Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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403505 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2006 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in August 2001. She lives in the Burnley area of Lancashire, close to the town centre and the M65. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 11 and 14 years. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children and there are currently five children on roll, two full time and three before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The property has three bed rooms with front and rear gardens. Children have access to a main lounge that has been converted to a playroom; the main bedroom upstairs is used for rests and sleeps; a bathroom is situated upstairs and a rear yard and front garden are used for outdoor play. Children do not access the front lounge or two other bedrooms.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are taken to local toddler groups, out to parks and on shopping trips and to activity gyms.

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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 The childminder has completed relevant training in first aid, child protection, childminding practice and the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected and are well taken care of if they are ill or have an accident. The childminder follows detailed sickness procedures and is aware of the updated information about food poisoning and communicable diseases. Children are made comfortable until their parents are informed. They are excluded if they have infections or need constant attention and care when they are unwell. Accident and medication records are up to date and parents sign consent for emergency medical treatment and for the administering of medicines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning and understand the importance of good hygiene. They are not exposed to infection as the childminder cleans the premises and work surfaces and washes her hands before she prepares food. Children know to wash their hands after the toilet and before food and talk about their hands having dirt and germs on when they play outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children rest and sleep in comfort according to their own routines. All needs are discussed with parents and a travel cot or pram is available. They can relax and rest during a quiet session, where they have a story or sit quietly with the childminder after their lunch. Children enjoy and take part in daily exercise and physical play activities. They attend toddler groups where they play on bicycles and large climbing equipment, they participate in a sponsored obstacle course, jumping on the trampoline, crawling through the tunnel. Daily fresh air is taken as they walk to school, play in the rear garden and visit the local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and the childminder is aware of all individual dietary requirements as she shares information with parents. Children's dietary needs are recorded, regular drinks and snacks are provided and include healthy options of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. Some parents provide packed lunches through choice and the childminder provides a cooked meal if requested.

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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, welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is good use of space that is organised creatively and effectively to allow the children space to rest, eat and play in comfort and safety. The main lounge has clear floor space with no restrictions or hazards, the rear yard is used for outdoor play, a bathroom is upstairs and one bedroom is used for sleeps in a travel cot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use safe and suitable furniture, equipment and play materials and they meet children's all round development needs. For example, child sized plastic table and chairs for snacks and activities, a changing mat, potty and step for the bathroom and a travel cot. Play resources are

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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 stored in boxes in the lounge for easy access and free choice including, craft and drawing materials, construction toys, dolls, role play equipment, jigsaws, books and dressing up clothes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure within the premises and when on outings. There are various car seats available and signed consent from parents to travel in a vehicle and business cover is in place. Children know about safety procedures when crossing roads as they state they hold hands with each other and the childminder and walk quickly but do not run. Children know how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Children are not exposed to any hazards as the childminder has all relevant safety features in place. For example, a fireguard is fitted, smoke alarms, fire blanket, safety gates and secured doors are all in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her role and duty to protect children from abuse. She has completed training and the policy states that parents must inform her of all existing injuries. She is familiar with the signs and symptoms of abuse and would discuss with parents if appropriate or ring the local social services office. The policy is available to parents but does not include procedures in the event of an allegation against the childminder or a record of contact telephone numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and comfortable as they play together and are familiar with the environment and the routines. Children gain self-esteem as the childminder positively praises and encourages them during the activities, she joins in with them as they cut with scissors, build with Lego and make a collage picture. Children's independence is developing as they carry out some domestic tasks, they tidy up toys, clear the table and help with shopping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a broad range of planned and spontaneous activities, both inside and outside the home environment. They play with other children at the toddlers groups, go on visits to the parks and the sea side, they walk to school and are involved in shopping trips and community activities. Children enjoy playing with Lego, baking, painting, playing with natural materials, reading books and promoting their imaginative and creative skills in role play and crafts. Children access a range of resources to suit their individual levels of ability and stages of development. Toys are stored in boxes in a low unit and children exercise their free choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are really secure and confident as they approach the childminder, they play with a purpose and are interested and occupied. The childminder enhances their speech and language through open questions and general discussions. Children respond to routines and know when it is snack time, outdoor play and time to visit the park. They play freely and are content and occupied in the child centred environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and included in all aspects of the setting. They are continually praised and acknowledged and the childminder encourages them to participate in some domestic tasks. Children are well mannered and display a positive attitude towards each other during the daily

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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 activities. Children have their individual needs met through flexible routines that include, meals and rests. They feel a sense of belonging as their art work is displayed and they are secure in the child centred, warm, caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are supported as the childminder works with parents in order to cater for individual needs. She aims to support children through tasks and gives extra support to parents and children with additional needs. Children are beginning to learn about the wider society through books and celebrations. They are beginning to respond to differences through meeting others at play groups and other community activities. Children dress up as people who help us and access some books about the wider world but there is limited evidence of play resources and activities relating to diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour. The childminder uses a thinking chair for children to reflect on negative behaviour, younger children are asked to calm down. Children behave well and have good manners as they say 'excuse me' and 'thank you' when playing with toys. Children know the boundaries of the household and know that they do not go upstairs in bedrooms or use the front lounge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and their parents. Daily dialogue takes place and parents are kept informed about activities and routines. Children settle as the childminder asks parents to visit a few times before they leave their child. The childminder works to a partnership statement and gives parents access to all organisational policies and procedures at the time of placement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected as all adults are suitably vetted and deemed suitable to be in the presence of children. Children benefit from some useful aspects of the organisation. The childminder has completed all required training in first aid, childminding practice, child protection and the Birth to three matters framework. She has sound knowledge of the National Standards and has all updated amendments to them.

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Organisation

Children can play, rest and eat in comfort and safety owing to the childminder organising her space and resources creatively and effectively. Children play in a lounge that has clear floor space for all types of activities, a rear yard is secured for outdoor activities, bathroom facilities are on the first floor and the main bedroom is available for rests and sleeps in a travel cot. Children are well supervised and supported during their play as numbers on roll are low during the day and therefore children have the childminder's full attention.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is maintained owing to the safe and effective management of documentation and organisational policies and procedures. For example, attendance registers are up to date, medicine and accident records are detailed with consent and signatures from parents. Parents sign written consent for various activities, including trips out and travel in a vehicle, consent for emergency medical treatment, sun screen and first aid treatment. Records are stored securely and previous records have been retained.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop information for parents to ensure the childminder is aware of any incidents that may have happened outside the childminder's premises. A child protection policy now covers incident recording procedures and so children's welfare has now been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 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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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): • include the contact details of the local child protection office and the procedure in the event of an allegation against the childminder • continue to develop resources and activities to help children understand diversity.

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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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