Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299675 Inspection date 05 May 2005 Inspector Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson

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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 registered in 2004. She resides with her daughter who is also a registered childminder at these premises: a three bed roomed bungalow in the rural area of Earby, Lancashire. The childminder uses the lounge, hallway, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and small bedroom for childminding. There is no enclosed area for outdoor play but children are taken on daily outings to local places of interest and amenities within walking

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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 distance. The childminder receives support from the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and attends a childminder support group with the children . She is registered to care for up to six children and is currently minding two children under the age of eight. Both children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are happy and well cared for in a warm, clean environment where effective hygiene procedures are in place to promote children's health. Children begin to learn good hygiene and personal care; they wash their hands after toileting, before eating and cover their mouths when they cough. Children are confident in independently accessing toiletries provided to assist themselves with their personal hygiene. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They choose from a varied selection of nutritional hot meals and snacks. Children also have access to fresh juices and water throughout the day. Their individual dietary requirements are acknowledged and acted upon in consultation with parents and where necessary involve working in partnership with medical professionals. children's physical development is actively promoted. They enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor physical activities, including an indoor ball pool and daily walks to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are confident in moving freely around the home which is safe and secure. The childminder ensures that effective steps are taken to minimise risks to children. Children begin to recognise the reasons for keeping themselves safe. They participate in regular fire drills, hold hands on trips out and follow "Stop, Look and Listen." Programme for road safety. Children make good use of a wide selection of toys and equipment. These are both age and size appropriate and conform to safety standards. Children's development is promoted by the childminder's creative use of the facilities available. This provides ample space for children to play. Children's welfare is promoted well. The childminder has a clear understanding of her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 duties in relation to child protection. She is aware of local child protection procedures and has the relevant information available to assist her in dealing with concerns of this nature.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play together well. They enjoy a good range of activities and resources which are readily accessible to them. Babies also enjoy access to all activities which they are encouraged to participate in. Children's sense of well being is developed through the strong bond and positive physical contact with the childminder. They thrive on a routine that meets their individual needs and takes into account parent's wishes. Children feel a sense of value as their efforts are recognised and praised by the childminder: a child is praised for completing an activity. Children are relaxed and confident in making their own choices of what to do at the setting, responding well to an environment that fosters their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Children's communication skills are developed through discussion, stories, singing and by socialising with other adults and children. Children are progressing well in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning to share and use good manners . Children continue to make good progress in all areas of learning. This information is shared with parents through regular discussions and written documentation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a sense of belonging as they are made to feel at ease in the home . They socialise well with other adults and peer groups in the home and local childminder group. This begins to raise their awareness of the local community. Children's access to resources that develop their understanding of the wider society are limited and could be developed further. Children are aware of the boundaries set in the home for their safety and well being. Methods for managing behaviour are agreed with parents and are reflected in children being well behaved and well mannered. Children's welfare, care and development is promoted by the childminder's good working relationship with parents. This is supported through daily discussions and written documentation.

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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 The organisation is good. Children are settled and enjoy themselves in a well organised, safe environment. This means children are familiar with routines and feel confident to initiate their own play and learning experiences. Children benefit from the childminder actively promoting the future development of her childminding practice. This is done by attendance on relevant childcare courses and previous experience of working in a private day nursery. For example completing a course in child protection. She continues to attend further childcare courses and support groups which consolidate her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues. Written records are used well in demonstrating the care provided and agreed with parents. All required records and documentation are in place, appropriately

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Organisation

maintained and retained. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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): • ensure that children's awareness of equality of opportunity and anti -discriminatory practice is promoted through increasing resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

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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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