Green, Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY318573 Inspection date 31 August 2006 Inspector Kathy Ann Leatherbarrow

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 2006. She lives with her partner and three children, aged 13, eight and six years. They live in a two bed roomed semi detached home located within a residential area of Lancashire close to local schools, shops and a park. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor. This includes the lounge, dining area and kitchen. There is a rear outdoor area available for the children to play in.

p.2

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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll. There is a pet dog that may have some contact with the children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally well protected. The childminder takes necessary precautions to ensure the risk of cross contamination and infection is minimised. For example, infants soothers are regularly washed and sterilized in boiled water when dropped on the floor. Older children are encouraged to adopt some good personal hygiene practices, for example, they enjoy cleaning their teeth before walking to school in the mornings. Although children clean their hands they are not learning why it is important to do this.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

There are sound standards of cleanliness around the home to maintain children's health. Children who sleep have fresh clean bedding each day which promotes their health. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring that infants are able to sleep with a flat back to promote her physical development. She has relevant documentation in place regarding children's medical needs to further ensure that they are adequately cared for in accordance with parental wishes. The childminder has an adequate understanding of healthy eating. Fruit is available every day and encouraged at snack time with juice or milk to encouraging children to adopt a healthy well balanced diet. Older children are encouraged to socialise when enjoying a meal together. However, infants are fed away from the group which limits their social interaction with their friends.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in warm and welcoming areas within the home which are enhanced by the organisation of furniture and equipment. For example, soft cushions ensure children are comfortable when resting and reading books. There is a selection of toys and resources in place, which are of good quality, and easily accessible. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are well maintained and restricts unsuitable toys being given to young infants. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure the children's safety is protected and appropriate safety precautions are in place. Older children are reminded of potential dangers around the home. The childminder minimises the risk of accidents with infants by ensuring that she remains in close proximity, for example, placing sleeping infants in the lounge so she can watch over them. Suitable fire safety precautions in place. However, the children have not practised the

p.3

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 emergency evacuation procedure to date. Children are safe and their well-being protected as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection. She has clear procedures in place in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content and secure with the childminder. She has a friendly approach, which enables infants to settle quickly in her care. She knows the children well and recognises when they need sleep and comforters. Children enjoy the local community as the childminder takes them on regular outings. This provides them with good opportunities to socialise. For example, visits to the pet shop, park and toddler groups. Older children's communication skills are encouraged. The childminder uses good questioning techniques to encourage children to tell stories themselves. They look at the pictures and describe what they can see. Infant's early communication skills are well supported as the childminder consistently talks to the infant's. As a consequence, infants experiment making noises such as, babbles and gurgles. Infant's sensory experiences are underdeveloped mainly due to a lack of resources

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and the childminder's understanding of the benefits these have for young children. Children participate in free play after lunch. However, the television at times distracts children from their chosen activity. The childminder spends times looking at books with the children and appropriately challenges children to recall experiences, for example, a recent visit to the swimming baths where they enjoyed 'splashing'.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern. They are free to play with toys, books, and games of their choice. Children gain awareness of their local environment and wider society as they enjoy looking at a range of books. They talk to the childminder about visits to the dentist, swimming baths that they can recall and share there experiences. Children have increasing self esteem due to the childminder's realistic expectations of the children. Children are encouraged to be polite and well mannered. For example, toddler's can say 'ta' when offered drinks and snacks. Children are learning to share and co-operate with one another. For example, the childminder encourages children to take turns knocking the tower of bricks down. The positive approach taken by the childminder supports their efforts and fosters children's confidence and self esteem. Useful information is exchanged with parents which helps to identify children's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs. However, there is no complaints log. A friendly open relationship between the childminder and parents contributes to children's sense of belonging, as they settle well to a happy home from home atmosphere.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The day is suitability organised around the individual needs of the children to help them feel secure. For example, children have time to rest as well as be active. Children are happy, content and encouraged to feel at home in the bright, warm, friendly environment. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's well being is promoted. She is suitability qualified to administer first aid. However, her knowledge of some requirements of the National Standards is limited. She has not completed the mandatory local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course. This is a breach of conditions of registration. Documentation and records are accessible and well organised, which maintain confidentiality. Most necessary documents are in place and shared with parents. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions:

p.5

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 • complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6