Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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505169 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Anne Marsh Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1980. The family live in a property in the Ashby area of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, children have free access to the kitchen, lounge and downstairs toilet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a fully enclosed area for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit and guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for five children under 8 years and is presently caring for five children under 8 years old. She also cares for a number of children over the age of 8 years before and after school. Children attend on a part time basis. She has a son aged 7 years old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from the local Infants and Junior Schools. She has use of a car for local outings.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where children's health is supported well. For example, children's physical development and agility skills are enhanced. They fully enjoy, running around the garden, climbing on the slide, pedalling bikes, jumping and trying to gain balance on the trampoline. They have ample space to move freely between the indoor and outdoor areas. The childminder recognises fully the importance of fresh air whatever the weather. She ensures children walk to and from school and they enjoy regular visits to the local park making foot prints in the snow.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is actively encouraged for children when the childminder provides a diet of mainly fresh home prepared meals. For example, children enjoy a lunch time snack which includes cheese, cucumber, fresh strawberries, apples and yoghurts. Any food prepared at home by parents is stored appropriately in the fridge.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are learning well the importance of good personal hygiene, they independently wipe their hands with wet wipes before food and help each other to put on aprons or bibs to protect their clothing. They are learning well the effect that germs may have on their bodies. For example, young children alert the childminder to food dropped on the floor, they understand not to pick the food up and put into their mouths or to touch the potty after use.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is conscientious about cleanliness so children are protected from the spread of infection. They regularly help to wash the toys and wash pots after lunch. Children receive good care if they require medical attention and sound systems are in place if they have an accident. The childminder ensures that younger children follow their own routines when supporting their individual rest and sleep needs. Children sleep peacefully outside in the warm weather.

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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 maintained environment where the childminder is vigilant to children's safety. They are well supervised at all times and gentle reminders help them to adhere to rules and boundaries to keep themselves safe. For example, not to run toys up the garden slide or attempt somersaults on the trampoline. The childminder has taken extra precautions to check that she has suitable insurance cover in the event of an accident whilst using the trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

On outings children effectively develop their understanding of safety by walking on the inside of the pavement holding the push chair. They are confident to explain to the inspector how to operate controlled crossings and when it is safe to cross the road. The childminder has effective procedures when planning local visits to ensure children's safety. She visits the area beforehand to assess any risks and ensures she is accompanied by another childminder for extra security.

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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 Children play with a range of good quality toys and equipment easily accessible within the lounge. Any hazards are reduced to a minimum and children are able to arrive and leave the premises safely. Annual visits from the fire department to check the premises ensure children are protected in the event of fire. Although, children have not had an opportunity to practise an evacuation procedure on a regular basis to maintain their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder, due to her good knowledge of child protection and the correct procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children thoroughly enjoy their days with the childminder within a very welcoming and caring home. There is a good focus on learning through informal play both indoors and outdoors. Children eagerly explore a wide range of activities that help them make good progress in all areas of development. For example, walls are decorated with their imaginative creative work which they proudly acknowledge. These include dinosaur rubbings, felt finger puppets, wax painting and painted collage animal masks. All activities are adapted well to ensure babies are included. For example, the children blow bubbles outdoors which creates excitement and gurgles of laughter whilst stimulating the babies' curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities for older children include an interesting range of fun activities which they actively enjoy, build upon their interests and independently choose. For example, they learn to sew colourful patterns using a variety of stitches and the careful technique of glass painting. They read and follow recipes for chocolate buns and are encouraged by the childminder to investigate for themselves how to alter the mixture if it is too runny.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and calm, they have excellent relationships with the childminder, who joins in the play when appropriate, supporting and extending their development. The good questioning techniques and detailed conversations used by the childminder positively extend the children's vocabulary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and their families feel a strong sense of belonging within a cosy, welcoming family environment. They all work closely together to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder shares with parents each day about the children's requirements and activities. This increases the families' confidence in the childminder and fully benefits the children through the good relationships formed. This close relationship results in the childminder continuing to play a valuable role well into the children's school and teenage years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder appropriately fosters children's development through her sensitive approach to the management of behaviour. Children learn and respond well through distraction and time to calm down. They follow a small number of clear rules and receive sincere praise when they try hard and behave well.

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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's understanding of the wider world is explored well through practical craft experiences and local visits within the community. For example, children visit the local museum to view a display on the Japanese festival of kites. They paint Chinese letters which are then laminated and made into attractive drink coasters. The childminder has practical experience of caring for children with special needs. Through play she actively enhances children's awareness which is appropriate to the children's level of understanding. The childminder is pro-active in developing plans to adapt her home with a ramp and bathroom to ensure full accessibility.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy and fully enjoy their time within the warm caring and very well organised home. The childminder plans and organises her time well to enable children to feel fully supported. They quickly show lots of confidence to initiate their own play and learning. She uses her wide array of knowledge well to provide children with an interesting and good range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

The very close relationships with parents ensure children's individual needs are fully met and contributes to children feeling secure within the setting. This has also led to long established placements which last well into the children's school years. Parents show their gratitude for the care provided through many thank you cards and invitations to family parties and holidays.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures meet basic regulatory requirements and are shared with parents. However, they do work well in practice, promoting the welfare and care of the children in her care. Children's individual routines are very well organised and fully established which contributes well to good, continuing care for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder is very aware of current regulatory procedures and continues to develop her policies and procedures to effectively meet the needs of the children and their safety. She shows continuing commitment to always enhance her knowledge of childcare. For example, Birth to three matters. Overall 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 consider providing photographic evidence to support the good practice and to keep up to date with procedures for child protection. The Childminder has several photographic albums which display lots of art and craft work completed by the children. This effectively supports that children are positively enjoying and achieving. The childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection issues and shows confidence in taking the correct steps should she have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • practise an emergency evacuation procedure.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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