Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221984 Unique Reference Number 08 September 2005 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 lives in a detached home on the outskirts of Padiham. She lives with her two young children and her husband. She is registered to care for four children and registered in 2003.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with her husband who assists with the children. There are currently 11 children on roll, attending part time, full time and before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to all areas of the house, including play room, lounge, dining room, downstairs and upstairs bathroom, three bedrooms, the main one used for rests and sleeps. There is an outdoor garden to the rear.

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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 Children are taken out regularly, to local toddler groups, parks, library and excursions to the sea side. Children are transported in the family vehicle.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed various training courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge and skills in childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is part of an Accredited Network of local childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are helped to understand about being healthy. They wash their hands before and after food and after using the bathroom. Children are protected from infection, the premises are clean and hygienic. There are detailed health procedures in place, which include accident, medication, emergency and sickness procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted through a nutritious, well balanced diet. Healthy options of fruit and vegetables feature on the menu. Children's individual dietary needs are met due to discussion with parents. Children enjoy their food and each others company. Meal times are a relaxed social occasion, well organised and a positive experience.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular exercise. Children make good progress in their physical development. An outdoor play garden ensures that children develop confidence to climb, ride bicycles, run and have fresh air on a daily basis. Children enjoy activities in the community. Toddler groups, play groups and story time at the library feature in the weekly routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a good range of play materials which are labelled for easy access. Children can relax, play and eat comfortably as a result of appropriate furniture and equipment. This is safe and suitable for varying needs. Children are kept safe owing to regular safety checks and procedures for the premises and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children generally access all areas of the house, however alterations and cosmetic work is in progress. Children are secure, arising from secured exits and the safe outdoor play area. Children are well supervised both inside and outside the premises. The childminder and her husband work together. Children learn about dangers, they participate in regular fire drills. Appropriate fire blankets and smoke detectors are provided. Children are safe on outings, appropriate vehicle documentation and consent from parents is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected owing to the childminder being clear about her role and responsibilities in protecting children from risk of harm. A child protection statement is in place and is available to parents. Contact details for the local Social Services team is recorded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled in a calm, child centred environment. They are involved in an excellent range of well planned activities that are both inside and outside the home environment. For example, children are taken to local toddler groups, parks, story time at the library and to feed the ducks. Children enjoy playing in the garden to enhance their physical skills and help them stay healthy. Children learn through a variety of planned and free activities to promote their all round development. Children access an excellent range of resources that are interesting, accessible and challenging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder and there is evidence of excellent levels of care, support and encouragement. Children are secure arising from lots of cuddles and one to one attention. Their sense of well being is increased. Children's efforts and achievements are valued. Art work is displayed around the play room. Children make their own decisions about their play as they choose from the resources that are easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and comfortable as a result of organised routines, which meet their individual care needs. Children are encouraged to be independent, they help with tidying up toys and setting the table. Children feel good about themselves when positively praised by the childminder. Children are developing their social skills as they participate in groups with other children and adults. For example, local community toddler groups and childminder groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern. Their individual needs are met because the childminder gathers relevant information from parents and this is recorded. Children's knowledge of the wider society is enhanced owing to the childminder providing a range of resources. For example, books, activities and dressing up clothes represent differing cultures and lifestyles. Children are learning to make choices and have equal access to all resources. Children choose toys from low accessible storage units, therefore increasing their independence. Children's welfare is protected. The childminder is fully aware of procedures in relation to identifying a child with a special need. Children are supported owing to consultation and effective liaison with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are encouraged to be kind and considerate. The childminder positively praises and rewards good behaviour. Children understand the need to share and to be kind to each other. The childminder deals with any unwanted behaviour in a positive way, appropriate to each child's stage of development. Children develop self assurance as they are encouraged to select their own toys and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are settled and secure owing to parents and the childminder working together. Children's individual needs are met through information sharing with parents and a daily journal. There are individual record sheets highlighting personal information and needs. Children are looked after according to parents wishes, as agreed on the care contract. Parents have access to all organisational policies and procedures.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is paramount. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding procedures to follow. All adults in the household are vetted and cleared. The childminder shows commitment to further training. She has attended relevant courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge in childminding practice.

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Organisation

Children's learning and development is supported through good ratios. Children feel secure and confident with the childminder. At the visit the childminder and her husband were working with two children to build up effective relationships. Children benefit from the childminders active involvement with local based facilities. For example, the childminder takes the children to local toddler groups where other childminders are involved.

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Organisation

Children are part of a well organised, child centred environment. Children have fun as they have their own purpose built play room where they can access toys. The play room leads outside into a large play area, well stocked with large physical play equipment and outdoor toys.

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Organisation

Children's care is supported through the use of documents that comply with regulations. The childminder observes children's development and keeps records to share with parents. Children are healthy, safe and happy. There is a full range of policies and procedures that contribute to the safe and efficient management of the childminding.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has confirmation from the manufacturer that the glass video cabinet is fitted with safety glass. She has increased her resources to reflect diversity. The children now have access to books, dressing up clothes, dolls and puppets that help children to understand the nature and make up of society. Children's safety and learning has now been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received concerns regarding National Standard 2 Organisation; National Standard 3 Care, Learning and Play; and National Standard 6 Safety . An Ofsted Early Years childcare inspector conducted an unannounced visit to the provision on 15/08/2005. Ofsted are satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints 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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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): • ensure children's' safety is maintained during the renovation of the premises

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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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