clearly identified and are well met. The next stage in their development is considered in advance and plans for extended play opportunities and increased socialisation opportunities prepared. The high standard of care is also reflected in the written documentation and records of the setting. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it

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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 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 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):

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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 • ensure that written consent is provided by parents for children to be transported in the family vehicle • improve children's safety when using the rear garden area • improve the settings complaints policy in line with recent requirements of the National Standards for under 8's Day Care and Childminding - Addendum.

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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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