Childminder in Blackpool

Inspection report for early years provision

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308635 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2007 Inspection date Margaret Baines 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 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her two daughters aged nine and 11 years in a terraced house situated near to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and Stanley Park. Local amenities include parks, walks, shops and playgroups. Minded children have access to the through lounge for play and a bedroom for sleeping. A secure garden is available to the rear of her home.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is currently caring for two children aged two years. The family has a pet goldfish. The childminder has completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in child care and education. She is a member of the local childminding group and the National Childminding Association. She receives support from the local authority.

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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 outstanding. Children enjoy a superb range of activities which contribute to their very good health, such as regular outings to places of interest like Stanley park and the beach. They also visit the local parks when it is too wet to play in the secure outdoor area. There are planned outdoor activities to help children develop physical skills and body control. For example, children love to play outdoors in the secure area using the excellent toys, which are age appropriate and designed to promote children's physical development and their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning that when it is cold outdoors we must wear hats and coats and when they have been running they need a drink. They confidently ask the childminder for a drink or seek one from those provided. They enjoy a rest in the comfort of their buggy or snuggle up on the sofa wrapped in their own blanket, whichever the child and the parents prefer, ensuring a peaceful rest is achieved to enhance their good health. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate therefore is competent to deal with any first aid emergency which may occur. She also has available a sick child policy which she shares with parents. In the event of a child becoming unwell in her care, she will ensure the child is very comfortable and take the necessary steps to contact parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are secure and cared for in a very warm and extremely clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are developing an understanding of why they must wash their hands at certain times of the day to avoid ill health from exposure to germs. For example, the childminder gives the younger children a wipe each before they have a snack and lunch, which they love to use, and she explains that we are getting rid of any germs on our hands. Older children may access their own flannels and towels in the bathroom to ensure that there is no cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of healthy eating. They enjoy really nutritious snacks and meals, which include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. For example, they have wholemeal toast, bananas and tangerines, lunch includes freshly steamed vegetables with chicken or fish, pasta or noodles to mention a few of the healthy meals served. Children also delight in going to the allotment to harvest some fresh produce or to the local greengrocer to select fruit and vegetables to prepare and eat. The childminder is mindful of parental requests and children's preferences in all aspects of the foods she serves to ensure a continuity of care between home and the setting. Children's dietary needs are met very well in the care of the childminder through her careful planning and attention to detail.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and secure within this environment and when on outings, as the childminder has due regard for safety procedures. She keeps the front door locked at all times, has safety equipment in place and ensures children are safe when in her care both indoors and when outdoors because she has secure procedures in place, which help children learn how to

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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 keep themselves safe. For example, they are encouraged not to run indoors, to hold onto the pram when outdoors and to wear security straps. Emergency fire procedures are in place and children have practised the routine, which familiarises them with the method of quick evacuation. Children learn the importance of safety for both themselves and for each other through careful explanation by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment for children is bright, is visually stimulating and offers different areas where they can choose to play. Space is used creatively so that quiet, active and imaginative play opportunities are provided. The areas for indoor play are well equipped to promote choice for the children. The outdoor area contains a selection of toys but is not in use at the moment due to the inclement weather conditions. Toys and equipment are organised in a way that allows children easy access, for example, toy boxes and low-level storage are available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of the responsibilities for recording and reporting alleged abuse of a child and maintains contact details of relevant bodies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children feel extremely relaxed and secure in this home because they settle very well with the childminder and others in the setting. They thoroughly enjoy the excellent range of play experiences, which include regular visits to the park and places of interest such as the beach. Children spend their time very purposefully, developing their confidence and independence as they choose their play resources from a very well resourced playroom. They are developing their language skills as they participate in fantastic experiences, such as visits to the allotment where they harvest home-grown produce. They visit the beach where they delight in collecting shells and pebbles to use in creative activities, such as collage and model making. Children’s creativity is encouraged through the many innovative and exciting activities which include role play, where children delight in preparing a cup of tea, washing the pots, and making lunch.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They also love to paint, draw and glue, creating beautiful collages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children love the excellent section of books and puzzles, which they may freely access for their enjoyment and learning. The childminder is a confident storyteller engaging the children in the delights of the story, bringing to life the characters so enhancing this aspect of their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children love to count, for example, the shapes, the animals and the small world resources. Counting continues outdoors where children are beginning to count cars and other items when enjoying their lovely outings with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are enthusiastic in their play, they play happily together as they learn to share and take turns. Children benefit from the childminder’s secure understanding of the ages and stages of development of the children in her care and how to meet their needs, promote their development and ensure their well-being. She plans activities which offer an excellent range of experiences. In particular, children enjoy regular visits to local places of interests and the Sure Start centre. They also love to bake cakes and help prepare snacks with the childminder, learning about foods that are good for you and foods we should not eat.

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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 The childminder has in place the 'Birth to three matters' guidance, a framework to assist in the implementation of this aspect of practice. She is beginning to use this to develop ideas for activities with the under threes. All children enjoy excellent opportunities to experience a varied and well paced day in the care of the childminder through her systematic planning and attention to detail. Consequently she offers children a stimulating, varied and fun day in which to develop and enjoy their time as they flourish in this environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have equal access to a wealth of play resources and activities. The children are very much valued and respected as individuals, which helps to give them a real sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through the excellent selection of images and experiences offered to them. For example, the childminder reads stories about children in other countries and has made a lovely selection of resources available, which reflect our diverse society. Children enjoy making collages which reflect our wider world, in particular at present they enjoy making items that represent Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary due to the childminder's positive reinforcement and highly skilled approach to promoting positive behaviour. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies, taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children are therefore beginning to show care and concern for each other by learning to share toys and to take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is outstanding, which significantly contributes to children's well-being. Children's needs are met by daily verbal communication between the childminder and parents. The childminder also writes detailed diaries which reflect the wonderful time that the children have spent in her care. The childminder is a great source of support for the children and the parents, being willing to collect the children from their home and support parents in many aspects. She is very kind and helpful ensuring parents feel comfortable and happy with her. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes and the childminder ensures she has an excellent understanding of their opinions and attitudes. This ensures effective continuity for the children between home and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled within a well-organised environment. There are very effective and clear procedures in place to promote children's learning and development, as well as their welfare. Documentation is appropriately shared and confidentiality is acknowledged. The register of attendance is recorded clearly to show ratios are met, confirming that children have appropriate support and supervision at all times. Written permissions are in place, which ensures parents are clear about all aspects of her practice.

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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 Children are looked after by the childminder in a safe, secure environment where they have room to develop their independence and learning through well planned experiences. She has in place the 'Birth to three matters' guidance, a framework for developing the care of children under three. Although this is included in her practice, there is room for development to further enhance her good practice using the guidance to promote learning for younger children.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that all entries in the medication records are countersigned by parents. The records are now completed in the required format. The improvement has enhanced the care for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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): • continue to develop the use of the 'Birth to three matters' guidance to further enhance this aspect of practice.

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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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