Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308040 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2005 Inspection date Joan, Patricia Flowers 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 1992. She lives with partner and two children whose ages are 6 and 15 years in Clayton-le-Moors near Accrington. Local amenities are within walking distance and include schools, shops and open play areas. Minded children are cared for from the ground floor of the home only. There is an enclosed rear garden area provided for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet rabbit which children come into contact with.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are 9 children on roll, of these 3 are under 5 years and 3 are aged over 8. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and also Lancashire's Childminding Association.

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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 which contributes to their good health. The premises are clean which allows children to move around freely without the risk of infection. The childminder minimises the risk of cross infection through good hygiene practices carried out by her and in turn learnt by the children. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene practices as part of their everyday routines, for example when they have a wash when they wake up after a nap or before meals and after using the toilet. This promotes their health as they develop good personal hygiene habits, learnt from the clear explanations and good role modelling provided by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children have a balance of rest and play. They benefit from regular outdoor play and look forward to their trips to the park. Children have opportunities to extend themselves physically when they use the large play apparatus in the garden and the park. As a result children develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet. They choose from a variety of nutritious snacks and meals offered to them. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s likes and dislikes when planning the daily menu. She chooses things which are healthy and which meets children's individual dietary needs. As a consequence they have plenty of energy to grow and develop as they learn about foods that are good for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe when out in public places aided by regular discussion with the childminder. They learn about road safety for example and how to keep the home environment safe, when encouraged, in tidying the toys away. Children as a result begin to develop their understanding about their own personal safety and that of others. Young children hold the childminder's hand when going to the park or walking to school as they develop strategies about how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are confident when they play safely on large equipment in the garden or at the park. They learn to make decisions about taking risks which provides them with awareness about their own limitations, thereby ensuring their well being. The freedom for children to move between the lounge, dining area and the outside play area allows them independence to make safe choices in the stimulating and safe home environment. The childminder ensures that play items are always age appropriate thus children are always protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and protection is further addressed because of the childminder’s good knowledge of indicators of abuse. She has a clear understanding of what to do if she has concerns. As a result, children’s wellbeing is assured at all times. The childminder undertakes regular safety checks of the home and play resources. This effective procedure helps to ensure that children's on going safety is always a priority.

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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 included and valued in the childminder's welcoming family oriented home, resulting in them being settled and confident and able to make meaningful relationships. They have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment. These are set out so that children can help themselves and make choices. This allows them to develop their decision making skills and become independent and confident. They enjoy learning about the wider world through trips to the park to observe nature, going to the toddler group, visiting friends or going further a field to local attractions. This broadens their horizons and encourages their sense of adventure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They form strong bonds which promotes their emotional well being. This therefore contributes to their sense of belonging and happiness. Interesting projects are planned for children to extend their learning and enjoyment when for instance they take part in creative activities such as candle making. Children consequently enjoy success and a sense of achievement when they see their finished candle and can take this home to share with family and friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The variety of indoor and outdoor activities that children experience regularly provides them with different play environments and opportunities to develop social skills. As a result children interact confidently with each other and the childminder as they learn about making friends and beginning to share and take turns. Children enjoy learning about the wider world through trips to the seaside, library and various toddler groups as well as acknowledging festivals from other cultures. This broadens their horizons and encourages their imagination and understanding about the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to appreciate different cultures by being given access to a range of resources and experiences. These include books, stories, jig-saw puzzles and dolls as well as craft activities. For instance they dress up in costumes to celebrate the Chinese New Year and have a party with Chinese food to eat. As a result children's awareness of other cultures and beliefs is strengthened.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement for helping to tidy up the toys. Because she explains reasons why behaviour is not acceptable, children start to grasp how their behaviour affects others. As a result children know their boundaries and are comfortable and well behaved within the setting and are respectful towards each other. They frequently use please and thank you in their everyday conversations. They learn to share and appreciate other people’s feelings. As a consequence they become confident and self-assured. The childminder’s behaviour policy, which she shares with parents, is based on positive intervention, praise and encouragement. Children's sense of belonging is further promoted by the family environment the childminder provides. The good relationships the children see existing between their parents and the childminder leads to their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

feelings of security and happiness being effectively increased.

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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 receive consistency in their care because the childminder develops lines of communication with parents by means of both verbal and written feedback daily. The changing needs of each child as a result are met very well by this shared approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation is kept to a high standard, is well organised and up to date. Children's details and emergency contact numbers are accurate. This enables the childminder to contact parents thus ensuring the needs of all children are well met should an emergency occur. All certificates and information, including written policies, are displayed for parents to view. This promotes positive partnerships in the best interest of the children attending the setting. The sick child policy however does not currently include information about exclusion periods for contagious or infectious diseases.

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Organisation

The childminder is proactive in furthering her knowledge, having undertaken a child care qualification and a number of other related courses. Children as a result benefit from her increased understanding. She is open to furthering her skills by implementing the Birth to three matters framework, which will have a positive impact on the children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder organises time, space and resources very well. As a result children feel at home and are confident to play, learn and enjoy themselves as they follow familiar and predictable routines. Good use is made of internal and external play opportunities. The organised daily planning provides children with a balanced routine based on their individual needs. This assists them in settling very well within the setting and ensures their usual home routines are maintained.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that the garden area was free from hazards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the intervening period the building sand present in the garden has been utilized to complete planned home improvements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a consequence, the outside area is organised for children to play safely in.

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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): • undertake a review of the wording of the sick child policy so that parents are informed about exclusion periods for contagious or infectious diseases.

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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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