Rees, Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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307931 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2007 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult sons. The family live in a semi detached house which is within easy access of Clitheroe town centre in Lancashire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years and there are currently six children on roll, attending part-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children access the main lounge, kitchen with dining facility, downstairs bathroom and a rear outdoor garden. Children do not access the dining room or upstairs areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local network of childminders and is a support childminder. She has completed relevant training in first aid, child protection and food hygiene and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children participate in outings and activities to toddler groups, the park and shopping activities.

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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 infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become unwell. The childminder follows good health and hygiene routines and has policies in place for sickness and children's health and well-being. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after the toilet and after they play outside in the garden. The childminder follows effective nappy changing procedures and uses gloves and disposable bags. Children use individual paper towels after hand washing. The premises are clean and well maintained and all baby toys are sterilised to prevent germs spreading. Children's medical, emergency and first aid needs are well met as the childminder has a current first aid certificate, medicine and accident recording procedures and consent from parents to seek emergency medical attention.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements. The childminder gathers all dietary information from parents at the start of care. She records any special requirements and plans a menu to include healthy options. For example, fresh fruit and vegetables feature daily and the childminder encourages the children to try out new tastes from different foods from around the world. The childminder is registered with the "Smiling for Life" campaign and ensures that children drink plenty of water and have non sugary foods or drinks. Snacks and meals are organised around the kitchen table and children enjoy a positive social occasion.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical well-being is promoted through regular rest, relaxation and exercise. They enjoy outings as they walk to and from school, play in the park, use soft play and sensory activity equipment and play football and tennis. Children relax and sleep according to their needs and have a quiet play time with board games, reading books and drawing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a really safe, secure and suitable environment, it is welcoming and offers access to necessary facilities and activities to support children's development. Space is well organised and children use the lounge for floor play and general activities; the kitchen area is used for snacks, messy play and table top activities and there is a rear outdoor play area. All areas are safe and secure and suitable for the needs of the children on roll. Children feel a sense of belonging as there are bright colourful posters and pictures displayed that children can relate to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a good range of accessible and stimulating furniture, equipment and toys, that are safe, suitable, well maintained and conform to safety standards. There is everyday routine furniture that includes, settees, tables and chairs, high chair and pram. Children enjoy playing with toys and materials to support their learning and this includes craft equipment, a T-set, dolls and physical play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are really safe and secure because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and prevent accidents, ensuring children are not exposed to any risks or hazards. The premises are secure and the doors and windows are locked when children are present. The outdoor area is enclosed and there are gates that are bolted. Children are secure as the

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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 childminder follows arrival and collection procedures and only named adults drop off or collect the children. The kitchen area is safe and there are no chemicals or hazard accessible to the children. The childminder has clear fire evacuation procedures with safety equipment available that includes a fire blanket and smoke alarms. All safety equipment is in place and children are safe on outings and are not exposed to any risks. For example, sockets are protected, reins and wrist straps are used on outings and a fire guard is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her duty to ensure that children are safe and protected from harm. She is sensitive to any signs and symptoms of abuse and knows who to contact and report to in the event of a concern. There is a written procedure in place and this is shared with parents. The childminder keeps a record of any concerns and is sensitive to any change in children's behaviour. She has completed recent training and is up to date with information from the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met and their welfare is promoted as the childminder plans and provides an interesting range of activities and experiences to develop children physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. There is lots of photographic evidence of children doing various activities and this includes baking, playing in the garden, using sand and compost, socialising at the toddler group using physical play equipment and participating in crafts and themed activities. Children are secure and confident as they play comfortably in the home environment and respond to the daily routine. Children have a planned snack time, free play session, outdoor play and rest and relaxation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy and achieve as they are challenged and stimulated. They play on the floor or at the table with activity toys, reading books, dressing-up clothes and explore the environment outside when learning about animals, birds and the natural world. Children are well supported as the childminder spends time with them talking to them about what they are doing. Children have free choice from resources set out and ask confidently for different toys or activities. They enjoy trips to the park, toddler groups and library and develop their social skills as they learn right from wrong as they share toys, play in a group situation and sit at the table when eating and drinking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued, they access a range of activities and facilities and individual needs are met through discussion with parents. Every child has an individual record sheet and all about me information is recorded and discussed with parents in order that appropriate care is provided. Parents are aware of the organisational policies and procedures and all likes, dislikes, routines and activities are discussed. Children learn about diversity and differences though books, celebrations and festivals from around the world. They join in with community activities and meet with other children and childminders. The childminder gathers new ideas from the Internet and displays pictures and posters in different languages and cultures. Children's welfare and development is paramount as the childminder is aware of the action to take if a child is identified or admitted to the provision with an identified learning difficulty or a disability in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

partnership with parents and other professionals.

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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 Children's behaviour is managed in a way that promotes their welfare and development. Children are asked to sit down and calm down and the childminder reminds children of the house rules. There are agreed methods of behaviour management and parents are involved at each stage. The childminder does not exclude children from the room or from an activity but asks the children to sit beside her for a few minutes. Children respond to positive praise and encouragement as the childminder tells them "well done". There are consistent expectations as the childminder wants children to have fun but to respect each other and the household environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel secure as they benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder has been registered for a number of years and parents come through recommendation by other parents. Parents complete a care contract and are invited to induction and settling in visits to enable them to feel comfortable. They are involved in all routines and care practices and daily dialogue takes place. Parents are given a photograph album of their children that keeps them up to date with all activities and their child's day at the childminder's. Parents have details of all organisational policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are really protected and safeguarded because all adults in the household are vetted and cleared. The childminder is experienced and qualified and has completed training in sign language, first aid, child protection, food hygiene and some Birth to Three Matters workshops. She is currently in the middle of becoming a network childminder and is a support childminder for newly registered ones. She identifies that she wishes to develop her knowledge and practice as new frameworks are introduced.

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Organisation

Children are well supported and part of an organised environment and practice that provides opportunities for them to develop and play in comfort and safety. Most children attend part-time and the childminder has no more than three children during the day. Areas and space are effectively and creatively set up and used in conjunction with play activities and routine practices. The daily routines include walks to schools, toddler groups, nature activities and shopping excursions.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is well maintained through detailed records, policies and procedures being in place for the safe efficient management of the provision. All regulatory records are in place, up to date and available for inspection. For example, attendance details, medicine records, accident records and individual children's details. Previous records are retained and all are stored safely and securely. There are organisational policies and procedures that are available to parents and include child protection procedures, health and safety, complaints and equal opportunities.

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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 include activities within the written agreement with parents. There is now a written daily plan and a list of activities included in the parents welcome pack. Children's learning and well-being is now enhanced.

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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

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): • update knowledge and practice in line with any new frameworks.

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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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