Farrer, Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308328 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2006 Inspection date Rachel Ayo 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her partner who is also a registered childminder who helps her on a part time basis. The family lives in a semi-detached property in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childcare purposes and includes a kitchen diner, lounge and toilet. On the first floor two bedrooms, a bathroom and a study are used for childcare purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The provision is registered to provide overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time or a maximum of eight children when co-minding. The childminder is currently minding three children under five years all day and three children who attend full time school. The childminder is currently caring for two children over eight years. Children attend a variety of sessions. The childminder walks and transports to local schools and nursery to take and collect children. The childminder is close to local amenities. The childminder is a member of the National

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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 Childminding Association and the Valley Childminding Network. The childminder holds the NVQ level three in Early Years Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident because the childminder generally follows current and appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, areas of the home are very clean, children have their own towels to minimize cross infection and children are encouraged to get themselves a tissue when their nose is running. Children learn to understand simple good health and hygiene practices as they are involved in good routines and discussion. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after toileting and clearly know why they do not use other children's towels as they tell the inspector that this will spread germs. Accident and illness arrangements are generally implemented appropriately to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity indoors, outdoors and through outings, which helps them to stay healthy. For example, children sing and dance to music indoors, access the garden where they can use a variety of small and large equipment and visit the local soft play centre. The childminder talks to parents about individual rest or sleep needs, however, arrangements for sleeping do not support children doing so comfortably. This is because of a lack of space when children are sharing the sofa to have their afternoon sleep and a lack of appropriate equipment for children to rest their heads comfortably.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are helped to be well nourished. A sample menu is displayed for parents and reflects a variety of generally well balanced and nutritious meals, such as, risotto with mushrooms, spaghetti bolognaise and potatoes with tuna and sweetcorn. Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks and lunchtime meals, such as, cheese sandwiches and a selection of fruit. Children's development and all round general health is well supported because drinks are readily accessible to them. For example, younger children have water bottles filled at all times and older children are able to help themselves to the water dispenser in the fridge. Children learn about healthy eating and living through discussion and activities. For example, they learn about foods which are good for them as they cook as part of the "Healthy Food" topic and print with a variety of fruit and vegetables including more unusual items, such as yam.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their individual health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents. Information is recorded in detail and the childminder is flexible to whether parents wish to provide food or want her to provide this. The childminder ensures that when she is planning meals to meet specific needs that children do not feel excluded. Good arrangements are in place to promote the welfare of children who have a severe allergy.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming environment. Areas are very spacious, light and airy and a wide range of resources and activities are set up invitingly at children's level to promote their independence and confidence. Bright posters and children's artwork is displayed in the lounge, making it an extremely child centred, fun environment. Children use suitable and safe equipment and furniture that meets their needs in most aspects, such as, booster seats, child foot step for the toilet and child's toilet seat. A broad range of toys are available to children and promote all areas of development and learning. The childminder makes use of local facilities, such as a resource centre to rotate toys or obtain toys for a particular theme or topic. This supports children in being well stimulated and challenged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection. The childminder is aware of possible signs of abuse or neglect and of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern of this nature.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively helped to stay safe because hazards are minimized well. A written risk assessment and a good range of equipment support arrangements that promote children's welfare. For example, both indoor and outdoor areas are secure to ensure that children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised and a safety gate prevents access to the stairs. Fire safety is promoted well; the written emergency escape plan is practised regularly, which also helps children to learn about safety procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussion as the childminder encourages children not to climb on the sofa, explaining that they may fall. Good arrangements are in place to help children stay safe on outings, such as, ensuring that the mobile phone is fully charged and includes all emergency contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children present as happy and are well settled. They eagerly take their coats off on arrival and confidently choose their preferred activity or toy, such as the marble run. Children gain very good levels of self-esteem and confidence; they are actively encouraged to make choices and decisions and receive lots of praise and encouragement, for example, when they have eaten all their dinner or have washed their hands after using the toilet. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, some of which are planned formally, such as, creative activities for the weekly craft group. For example, children make patterns with the magnetic shapes and the childminder encourages the children to look out of the window at the refuse lorry, explaining what it is doing. The childminder considers children's interests, their stages of development and often relates topics to the different seasons in the year.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are provided with a wide range of activities that help them to explore and discover using all their senses. For example, children make patterns with their fingers in the sand tray, feel the texture of the collage materials that they are sticking onto their paper and engage in a variety of painting experiences, such as hand printing. Young children show good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 imagination as they pretend to sail the animals in the boat; they tell the inspector that they are going to the seaside. Scrap books are maintained for children and include photographs, supported by written observations, of children engaging in a wide range of play experiences. Younger children's records relate to the Birth to three framework and help to support their learning and help them to progress in their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the childminder who is enthusiastic, motivated and shows interest in what children say and do. For example, the childminder talks to children about colours and numbers as she helps them to build the marble run and encourages children to try to write their name on their picture. Children relate well to others. They play very co-operatively and take turns, for example, as they play with the dolls house or wait to send their marble down the marble run. Children are provided with ample opportunities to develop their social skills, such as, when they attend groups or go on outings. Mealtimes are very relaxed; they are an enjoyable, unrushed social occasion and are used to help children learn good manners, such as, not talking when their mouth is full and saying please and thank you.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued, included and treated equally and fairly. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder who works in close partnership with parents. Effective systems are in place to help children settle into the setting, which helps them to feel secure. For example, families are invited to attend trips to build bonds before placement and if necessary a slow induction takes place, which benefits both children and parents. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of the importance of building positive relationships with parents to promote communication, trust and continuity of care. Good systems are in place for sharing information before placement. For example, parents are shown photographs of what children do, go through the policy booklet and complete all necessary documentation to ensure appropriate care for their children. Ongoing information is shared verbally on a daily basis,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

records are maintained of children's progress and parents are invited to share their view about the provision via a comments book, which reflects positive comments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from activities and resources which help them to value diversity. They engage in a variety of activities, such as celebrating different festivals and talk about where things come from in different parts of the world, such as a book brought from India. A wide range of resources reflect positive images of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, such as, Asian dolls, posters and dressing up clothes. The childminder demonstrates good anti-bias practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are well stimulated and engaged in a wide range of interesting play opportunities. Children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour because the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of allowing children to make choices and take decisions for themselves where possible, which prevents frustration. The childminder focuses on positive reinforcements to encourage good behaviour and uses explanations for any unwanted behaviour, for example, standing on the sofa.

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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. Children feel at ease in the well organised, homely environment. Space and resources are organised effectively to allow children to move around freely and safely, which promotes their independence and confidence. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and is committed to continual improvement, which benefits the children in her care. Along with attending mandatory training the childminder has attended a variety of additional courses on her own initiative to enhance her knowledge and understanding of child development and good practice. This promotes children's care and learning and ensures generally good outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Children's care, learning and play are positively supported because adult: child ratios are well maintained. Children receive additional levels of support when the childminder is working alongside her co-minder because of well organised routines and good time management. Children are able to participate in a wide range of play experiences indoors, outdoors and on outings because of good planning and organisation of the provision.

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Organisation

Well devised written policies and procedures are understood to a very good standard and generally work well in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Record keeping systems are used well in most aspects to promote children's well-being, meet individual needs and maintain confidentiality. Documentation is well organised to promote the safe and efficient management of the provision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since October 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • improve the arrangements in place for sleeping children.

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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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