Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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309130 Unique Reference Number 21 May 2007 Inspection date Cynthia Walker 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight years and three years. They live in a detached house on the outskirts of Burnley. She is within walking distance of the local park, shops and school. The childminder uses the lounge, dining area, hall, toilet and kitchen on the ground floor for childminding. Children use the first floor for sleeping. The family pets include two cats. The childminder visits the local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Local Childminding Network. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. She holds a Level 3 early year's qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished and enjoy a variety of nutritious meals and snacks which incorporate a range of fruit and vegetables. These are reflected in a sample menu which is included in the parents information file. The children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and there are

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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 clear systems in place to record these. Children can access regular drinks throughout the day which includes the option of water.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes how children learn about personal hygiene through their daily routines, for example, washing their hands after going to the toilet. However, young children's hands are not wiped before snack to develop their understanding of personal hygiene. The childminder demonstrates that children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or need medication. The childminder has clear written procedures to support children if they become ill. The childminder sensitively enables children to have appropriate rest or sleep dependent on their individual needs and routines. Children are developing emotional well-being through loving and caring relationships.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to enjoy physical activity by regular access to large equipment and outdoor facilities at local toddler groups. The childminder goes for walks in the surrounding area, feeds the ducks and visits the local park. Younger children are developing their physical skills as they begin to manoeuvre a sit and ride toy within the home or attempt to walk holding one of the childminder's hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, safe and secure environment where risks have been identified and minimised, which enables children to move safely and independently within the home. Detailed risk assessments are in place to support the children's safety. Children's understanding of fire safety is promoted by regular evacuation practises reinforced by written plans. The childminder helps children to learn about keeping safe as she introduces simple road safety as they cross the road to school and by being involved in projects around fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is providing a welcoming environment for the children with resources arranged around the rooms. Children access a wide range of resources which are appropriate for the ages and stages of children being cared for and actively support their learning and development. Resources are accessibly arranged to encourage children to make a range of independent choices. The safety of resources is maintained by regular checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder ensures parents receive a copy of her written child protection policy as they begin their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested in play and are actively involved in a good range of activities within the home and on visits to other groups. Photographs highlight children's involvement in baking, painting, trips to the park and activities at toddler groups which extend their learning. The childminder has examples of children's art work which reflect a wide range of creativity including painting, sticking and drawing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are finding a voice as they experiment with sounds which are effectively reinforced by the childminder who introduces simple words and links sounds to animals, such as dog and cat. She actively praises children as they say 'tea' whilst playing with the toy kitchen and

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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 vigorously stir the pan with a spoon. Children enjoy looking and handling books both independently and with the childminder. Younger children explore the toy box and enjoy examining the toys as they empty the toys on to the floor. The childminder uses toys to play music and encourages children to move gently to the rhythm of the songs. Children experiment making marks which are extended by the childminder as she draws around their hands.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's effective interaction and sensitive support extends the children's learning. She encourages children to achieve and gives lots of positive praise. Children are confident in the environment and their responses from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents are actively welcomed into the home and works closely with parents to ensure children receive effective support during the day. A very detailed information folder highlights the care their children will receive including the activities, menu and policies and procedures. Parents are well informed of the clear policies and procedures she has produced and are given a copy of these as children begin their care. The ongoing needs of the children are met by sharing information verbally on a daily basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a good range of resources to support the children's understanding of diversity which include dolls, books, jigsaws and small world figures. This is enhanced by borrowing other equipment, such as dressing up clothes from a central resource. Activities reflecting Chinese New Year and Diwali are included within the home and children attend workshops reflecting South American and African music at a toddler group. Discussions with parents establish children's individual needs and ensure appropriate care can be given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved in response to the calm and sensitive response from the childminder. The childminder has a written behaviour policy which reflects the simple rules of the setting. Children play harmoniously together and show affection to one another as they gently stroke other children's faces. Younger children are developing self-assurance from close and caring relationships.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A good range of documentation is used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder has a positive attitude to training and has attended a variety of short courses and her training needs are included in a development plan with the local network. Involvement with the Local Area Network ensures the childminder's care is regularly monitored and reviewed to maintain the quality of care for children. Thoughtful management of her time, including visits to local toddler groups, broadens the children's learning experience. The childminder organises her home effectively which supports the children's play and learning.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was given one recommendation in relation to creative activities. The childminder has examples of children's art work which reflect a wide range of

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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 creativity including painting, sticking and drawing which enables children to develop their imagination and supports play and learning.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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): • encourage all ages of children to learn about personal hygiene by wiping hands before eating food.

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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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