Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

307989 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2006 Inspection date Cynthia Walker Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1989. She lives with her partner and two adult sons in a terraced house in Nelson and is within walking distance of the local amenities. The childminder uses the two lounges on the ground floor for childminding. Children use the first floor to access the toilet and older children a bedroom to access the computer. There is a small enclosed yard available for outside play. The childminder visits the local childminder and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder supports children with disabilities. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children, most of whom attend on a part time basis.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are reasonably well nourished by the inclusion of vegetables in their daily cooked meal and through access to regular drinks throughout the day, which includes the option of water. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of children with dietary needs and would record these appropriately.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands prior to eating lunch. The childminder sensitively enables children to have appropriate rest or sleep dependent on their individual needs and routines. Younger children are developing emotional well-being through loving and caring relationships. The childminder has the appropriate documentation to manage children's accidents and medication, however, there are no procedures to record injuries children arrive with.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to enjoy physical activity through visits to the local park, walks in the local area and visits to toddler groups. Use of the small outdoor area enables children to play on small equipment, such as a rocking boat.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks have been identified and minimised, however, there is no written permission for children to be taken in a car. Regular evacuation practices, supported by a clear written policy, help children develop an understanding of fire safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a suitable range of equipment and resources which sufficiently support their care and learning. She ensures that toys and resources are accessible allowing children to make independent selections throughout the day. The childminder demonstrates an appropriate awareness of how to protect younger children from some resources whilst not inhibiting play for older children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is sufficiently promoted by the childminder's appropriate understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy being with the childminder and are confident within the home and routines. Younger children enjoy exploring the activity centre and discovering the different challenges. They are finding a voice by exploring sounds as they play and respond to the childminder. Children's learning is extended by the childminder as she encourages them to focus on shapes and connect these to the appropriate place in the sorter. Scrapbooks include a variety of painting and sticking pictures which older children have completed. Children are interested in completing

p.3

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 some complex jigsaws and demonstrate good concentration. They skilfully colour an activity book maintaining good pencil control. Older children show sensitivity to the younger children as they play alongside them and introduce new toys to them. Children's experience is supported by visits to toddler groups and trips to the local park.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a reasonable range of resources to support children's awareness of diversity, which include books, small world figures, jigsaws and dolls. Discussions with parents as children begin their care enables the childminder to establish their individual needs, however, there are no systems in place to record these. The childminder has an active involvement with children with disabilities and ensures all children are valued and included.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the calm and consistent reaction from the childminder. This is supported by clear written procedures which incorporate the simple rules of the home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works satisfactorily with parents making them aware of the very detailed information about her setting as they begin their care. The ongoing needs are suitably met by daily diaries for younger children and informal sharing of information on a daily basis for others. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all the relevant policies and procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has most of the required documentation in place to support the welfare, care and learning of children. This is supported by a clear professional file that includes detailed written procedures which link directly to the National Standards. She has a positive attitude to developing her knowledge by attending a variety of short courses, which supports the children's well-being. The childminder organises space suitably allowing children to feel secure in their environment.

p.4

Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given two recommendations in relation to equality of opportunity and policies and procedures.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The welfare, care and learning of children is being supported by clear and informative policies and procedures which are presented to parents in a professional file. Children's understanding of diversity is being promoted by a reasonable range of resources.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since last inspection.

p.4

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 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.4

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets 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 further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle • ensure children's records contain information which enables appropriate care to be given • ensure the accident records include details of existing injuries when a child arrives.

p.5

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

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

p.5