Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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309170 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2006 Inspection date Janet, Elizabeth Singleton 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and daughter in the town of Accrington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden providing opportunities for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged under eight. The children attend on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder walks to and from the local school to take and collect children.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands sound hygiene practices, for example, children learn about healthy living as they wash their hands before and after meals and after visiting the bathroom. They enjoy visiting the dentist as they learn about good oral hygiene. The childminder has an appropriate nappy changing procedure and as a result cross contamination is limited.

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Helping children to be healthy

The required documentation is in place to maintain the health and medical needs of children. The first aid box contained some dressings that had become out of date and as a consequence could not be used if required to treat an injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished as they are provided with fresh fruit and home cooked meals. The childminder encourages them to participate in cooking activities, following recipes from the children's cook book to make tubby toast and cheese and tomato pizzas.

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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 welcoming, clean and generally safe home. They move freely and play both on the floor and on the table in an environment that is organised to allow them to play without unnecessary restriction. They enjoy choosing from the selection of toys provided for them, for example, books, construction materials and a painting activity. The childminder rotates the resources to provide variation for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept mostly safe as the required safety features are in place. However, the fire guard is not fixed to the wall and therefore children's safety is compromised. They learn about safe practices because the childminder discusses safety with them, for example, the need to put reins on and to hold onto the pram when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is monitored well because the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, based on national and local guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with good activities which meet their needs because the childminder has an informal daily plan, is flexible and follows the children's lead on topics. They go shopping and look for items on the shopping list as they delight in looking for the bananas and other assorted fruit and vegetables. They enjoy visiting the park as they use the swings, slide and climbing frame to practise their physical skills. They act out roles from home, using the play kitchen and the pretend shop as they develop their imagination.

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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 Children sit quietly and concentrate as they paint pictures, read books and build a robot from the construction materials. They are developing their confidence and self-esteem by having positive relationships with the childminder. She interacts very well with them as she sits with them asking questions beginning with who, how and what. She uses an abundance of praise as she tells the children they are good and have done so well. She talks about the pictures they have painted as the children describe their masterpiece as they sit together. The children and the childminder engage in some lovely, good quality conversations and join in laughter as they sit and play together, enjoying each others company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder understands equality of opportunity for all children and anti-discriminatory practice. She ensures children are involved and can take part in the activities provided. She has experience of working with children who have a learning difficulty and of working closely with parents and other agencies to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning how to manage their behaviour because the childminder has positive strategies in place, for example, appropriate use of praise, ignoring inappropriate behaviour and removing children from the situation. She discusses behaviour with the children and helps them to identify their feelings of frustration. She encourages children to say 'please' and 'thank you' at all times to promote their use of good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works with parents to meet children's individual needs. She displays information regarding her childminding practice in the entrance hall, for example, the certificate of registration and training courses she has attended. The childminder ensure communication channels remain open and provides a daily opportunity for parents to discuss their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from an environment and practice that is organised satisfactorily to meet their needs by the appropriate use of time, space and resources. They play, learn and make choices as they move freely and access appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder has an informal routine in place which is based on the children's needs enabling them to gain maximum enjoyment from the activities provided.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met and their welfare protected because the childminder has all regulatory documentation in place which is well maintained, organised and up to date. Children's details are fully recorded therefore ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur. However, the childminder is not fully aware of the new regulations relating to the complaints policy.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure special dietary requirements are recorded and to ensure the register reflects all children for whom she provides care and are on the premises. The childminder now records all dietary information on the children's records. She ensures children's times of attendance are included on the register at all times. The above action means children's dietary needs are fully met. The recording of the actual times of attendance shows clearly the children for whom she has full responsibility and meets with the requirement of National Standard 2, Organisation.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure the first aid box complies with the first aid regulations • ensure the fireguard does not present a danger to the children • ensure the complaints policy is in line with the new regulations.

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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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