Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308331 Unique Reference Number 23 June 2006 Inspection date Ann, Theresa Flynn 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 has been registered since August 1995. She lives with her husband and one adult child in the Coppull area of Chorley. The majority of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A flexible service is offered with both full and part time day care, and a before and after school provision is available. There are currently eight children on roll, six of whom are under eight years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children thoroughly enjoy daily exercise and fresh air by going on walks and outings and playing in the garden. They regularly access large play equipment, such as a slide, trampoline and ride-on toys, thus helping to develop their gross motor skills. This practice contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health of children is very well promoted. A clear sick child procedure ensures parents are aware of how their children are to be cared for in the event of them becoming ill. Children consistently wash their hands before eating and after toilet use. They know why they do this, stating 'we wash our hands before snack to get rid of germs'. Children's health and medical needs are well met as detailed information regarding their medical history is obtained from their parents prior to them starting their care with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy, nutritional snacks and meals. Snack consists of fruit such as melon or raisins and drinks are readily available to children who freely access drinks themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are suitably cared for in a well maintained and clean environment. The good organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access a good and varied range of resources from storage boxes at their height.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good range of safety measures are in place, such as socket covers, safety gates and a lock on the outside garden gate ensures the premises remain safe for children. They are actively involved in practising fire escape plans and are beginning to learn safety rules with regard to crossing the road when away from the setting, therefore learning to keep safe with adult support.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is suitably protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedure to follow in the event of concerns. She knows to contact social services and to document, in detail, her concerns if she is worried about the welfare of any child in her care. However, the child protection policy does not include the procedure concerning allegations against family members.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Activities are stimulating and varied and include experiences which children initiate and enjoy. For example, children have free access to the garden, through the conservatory, they are able to play indoors or out, depending on their choice. The children have various resources outside

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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 and enjoy their time in the garden, into which they take various items to play, such as remote control cars, thus developing their imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A broad range of opportunities to explore creative media, including painting and gluing, are available to children. They are very involved in activities geared to their particular interests, for example, access to various craft materials, and their enjoyment is enhanced by individual adult-child interaction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s interest and attention is promoted by the good range of varied resources which are freely available. Children enjoy activities, such as craft activities, which interests children; for example, making birthday cards. They play well together with board games and a dolls house, thus helping to promote their all round development in a fun way.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Opportunities to develop children's understanding of the world in which they live are provided by visits away from the setting to places such as the sea-side, swimming baths and to children's parties; which involves children dressing to a theme, such as pirates. This provides further experiences which the children enjoy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn and understand about the wider world. They are encouraged to respect and show concern for each other and ensure all children feel fully included in the setting. Children are provided with opportunities to begin to understand about the needs of others. For example, discussing disability using the resources available, including books and small world figures which depict disability, thus developing children's awareness and understanding about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They accept and work with age-appropriate strategies, explanations, praise and encouragement, which encourages them to behave well and develops their confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to share and to play together, for example, when playing board games, and are beginning to understand right from wrong. Strategies on how to manage behaviour are agreed with parents at the onset, thus promoting continuity of care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met, due to the positive relationships which have been established with parents. Detailed, informative information is shared through clear policies, parental agreements, consents and contracts, which helps the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. Verbal discussions at the end of each day, photographs, and scrap books of children's 'work' help to ensure that parents remain fully informed about the service their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. Children benefit from attending a setting where the organisation of the day is well planned. For example,

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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 space used by children within the home is well organised so that they can play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort, therefore meeting children's individual needs. However, the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three is limited.

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Organisation

Required documentation is well maintained and in line with National Standards. Documents relating to safety and welfare of children contain all the necessary detail, are stored in a confidential manner and are shared with parents. However, there is no record of complaints.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection three recommendations were raised. One relating to child protection, one relating to resources that reflect disability and one relating to documentation regarding emergency medical treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended to all three of the recommendations raised, she has obtained information about who to contact if she is concerned about a child's welfare. Has developed resources which reflect disability and has obtained written parental consents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Due to the action the childminder has taken in relation to the recommendations raised the care and safety of children has been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint in November 2005, relating to Standard 1; Suitable Person, and Standard 11; Behaviour. The complaint related to inappropriate use of discipline by the childminder. Ofsted investigated the complaint and found no evidence that the childminder was not complying with the National Standards. No further action was taken and the childminder remains qualified for registration. The complaint was not recorded in a complaints record.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three, for example through the use of the Birth to three matters framework

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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 • develop documentation by devising and maintaining a complaints record • ensure a procedure regarding allegations against family members is included within the child protection policy.

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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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