Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

307748 Unique Reference Number 04 April 2007 Inspection date Joan, Patricia Flowers Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and son in an established residential area of Preston. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes children to parent and toddler groups, local parks and shops, and places of interest. The family has a dog which is inaccessible to the children. There are five children on roll who are aged between 18 months and 30 months and who attend at various times during weekdays. Membership of the National Childminding Association is held, with support and training accessed through the local authority Sure Start development team. The childminder provides support to newly registered childminders.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise when playing in the garden or when running up the hill at the front of the house. They go for walks and use small wheeled toys in the garden and at the toddler groups and so develop their physical skills and strength well. Children's

p.2

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 health is promoted well when playing outside as they are protected with sun cream, the wearing of sun hats and playing in the shade.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder positively encourages the children to learn about the importance of hand washing and they benefit from the good hygiene practices of the childminder. Children, as a consequence, are well protected from the risk of infection. This is underlined further by the childminder's clear written sickness policy and the practical steps she takes if children become ill in her care. She also holds a valid first aid certificate and has undertaken food hygiene training.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a well balanced choice of wholesome and nutritious meals and snacks because the childminder translates the principles of healthy eating into good practice. Fresh fruit and vegetables are provided daily and healthy drinks available throughout the day ensure children are well hydrated. Individual preferences are taken into good account and close consultation with parents about special dietary requirements helps ensure children's individual needs are always met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected because the childminder takes good practical safety precautions and also has clear written procedures that she effectively puts into practice. These include a plan for emergency evacuation and prior risk assessments undertaken of any visits to places of interest, such as the marina at Preston or the nature reserve. Outings are planned with care and children learn from an early age about good road safety practice. The childminder employs all the necessary health and safety equipment, such as stair gates and cupboard locks. The use of reins and straps when children go for walks maintains their safety in an age appropriate way. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, by not having too many toys out at once on the floor to minimise the risk of tripping.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is organised well. Children have access to all ground floor rooms which encourages their sense of independence. Children happily select activities from the accessible range of toys and equipment which are regularly rotated and checked by the childminder ensuring that they are safe and appropriate to the children's age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the overall welfare of children. Children are well protected because she has a thorough understanding of child protection issues and has up to date procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their day very much. They all receive attention and genuine affection from the childminder and they are very secure. Children participate in a huge range of activities, which develop new interests and extend their knowledge, and the childminder's skilful planning provides increased challenges to help children make all round progress. Two year-olds learn how to use the watercolour paints effectively as they practice dipping their brushes first into the water then onto the paint blocks to colour in their Easter egg pictures. Children express themselves effectively when given choices, participate enthusiastically when helping to make and then play with the wooden train track, cooperating and concentrating well in equal measure.

p.3

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 The childminder accommodates children's individual routines and interests fully within a programme of practical activities and extended free play in a variety of settings.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good relationships with the childminder, they are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in the childminder's home. Young children gain in personal confidence through the high levels of attention they receive and the support given throughout the day. Children have their individual needs met as the childminder establishes daily routines around these, for example, when a child is tired, a rest is offered appropriately, perhaps by having a quiet story.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Thoughtful planning by the childminder enables the children to build on the skills they have learnt through the play and learning opportunities provided. This ensures each child has a balance of different types of play both in the home and outside to broaden their range of experiences. A written record, in the form of a scrapbook, is kept of each child's daily activities, charting their development through photographs and examples of artwork they have created.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and are happily integrated in the familiar family setting. They show care towards each other and are encouraged to be kind to one another. Young children are confident about expressing their needs because the childminder values them as individuals and treats them with respect.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a good range of anti-discriminatory equipment to help children acknowledge difference and learn more about the world around them. Regular visits to the local toddler groups enable children to socialise with children from different backgrounds and learn about other people's differences and similarities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are well met by the childminder who liaises closely with parents to develop well organised daily routines. Information gathered about the individual needs of children is comprehensive because the childminder actively encourages parents to share as much information as possible at the start of the placement. However, permissions to seek emergency medical advice and also for transporting children in a vehicle were missing in one case.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a very warm and welcoming environment. Space is well organised and sufficient for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for.

p.4

Organisation

Documentation and record keeping is in the main very well organised. Comprehensive information about children's individual needs is clearly documented and shared with parents. Well thought out written health and safety procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and development of children. These include an equal opportunities policy, behaviour statement, emergency evacuation procedure and child protection policy.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder effectively keeps abreast of relevant childcare matters by attending a wide range of training, thus benefiting children's welfare and care.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made. This was to practise the written emergency evacuation procedure. The provider, during the intervening period, has practised this essential safety drill and familiarised herself with the action she needs to take in an emergency. As a result, children are better protected and they also have opportunities to develop their own understanding about how to keep themselves safe.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parental permission is sought, at the time of enrolment, for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and for the transporting of children in a vehicle.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5