Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321549 Inspection date 09 August 2006 Inspector Ferroza Saiyed

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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 satisfactory. 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 March 2006. She lives with her husband and their three children aged eight, five and two. They live in Wesham, near Preston. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the house, which includes the back lounge, the front lounge, kitchen and the dining area. Toilet facilities are located on the first floor. Children have access to a fully enclosed outdoor area. There are currently four children on roll, three are under the age of eight and one

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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 child is over the age of eight. They all attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder actively promotes some good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. For example, children have access to wipes and liquid soap for hand washing. However, the practice of changing babies' nappies on the carpet is not hygienic. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play within the rear yard where they enjoy using the see-saw and slide. Other outdoor activities include walks out to feed the ducks and visiting local parks to extend their physical skills. Children's individual dietary requirements and routines are met, the childminder works well with the parents and agrees individual diets and routines. She provides a range of nutritious and healthy home cooked meals which include vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat together at the dining table, this enables mealtimes to be relaxed social occasions where children enjoy their meals. Children are offered regular drinks to ensure that they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mostly safe environment where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. Children access a selection of age appropriate toys and activities in a safe home environment. Children's safety is promoted because toys are well organised in boxes at their level and they are able to access these freely. Many safety items are in place, such as a safety gate and safety catches on low level cupboards. These allow children to move around freely and independently. However, the rear yard is not fully risk assessed to ensure that children will be kept safe when accessing outdoor play. This compromises children's safety. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe when out in public places, aided by discussion with the childminder. They learn about the importance of holding the childminder's hand when walking to the park. Children's safety is generally

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

maintained by appropriate documentation being in place for taking children on outings. The emergency evacuation plan has been practised with the children, but there are no records to evaluate the practise which would further assure children's well-being. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has a

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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 satisfactory understanding of the child protection procedures and knows what to do in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the generally welcoming environment. A mostly sufficient range of toys and resources are available for children to independently choose from, for example, books, musical toys, bricks and home corner. This encourages children to make decisions in their play. The childminder routinely involves children in real life experiences, such as shopping in the village and visits to the park to feed the ducks. This gives children the opportunity to be part of their local community and to develop their social skills. Babies are encouraged to be social communicators because the childminder gains their eye contact, holds them close and uses her voice and facial expressions to stimulate them. The childminder sits, cuddles and talks to the children about what is happening, this encourages vocalisation by responding to the children's language. For example, she listens to the sounds that babies make and repeats the sounds

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

back to them. However, younger children are not always catered for with a broad range of activities. They have little access to natural materials which they can explore and discover using their senses. This is due to limitations in the childminder's knowledge of appropriate frameworks to support the development of children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children do not have sufficient opportunity to learn and develop an awareness of the diverse culture in which they live because the childminder has limited knowledge and understanding of how to promote this in her practice. The children's behaviour is managed by providing them with lots of praise for their achievements, which promotes their self-esteem. The childminder is teaching the children to begin to show concern for each other and to share. For example, one child took a toy from another child and the childminder talked to the child and explained why it was not nice and to share. Consequently their understanding of other people’s feelings and needs are developed as they learn to share and to be kind. The childminder ensures documentation and information is obtained from parents prior to the child attending. Daily informal discussions keep the childminder up to date

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with the children’s routines and any changes that may have occurred.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the setting is appropriate, with room for children to move freely

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and self-select resources. The childminder has developed a routine based on the needs of the children. As a result children present as comfortable and relaxed, gaining enjoyment from the activities provided. The childminder has links with other childminders, which promotes children's social needs. The childminder has all regulatory documentation in place, which is maintained and up to date. The children’s individual needs are promoted, aided by some written policies and procedures. Some information such as the registration and insurance certificates are displayed within the hall, this provides parents with some information about her service. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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 satisfactory. 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 alternative arrangements for nappy changing to ensure the health and well-being of children • ensure that the emergency evacuation is recorded to ensure children's safety • develop a suitable range of natural materials to promote sensory development for younger children, in line with the Birth to three matters framework. • develop knowledge and understanding of how to promote diversity, 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 provide resources that reflect the wider world.

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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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