Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333062 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2006 Inspection date Mary Wignall 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 April 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged under 8 years in the town of Skelmersdale. The childminder uses the ground floor only for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. She is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children aged under 8 at any one time. She receives support from the local authority early years team and is a member of the National Childminding Association and a local group of childminders called the Wishing Well Group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder follows sound procedures to promote the children's health. She maintains a clean and hygienic home and equipment for the children. The children are encouraged to wash

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their hands at appropriate times and are familiar with sound hygiene routines. The childminder has relevant documentation to support the care of the children. This includes systems to record any accidents and any medicines given to children if needed. Care of the children is supported and informed by the childminder's first aid training. Good information is given to parents about the need to prevent the spread of infection if children are ill both in her home or the parents to prevent the spread of infection. Relevant information is requested from parents about the children’s health, although the childminder has two sets of documentation to record this. Together they have all the relevant details about the children's health though the duplication makes the information less accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder had a clear understanding of the need for physical activities to help the children’s all round development. She has good links with local groups for the children to have opportunities to met other children and enjoy a wide range of activities. She has a well equipped back garden with a slide and seesaw for the children to enjoy in suitable weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder’s sample menu is shared with parents and demonstrates a clear understanding and commitment to fresh food. The menu includes fruit and vegetables and freshly cooked food. The childminder tells how the menu is used flexibly to prepare appropriate food which the children will eat and enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder cares for the children in a secure environment. The premises are welcoming to children and parents due to the childminder's organisation of easily accessible toys. Parents have an information notice board area to inform them of the setting and the children’s activities. The children play in the rear room which has plenty of natural light, nice views of the garden and easy access to other parts of the house used for minding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of safety. She uses a range of safety equipment to protect the children from identified hazards. For example, she ensures children are safe by using safety gates, locks, appropriate socket covers and fire guards. She has sufficient fire safety equipment and evacuation procedures in case of emergency to ensure the children’s safety. Children are beginning to learn about safety from the childminder's routines, such as helping to tidy up and being aware of their surroundings. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection and shares good information with the parents. She has devised her own policies which gives clear information about her responsibilities and any records she may make, such as a record of any existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are confident and have good relationships with the childminder. This creates a positive caring atmosphere for the children to play and develop. They are relaxed and use their initiative when playing. The children play imaginatively with their toys. They show good levels of concentration as they ensure their doll is well fed and cared for. They persist at trying to

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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 get the next piece of the puzzle correct supported by the childminder's skilful questioning. The children are given time to try and find the correct piece themselves. If it does not fit they are encouraged to think why it doesn’t before finding the correct one. The childminder talks to the children about the pieces being too big or too small and talks to them about the picture for the children to see which piece in next in the sequence. The children are pleased with their efforts and are developing good self-esteem in their play with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and the children enjoy their time together. The children have good opportunities to socialise. Regular visits to local play facilities are planned where the children play alongside other children. They have good links with the local community both in the groups they visit and in local organisations, such as animal rescue centres. The children enjoy exciting trips out not only to play areas but the airport and big shops where the childminder talks to the children about their surroundings or lets them try out the toys, making the most of the experience together. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, although not yet implementing it has identified this as a training need to ensure appropriate care of young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Parents receive good clear information about the childminder’s care of children. The childminder has a policy file which informs the parents about her family, policies and procedures. The childminder has good systems in place to exchange information on a daily basis to ensure the children’s individual needs are met and their welfare promoted. Sufficient systems are in place to find out about and record children’s individual needs. The childminder has a sound understanding of different methods of behaviour management, appropriate for the children she minds. She has drawn up a policy to share with parents to agree what methods are used to ensure the parents’ agreement and consistency for the children. The childminder demonstrated a sound understanding of anti-discriminatory practices. She speaks to the children with respect listening to their views and conversations. Children learn about diversity from the resources

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and activities at local groups. The children easily access books with different languages in with pictures and information about other cultures. This increases the children's understanding of the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of the National Standards. She has established systems in place to gather all the required information from parents regarding children’s individual needs. Documentation is retained and available for inspection. The premises and equipment are organised to have clear suitable space available for children. The children are confident in the setting due to the childminder’s interaction with the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • continue to increase knowledge and implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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