Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308361 Inspection date 22 June 2005 Inspector Michael, David Charnley

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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?

The childminder has been registered since 1995. She lives with her three children aged 1, 15 and 17 years in a semi-detached property on the outskirts of Oswaldtwistle town centre. The lounge, dining room and back room are areas used for the purposes of providing a childminding service. Toilet facilities are located on the first floor. Children are taken out to the local parks and shops. There are two pre-school children on roll, aged 1 and 2 years, cared for on a full time basis.

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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's health is protected because the childminder takes positive steps to minimise the spread of infection. This includes implementing her sick children policy and taking good precautionary measures during the nappy changing procedure. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene as part of the daily routine. Children wash their hands at the appropriate intervals. Children develop healthy eating habits with the provision of a generous range of nutritious foods. The childminder ensures that children of all ages receive a diet that is well balanced and conforms to specific dietary requirements. Children enjoy eating a good variety of fruit portions as part of their snack. Children are regularly provided with drinks of low sugar content to protect their teeth. Children develop a good sense of emotional well being as they respond and adapt well to the day's routine. Younger children develop a growing ability to control their

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Helping children to be healthy

body during physical activity. Older children are becoming increasingly independent as they feed themselves at snack time and learn about the toileting procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes the necessary precautions to keep them safe both on and off the premises. The relevant safety features in place restricts children's access to prohibited areas such as kitchen cupboards. Children move around the setting safely and confidently. The childminder pays attention to teaching children about safe practices. Older children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe such as the need to pick up items from the floor so that others do not fall or hurt themselves. As part of their play younger children are learning to discover boundaries and limits and the need to keep safe. Children use a sufficient range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. These are organised in a way that promotes independent access. Children learn to return them safely away after use. The childminder consciously

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

checks equipment such as car seats in order to ensure they are suitable for use. The protection of children is a priority with the childminder being clear about her role and duty to pass on any concerns to the relevant authorities.

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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 Children are happy and settled with the childminder making them feel very welcome at the setting. Children develop good social skills. They enjoy the company of others and the childminder who supports them appropriately in their chosen play. Children respond eagerly as the childminder talks to, listens and encourages their language. Children confidently experiment in their free play. Children enjoy the colours and sounds of manufactured toys, however the ability to develop their own ideas is limited because natural and textured materials are not readily available. Children show a willingness to learn, however their all round progress is hindered because they are not given sufficient opportunities to be creative, imaginative and build on their natural curiosity as learners.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder encourages them to respect each other's space and work harmoniously. Children's individual routine needs are met appropriately with the childminder responding to their particular requests, for example, drinks and giving appropriate levels of attention. Younger children feel self assured because the childminder takes an interest in them. They play independently knowing that the childminder is close by to comfort.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children make a positive contribution because they are treated with equal concern. The childminder respects and values children's individuality which promotes their sense of well being within the setting. Children make choices and decisions about their play which they enjoy. Children access a sufficient range of resources that contribute to their understanding of the wider society, however planned activities are few and far between. Children benefit from trips out to the park and shops hence they get to know about the local community, however full advantage is not taken of other facilities available such as the playgroup and library. The childminder works in partnership with parents in order to promote the welfare and development of individual children. This involves seeking the relevant information from them at the initial meeting and keeping them informed on a daily basis. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder endeavours to address issues of concern as they arise with parents but her understanding of what steps to take in the event of identifying a child with a special need is limited. Children are learning to take responsibility for their behaviour. This involves being kind and friendly towards one another and being helpful. Children share well as they help complete a jigsaw. Children behave well because the childminder acts as a positive role model, handles situations calmly and gives meaningful praise to boost their self esteem.

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Organisation

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 organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and are able to play in comfort as the childminder organises the resources well. Children enjoy being able to explore their surroundings without restriction. She manages her time appropriately in order to meet the varying needs of the children being cared for. Children relate well to the childminder and this is reciprocated. The childminder is unclear about her role in certain areas of her practice and one regulatory matter is not met in that Ofsted have not been informed of a person reaching 16 in the household. Her documentation contributes to the safe management of the provision, however the required detail is lacking in certain areas, namely attendance register which is not up to date and the absence of permission

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Organisation

slips from parents for use of car. Whilst the routine care needs are met appropriately the lack of attention to planning ahead results in children's stimulation levels not being maximised. On the basis of the evidence collected at this inspection the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to position smoke alarms appropriately on the first floor, gain more insight into equal opportunity issues and devise written policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All smoke alarms on the premises are in full working order and correctly positioned, hence resulting in a safer environment for children. The childminder at this inspection demonstrates she has an improved understanding of equal opportunity issues, although planned activities and resources are still limited and restrict children's learning in this area.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since 1st April 2004.

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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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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 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • widen the range of activities and resources to help promote children's creative and imaginative development and appreciation of the wider world • promote the welfare of children by working more closely with parents, addressing issues as they arise and involving outside agencies where appropriate • ensure that Ofsted are notified of any significant changes or events and records including the attendance register, insurance documents are kept up to date and made available for inspection at all times

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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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