Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308454 Inspection date 28 June 2005 Inspector Joan, Patricia Flowers

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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 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 for 9 years. She lives with her husband and 3 children whose ages are 12, 11 and 9 in a semi-detached house in Altham near Accrington. Minded children have access to the back downstairs room, front living room for quiet activities, the spacious hallway and the kitchen where meals and art activities take place. There is an outdoor garden area with fixed play equipment. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has completed a one year childminding course and has also gained a qualification in Child Care and Education.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for up to 6 children aged under 8 years. There are currently 7 children attending whose ages range from under one year olds up to and including one 11 year old. Children generally attend on a regular part time basis. School aged children are taken and collected from one local primary school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene practices as part of their everyday routines, for example when they wash their hands before and after meals. This promotes their well being as they learn to keep themselves healthy. The childminder is effective in her health and safety practices. Children hence are protected because the risk of cross infection and exposure to contagious illnesses are minimised very well. Children eat and drink healthily as they enjoy a range of home cooked foods which meets their individual nutritional needs. A varied range of food choices including plenty of fruit and vegetables make up the daily menu plans. Individual dietary needs are well met because of the clear information obtained from parents. As a result children are well nourished according to their individual needs as they learn about healthy foods. Children access a broad range of physical activities as they learn to negotiate large

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Helping children to be healthy

equipment at the toddler group or manipulate small items as they build with bricks. They enjoy being physical as they run and play in the park and like going down the slide. Consequently they learn to develop their co-ordination and control over their own bodies. Babies develop physically as they copy other children during play. They are confident to extend and practice new found skills as they become mobile and enjoy new found independence.

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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 in the childminder’s organised home. The use of safety equipment and a tidy home environment ensure that children do not hurt themselves as they play and move around. They learn effectively from the childminder’s simple explanations about keeping themselves safe. They hold the childminders hand or pram when going to the park as they develop their understanding of personal safety. The childminder maintains children's safety at all times. She is vigilant in the home as she monitors children during their sleep times. Effective use of safety items such as harnesses, wrist straps and suitable car seats results in children being kept safe and secure. Discussions about road safety and practicing the emergency evacuation drill, further enhances their understanding of how to keep safe.

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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 Children access a selection of age appropriate toys and activities in a welcoming home environment. The organised low shelves and boxes are within easy reach as children engage in safe independent play and make choices by themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children spend their time effectively and in a meaningful way which helps them progress in all areas of development. As a result they become responsive and eager to extend their learning, show interest and are fully absorbed in their play. They enjoy learning about the wider world when they go on trips to the beach, the library and the small animal petting farm. They are confident and well able to express themselves as they describe the animals they held and what it felt like. They socialise and play when they attend toddler groups and when visiting with other childminder's and their children. Children's social development is thereby promoted very well. They acknowledge festivals from other cultures when they take part in art and craft activities connected to Divali and other celebrations. The diverse range of play and learning experiences that the childminder offers provides children with the opportunity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to learn about difference. The use of books and role play are effective also as children learn about the wider world. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They form strong bonds which promotes their emotional well being. They like to be close when having a story, contributing to their sense of belonging and happiness. Their interests and skills are built upon as they put their experiences to practical use when for example they make shoes out of the plastic construction material during free play. They compare shoe sizes with each other, and extend this activity into making ski's as they shuffle along the floor. Children's learning is consequently extended as they enjoy playing together. Their self esteem is boosted when they see their art work displayed on the wall. Their confidence is promoted very well as a result. Babies enjoy a positive, caring relationship with the childminder which increases their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sense of well being. For example, the childminder stimulates babies well, making good eye contact, gestures and smiles to support them in their learning and enjoyment. The childminder ensures toys are all placed within the children’s reach which helps them to make choices, explore and investigate. She has the Birth to Three Matters pack, a framework which she can use to assist in implementing this aspect of her already good practice. Children are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. Because she explains reasons why behaviour is not acceptable, children start to grasp how their behaviour affects others as they learn to share and be kind to one another. Children learn about different cultures by having access to a range of resources which include books, jig-saws and dolls. As a result they begin to understand about other people’s differences and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

similarities. Children contribute willingly at tidy up time by putting toys away. Co-operating with and helping others in this shared task promotes their feelings of self worth 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 community. They are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. Children start to grasp how their behaviour affects others because of the clear explanations given to them. As a consequence they learn to share and appreciate other people’s feelings. Children receive consistency in their care because the childminder develops lines of communication with parents by means of both verbal and written feedback. Children’s individual and changing needs as a result are always well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. Because she explains reasons why behaviour is not acceptable, children start to grasp how their behaviour affects others as they learn to share and be kind to one another. Children learn about different cultures by having access to a range of resources which include books, jig-saws and dolls. As a result they begin to understand about other people’s differences and similarities. Children contribute willingly at tidy up time by putting toys away. Co-operating with and helping others in this shared task promotes their feelings of self worth and community. They are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. Children start to grasp how their behaviour affects others because of the clear explanations given to them. As a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consequence they learn to share and appreciate other people’s feelings. Children receive consistency in their care because the childminder develops lines of communication with parents by means of both verbal and written feedback. Children’s individual and changing needs as a result are always well met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. 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. Children’s individual needs are promoted at all times aided by the verbal and written procedures which are explained and shared with parents. This enhances the quality of care each child receives because of it being tailored to individual circumstance and parents requirements. Children's continuing welfare, care and learning are hence maintained very effectively. The childminder is proactive in furthering her skills, having undertaken a child care

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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 qualification and a number of other related courses. Children as a result benefit from her increased knowledge. 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. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make the following improvements: to obtain parent's written permission to transport children in a vehicle and for the obtaining of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and to make safe a glass display cabinet. During the intervening period all the areas have been addressed by the childminder. Written permissions are now obtained and the glass cabinet has been removed. As a result of these changes children are safer and are cared for with parent’s full knowledge and agreement.

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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): • improve planning and link to individual development for babies and infants by for example implementing the Birth to Three Matters framework

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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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