Childminder, Out-of school day care in Blackburn with Darwen

Inspection report for early years provision

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301515 Unique Reference Number 10 August 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her teenage children in the Little Harwood area of Blackburn. The house is close to shops, transport links and other local amenities. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a garden to the front of the house which is sometimes used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to four children at any one time and is currently minding three children who all attend on a part time basis.

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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 satisfactory hygiene practices, for example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before and after meals and after visiting the bathroom. They are beginning to appreciate the reasons why they need to wash hands, as the childminder talks about germs with them. The childminder has a satisfactory nappy changing routine and as a result cross contamination is limited. She has updated her own knowledge of food hygiene by completing a basic certificate of competence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are mostly met by having the documentation in place however, the childminder does not have written parental consent for seeking emergency medical attention or advice and therefore their emergency medical needs are compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are satisfactorily nourished because the childminder has an understanding of a balanced diet and provides children with fresh fruit and vegetables and encourages them to try new foods. She tempts children to try healthy options by mixing vegetables into foods. Water and juice is readily available and therefore children can monitor their own needs for a drink.

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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 and mostly safe indoor and outdoor environment which is satisfactorily maintained. They move freely and play both on the floor and on the table in a home that is organised to allow them to play without unnecessary restriction. The environment is enhanced by children's own work and as a result children have a sense of belonging. They proudly show their work to the inspector and talk about their paintings and picture collages displayed on the door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can make choices from suitable and appropriate equipment which develops their independence as they choose from an appropriate selection including cars, bricks, books and musical instruments.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Most safety features are in place apart from a missing socket cover and therefore children's safety is compromised. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection and is fully aware of the procedure to follow should she need to take action regarding any child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve as they are provided with good activities which meet their needs because the childminder has an informal plan which includes painting, crayoning and sticking. Children sit and concentrate as they cut out shapes of rabbits and proudly show them to the childminder who readily praises them. The younger child a builds a tower of blocks and laughs

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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 as this topples over. They take part in delightful activities as they search for slugs and snails when out walking. They learn about the life cycle of the butterfly as they feed a caterpillar and keep it until it turns into a chrysalis. They enjoy a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities as they visit the local toddler group and the library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with play opportunities which keep them interested and occupied as they sit and cuddle with the childminder as they read a book together. She engages in some lovely conversations with the children about the story and they discuss numbers, colours and shapes during their play and when out shopping. The childminder gives good explanations to the children as she explains younger children do not play in the same way as the older children. Therefore, children learn to consider the needs of others and learn that young children play and learn in different ways.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where parents are welcomed and included to ensure individual needs are met. The children take part in all activities and choose from the toys and equipment, these being within easy access to them. They have satisfactory access to activities and resources which reflect diversity and therefore, their knowledge and understanding is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to take responsibility for their behaviour because the childminder has satisfactory strategies in place including time out, talking to children and generally using praise. The childminder acts as a good role model as she remains calm and consistent and is fully aware of the need to give reasons and explanations regarding inappropriate behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive relationship is fostered with parents because the childminder provides verbal information regarding her care practice. The childminder gives feedback to the parents and allows time at the end of each day to discuss their child's time with her, which contributes to the children's well being. She shares some policies and procedures with parents to keep them informed of her childcare practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder makes generally good use of space, time and resources as she plans an environment in which children can play and learn. Most of the regulatory documentation is in place and maintained to a satisfactory standard. Children's details are fully recorded therefore ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur whereby this is deemed necessary.

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Organisation

The childminder has updated her knowledge by attending training in early years practice to improve the care provided for children. The childminder is 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 the garden is fully enclosed. The childminder has put a barrier between her garden and the neighbours. This action ensures children can play in a safe and secure outdoor environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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): • obtain written consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure socket covers are replaced.

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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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