Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 26 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 502024 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Janet, Elizabeth Singleton

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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 has been registered since May 2001. She lives with her three children aged 8, 13 and 15 years in a semi-detached house in Great Harwood. The whole of the ground floor with the exception of the kitchen is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are provided upstairs with access restricted to all bedrooms. The garage has been converted into a dedicated play area. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. There are 4 children on roll who attend variety of sessions during the week.

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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 The family pets consist of a dog and cat. The childminder takes children on a regular basis to a local playgroup, library and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment where they learn about good hygiene practices. The childminder understands good health practices and follows the children's own routines for sleep and nappy changing. The childminder has a caring nappy changing routine, talking to the children about her practice. Thus children are learning about good hygiene routines through discussion and by observation of washing of hands, wiping surfaces and clearing away food spills. The children's dietary needs are met because the childminder works with the parents and ensures cultural and special diets are catered for. Children benefit from having fresh fruit and vegetables, as the childminder is fully aware of the need for five portions of these on a daily basis. The children make choices from bread sticks, cut up carrots and fresh fruit. Children's emotional well being is nurtured by the childminder providing lots of

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Helping children to be healthy

cuddles, talking softly and lovingly to the them as she encourages them in their play. Children are supported as they grow and develop and gradually take control of their bodies by the provision of flexible nappy changing and potty training routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where safety is mostly promoted. They have access to a dedicated playroom where they can choose from a range of clean and safe resources and allows them to engage safely in messy play. The younger children benefit from being encouraged to use the lounge area as this is more homely for them. The children can move freely and independently promoting their decision making. The children benefit from a stimulating environment which challenges them, by providing appropriate and safe equipment, in order for them to play safely whilst growing and developing. They enjoy making choices and selecting resources from a vast range of clean and suitable toys; including jigsaws, paints and construction materials. The children learn about safety because the childminder talks to them and sets boundaries raising their awareness. They learn about tidying up and maintaining a

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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 The children's safety is compromised by the missing socket cover and the lack of evidence to determine if the glass is the hi-fi unit is safety glass. Children's welfare is safeguarded, because the childminder has secure understanding of child protection and the action she would need to take should she be concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children become creative and imaginative as the childminder provides activities which incorporates all areas of play including physical and constructive. They enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities and share responsibility for choosing resources. The children's confidence and self esteem is fully promoted by the childminder giving lots of individual attention, cuddles, reading stories and playing games together. The children are learning about colours and numbers because the childminder sits at their level and encourages them, talking about colours, numbers and questioning the children in a very effective manner. Children are encouraged to become skilful communicators by the childminder sharing conversations, listening to the children and encouraging them to communicate their actions. For example; What are you doing? Shall we see? The children learn from daily experiences and are taken shopping and to local groups

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

thus making connections and gaining an understanding of the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are integrated into the setting and are valued and respected. They learn about diversity from the resources provided and the celebration of festivals e.g. books, jigsaws and creative activities. Children enjoy being able to self select resources promoting their independence, they readily change toys and books and ask the childminder to join their play which she does so willingly. All children are encouraged to participate in all activities with the childminder showing a good understanding of the need to adapt activities and resources for all to age groups to benefit from. Children benefit from the childminders good use of praise and encouragement to assist them in being acknowledged and affirmed. The children have a sense of belonging shown by the manner in which they come freely into the setting and settle down to play. The childminder affectionately greets them and offers cuddles and time

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for them to settle. This encourages their sense of belonging and acknowledging and affirming their presence. The childminder shares information with the parents to ensure she is fully aware of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 child's individual needs and thus follows the child's home routines to ensure consistency of care. Parents are included in all aspects of their child's time with the childminder. Positive relationships are built with the parents to assist in the exchange of information on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supported and encouraged by the organisation of the childminders service. They feel at home and at ease within the setting and move freely choosing resources. The childminder shares the policy and procedures with the parents to ensure they are fully aware of the care provided for their child. She provides parents with verbal information about children's care and learning. The childminder has the regulatory documentation in place which ensures the children's needs are met. the consent forms, accident and medication records are signed by the parents to ensure they are made fully aware of any incidents. The childminder overlooked informing Ofsted, the regulatory body, of an incident which affected her childminding practice. This being she was taken to hospital and had to engage the services of another person, whom she viewed competent to assist in looking after the children, whilst she attended the accident and emergency facility.

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Organisation

The childminder has links with outside agencies and attends local toddler groups thus providing experience inside and outside of the home. to assist in the children's socialisation. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved children's safety, improved documentation and purchased resources. She has completed the fire procedures thus ensuring appropriate action can be taken. She has obtained the telephone number of the local child protection team to assist in safeguarding children should a concern arise. She has obtained written parental consent for the seeking of emergency medical attention and advice in order to meet with the requirements of the National Standards. The childminder has purchased resources and books to assist the children in learning about diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since April 2004.

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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 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 electrical sockets are protected and that low level glass is protected or made safe. • Ensure Ofsted is notified of all changes to child minding practices and incidents.

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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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