Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319738 Inspection date 13 June 2006 Inspector Lisa Patterson

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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 the end of 2005. She lives with her husband and their two sons aged four and two years. They live in a three bedroom terraced house in a residential area on the outskirts of Preston, close to local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the property is used for childminding purposes apart from the master bedroom. This includes the lounge, kitchen-diner, back room and cloakroom. The main bathroom, toy room and a bedroom are located on the first floor. There is a garden available for children to play in. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years and there are two children currently on roll. The childminder also cares for children over eight years of age.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy in the main because the childminder follows current health and hygiene guidelines. The risk of infection is not always effectively minimised, however, because hands are not always washed prior to serving snacks. The first aid box is adequately stocked, however, creams and antiseptic wipes were removed during the inspection as these are not appropriate and pose a risk to children. Children enjoy physical exercise and fresh air on a regular basis in the childminder's home, through attendance at local toddler groups and visits to the park. This promotes the development of larger muscle groups and coordination. Accident and medication records are in order. Children sleep and rest according to their needs and the childminder works closely with parents in ensuring their wishes are implemented, for example, when a child is starting to miss the daytime sleep. Children are nourished because the childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

provides a balanced variety of home prepared snacks and meals. She ensures food provided by parents is appropriately stored and makes time for parents to give instructions as to how the food should be heated. This ensures the children's needs are met.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. Activities are displayed at a level which allows independent access. This develops confidence and self esteem. Children use equipment which is safe because the childminder regularly checks for damage and discards broken toys. Cleanliness is maintained through washing them regularly. Children are kept safe both on and off the premises. The childminder shows a good understanding of safety measures required when transporting children both on foot and in the car. Documentation relating to the car and public liability insurance are in place. There is a fire evacuation procedure, however this is not regularly practised with minded children and no records have been kept. This presents a risk to children. Children are safeguarded in the main because the childminder has a policy for reference, should she have any concerns about a child, which contains relevant

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

contact details. The policy is not sufficiently well understood to ensure the childminder can confidently protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys and

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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 equipment. The childminder does not overwhelm the children by having all the toys out at once, though this sometimes leads to a lack of choice. They are, however, able to self-select from the box on offer and choose books from the shelf in the lounge which promotes independence. Opportunities for children to explore natural and everyday materials is limited and the childminder has not yet implemented the Birth to three matters framework. This means that children's play experiences do not always embrace all learning opportunities. Children are happy and content. They develop self-esteem through the childminder offering praise and encouragement for all achievements, for example, walking down the hallway and attempting to copy words. They learn new skills and develop knowledge because the childminder's interactions challenge their understanding, for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example by pointing out colours on toys, and from experiences, such as cold water on their hands and toes. Verbal interactions develop speech and language and the childminder constantly talks to the children about what they are doing, for example, 'where's your watering can? I can't find mine, do you think we can find yours?'

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of wider society through play with a selection of resources and books portraying positive images of diversity. There is a calm atmosphere in which children develop self-esteem and respect for others. They receive appropriate levels of attention at all times. Children feel a sense of belonging because the childminder has developed a good understanding of their needs and individual preferences regarding play equipment and meals. The childminder uses these to help them settle when they are dropped off. Children are cared for according to the wishes of their parents because they receive information about the setting prior to the child starting. This includes an introduction about the childminder and her family, training certificates and policy documents. Parents receive written information on a daily basis because the childminder completes a diary containing relevant information, such as their meals, sleeps,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities and nappy changes. This ensures all parties are aware of what the child has been involved in during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Adult to child ratios and the organisation of the setting ensure children receive appropriate amounts of individual and group attention. Children are able to independently access different areas for different activities, for example; the lounge for reading and quiet games, and the back room for role/small world play and messy activities. The childminder uses training she has attended in the past to enhance her provision, though she has not attended any training since registration. All regulatory required documentation is in place. The attendance register does not

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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 present a true record of children's attendance because hours of attendance are not recorded when children arrive and are collected. Separate entries are not made for siblings. Policy documents are in place, however, the childminder lacks confidence with the procedures to follow with regard to the child protection and health policies. Overall the provision meets the needs 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 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 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): • ensure hand washing procedures are implemented at all times to prevent the spread of infection • regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure with minded children and keep a record • use the Birth to three matters framework to enhance the play provision for children in this age range • ensure attendance registers are completed appropriately and in full • ensure policies and procedures are understood and implemented, with particular reference to health and child protection.

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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 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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