Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299685 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 lives in Up Holland near to Skelmersdale in a detached property which is close to local amenities such as shops and schools. Children have access to the whole of the premises including a fully enclosed outdoor area. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged four and six years. She presently she has four children on roll.

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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 are protected from illness. The childminder has written policies regarding sick or ill children which helps to prevent the spread of infection and maintain children's good health. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Parents are provided with sample menus which promote healthy eating. These includes nutritious snacks and meals such as fresh fruit to promote children's well being. Children’s thirst is quenched by frequent access to drinks. Children enjoy regular access to outdoor play. They engage in outings, school runs or play within the garden or local play area. This promotes children's learning and physical development. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene by being encouraged to wash their hands prior to meals. The childminder ensures she maintains good hygiene practises when changing babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises which are safe, well maintained and suitable for their purpose. Space is well organised and offers children areas in which to rest or to be active. These include a fully enclosed rear garden in which children can play safely. Children are protected because the childminder knows child protection procedures and personnel to contact if she has concerns about children. Children have access to a sufficient and suitable range of age appropriate resources which are safe and of good quality. These ensure children's safety is maintained. Children are safe within the setting. The childminder has taken adequate precautions to minimise risks to children. However, children's safety would be further enhanced by regular practising of emergency evacuation procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from lots of attention. The childminder's attentive attitude to the children's needs ensure their individual needs are well catered for. Children enjoy effective interaction and are developing a bond which helps to increase the child's sense of well being and belonging.

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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's overall development is enhanced through a varied range of activities. Children have access to age appropriate resources which includes experiences away from the premises enabling children to learn about the wider world. Children receive praise and encouragement which helps to develop their self esteem and confidence. The consistent support from the childminder helps children to become increasingly independent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and respect. Individual needs are met through discussion with parents to ensure continuity of care is provided for children. Children's access to resources which reflect diversity are provided to enhance children's awareness of the wider world. However, a lack of resources which reflects disability limits children's awareness of this issue. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. Parents are kept informed through a detailed written prospectus and through verbal discussions about the child's day. Children's behaviour is good and is promoted through consistent use of praise and encouragement. The childminder agrees strategies to manage behaviour which are in line with behaviour strategies used at home. This ensures consistency is maintained in the children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are encouraged to feel at home and independent by the welcoming and organised play space. Thus ensuring children have access to areas in which to rest, be active and to sleep. Children’s care is enhanced by the effective use of documentation. These include policies and procedures that promote the welfare and care of children. Children are safe and well protected because all members of the household are appropriately vetted. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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

There are no complaints to report 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 emergency evacuation procedure is regularly practised • provide resources which promote positive images of disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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