Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 29 Aug 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330441 Inspection date 29 August 2006 Inspector Andrea, Marie Paulson

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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 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 March 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and seven years in Carnforth, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Facilities nearby include shops, parks, library, bus and train stations, canal and local walks. She is currently minding four children who attend for varied sessions. The childminder attends local toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is a qualified teacher with nine years' experience and has attended additional training related to child care issues.

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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 stay healthy through the good hygiene practices carried out as part of the daily routine, for instance, as they wash hands and clean tomatoes picked from the garden before eating them. Their health and dietary needs are met very well as the childminder works closely with the parents to provide for individual needs, including resting and sleeping when they need to, and having continuity in providing children with nutritious meals. Children learn to make healthy choices as they choose snacks using a chart with names and pictures of food, such as raisins and sunflower seeds. They learn to name and recognise different fruits as they point out apples and bananas in the fruit bowl. Children enjoy plenty of space so that they can move freely both indoors and outdoors. They develop fine movement skills as they use paintbrushes, crayons, and try to pick up sunflower seeds. Children enjoy interesting

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor activities as they climb and balance in the adventure playground, and participate in local walks. They are therefore developing good movement skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move confidently around the spacious play areas which are well maintained, clean and well resourced. The childminder has carried out effective risk assessments and is conscientious in identifying and resolving hazards so that the children are safe and secure. Children play with a good range of resources kept in good condition and appropriate for their age, for instance, the sturdy child-sized table and chairs. The garden is spacious with interesting activities such as a sand-pit and slide. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they sit properly at the activity table, are harnessed into the high chair for a snack and practise the emergency evacuation. The many safety features in place ensure that children can relax and play safely in a secure environment. The childminder has devised individual cards with children's details to take on outings so further promoting the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended recent training on child protection. She therefore has a sound knowledge of procedures which further safeguards the children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder creates a friendly and interesting atmosphere in which the children are relaxed, settled and confident. Children learn new sounds and vocabulary so that their communication skills are promoted well through much conversation. They learn simple words and phrases to help them express their ideas and needs such as 'again'. Children are encouraged to express their feelings and ideas through the childminder's constant praise and encouragement. Good use is made of

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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 spontaneous play when children learn the different colours as they paint the egg shell. They are keen to explore as they mix colours and use fingers in the paints. Children respond well to challenge as they try to build a tower of blocks and have fun as they knock it down again. They learn to work together as they act out the 'rowing' song and share resources. Children become aware of their bodies as they play action songs and try to make popping sounds with their mouths. They benefit from having access to varied resources which promote their overall development well, except for sensory development through the use of natural materials as referred to in the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The childminder works closely with the parents and is conscientious about sharing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children's progress. Each child has a diary which includes photos and notes of the children's daily routines and experiences. The close working partnership ensures the continuity of care for each individual child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has valuable practical experience with children who have learning difficulties and individual needs such as allergies. She works closely with parents so that each child receives appropriate care. Children learn about their community through outings on trains and buses. They are developing some awareness of the wider world though have limited activities which reflect different cultures. Children are very well behaved and respond well to the childminder as they clear up after a painting activity. The childminder gives good explanations so that children learn that the egg shell will break if pressed too hard. Children learn about acceptable behaviour through frequent smiles and praise from the childminder. They have much fun as they play 'I see you' game so that children feel a sense of belonging and build good relationships. Children show self-assurance as they choose

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities and are confident with adults when they collect and hand over the placemats. They are learning to be responsible as they put rubbish in the bin. The communication with parents is particularly effective with the use of the daily diaries and scrapbooks so that the sharing of information during handovers builds up good partnerships. The childminder has developed a file with details of the care provision, including relevant policies and procedures, so that parents are well informed about the care the children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The care provision is very well organised and children are supervised effectively so promoting their enjoyment and achievements. They are relaxed and confident in the environment with good organisation of their care and learning by the childminder. Children's quality of care is further supported by the childminder's good knowledge, experience and skills gained from working in varied child care settings. The

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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 childminder shares information with parents both verbally and in written form to maintain continuity of individual care. The records are thorough, well maintained and confidential, so building good trust with parents. Policies which support the care provision are mainly comprehensive, except for the complaints policy which does not include Ofsted contact details. Children's good quality of care is further reflected in the positive feedback from parents who appreciate the friendly, reliable childcare provision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints by the 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): • further promote sensory development through practical activities, in particular with the use of natural materials • develop ways to introduce different cultures of the wider world, in particular through practical activities • update the complaints policy to inform parents that they can request to see a complaints record and giving Ofsted contact details.

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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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