Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307593 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered for 18 years. She lives with her own child who is aged over 8 years. The family live in a village near to the town centre of Barnoldswick. There are currently two children on roll both aged 2 years. Children have access to the lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and a secure rear garden. The childminder attends local toddler groups and has regular contact with other registered childminders.

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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 take part in and enjoy a wide range of activities and daily routines that contribute to their good health. The premises are clean, which allows children to move around without the risk of infection. Hand washing is a part of the children's daily routine, for example, before meals and after using the toilet. Toddlers develop their independence as they wash their own hands before snack time. The childminder ensures that children have regular exercise. They enjoy outdoor play where they run around and take in the fresh air. Children look forward to their trips to the park and visits to the local shops. They climb the equipment in order to develop their physical skills. Children learn about healthy eating. The childminder provides a varied and nutritious diet. Children help themselves to drinks, toast and healthy cereals at breakfast time. Parents provide all main meals. Detailed records are kept in relation to children's

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary requirements, which include likes, dislikes and any allergies. As a result children's individual dietary needs are well met. Children sit with the childminder to eat their lunch. This means that meal times are seen as social events where children are able to enjoy their food and chat freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay safe because this childminder pays satisfactory attention to safety within the setting and during outings. She ensures that toys and equipment meet the required safety standards and that risk assessments are conducted, particularly during trips out. As a result, children can continue to play in safe learning environments. Space and resources are organised with the children's safety in mind. This means that children are able to move around the setting and explore the activities. On the day of the inspection children were observed to enjoy play inside exploring the activities. They are able to play outside in safety as the garden is securely fenced and free from hazards. The childminder further reduces risk to children by ensuring appropriate safety features are in place including socket covers and safety gates. However, there is a trailing wire at the bottom of the stairs which is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a risk to children. This childminder has a written policy in relation to child protection. The policy is shared with parents, however the policy lacks correct detail in part. As a result the well being of the child could be affected should concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy and achieve because this childminder provides a satisfactory range of

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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 toys and equipment. Children develop some independence as they are able to select toys from the toy box. They enjoy craft and making models from boxes and cartons. As a result children develop their creativity. The children are able to develop their fine motor skills. They are able to complete jig saws and take delight as the childminder praises them for completing the puzzle. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor play equipment and toys. They peddle the bicycle and enjoy playing on the apparatus in the park. Children are encouraged to take an interest in books. They learn to handle them with care and like listening to stories read to them by the childminder. Children are provided with some resources that develop their imagination. They dress dollies and pretend that they are babies as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they push them around the lounge in the dollies pram. Children enjoy baking biscuits and are proud to take them home to show their parents. They display a pride in their achievements. Children look forward to trips out. They visit the park and feed the ducks. Children look forward to their trip to the local post office on the day of the inspection. They enjoy visits to the toddler group where they can play and socialise with other children. Children as a result get to know the local community and enjoy the amenities it has to offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to make a positive contribution because they are valued and respected by this childminder. She is a sound role model who speaks to children in positive and reassuring tones. Children, as a result, know their boundaries and behave well within the setting. They are secure and have close and positive relationships with the childminder. Children are offered praise and encouragement. They respond with smiles as they are praised, for example, when completing the jig saw puzzle. Children are happy and confident in this setting. Children build their independence as they access toys from the toy box and help themselves to toast at snack time. They learn to take turns, share and develop an awareness of right and wrong. The childminder uses appropriate language when explaining to children the need to be kind to animals. Children learn about other cultures and disability through books. However resources are restricted in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This means that children's understanding of diversity is not maximised. Partnerships with parents are fostered form the beginning of the placement. Parents provide details about their individual children. The childminder learns about their likes, dislikes, favourite toys and any other personal characteristics. This enables the childminder to get to know the child well in order to meet individual needs. She plans activities around the children's routines, and as a result children feel settled within the setting. Parents are kept informed of their child's day through regular verbal communication. This means that parents are kept well informed of their child's progress and development.

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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. The childminder organises resources and equipment well in order that children 'feel at home' and are able to enjoy themselves with confidence. She makes positive use of internal and external resources. This enables children to play without restriction and in safety. They look forward to their trips out and enjoy local resources. Routines are based on their individual needs, which assists them to settle soundly within the setting. This childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards and displays her certificate of registration for parents to see. She builds positive relationships with parents and shares her policies and procedures with them. This means that parents are kept up to date about her practices. Documentation is kept in good order. Records are organised and up to date. This reflects this childminders professional approach to her role. Children's details and

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Organisation

emergency contact details are accurate. This means that parents can be contacted should an emergency arise. On the basis of the information collected on this inspection the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection this childminder agreed to make books available to children, obtain written permission from parents in relation to the seeking of any emergency medical treatment or advice and to ensure that a written child protection policy statement was shared with parents. Children are able to access a range of books from the book case. This means that children learn to handle books well and make their own choices. Parents give written permission for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment. This forms a part of the written agreement. As a result the childminder is able to act in the best interest of the child should an emergency arise. A child protection statement is shared with parents. However, this statement lacks some detail in part in relation to who to contact should a concern arise.

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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

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 quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. 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 that the child protection policy has the correct details with regard to the reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect • continue to build on resources that reflect positive images of other cultures and disability • ensure the safety of the children in relation to the training wires at the bottom of the stairs.

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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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