Childminder in LancashireOfsted inspection, 3 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 308273 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Rod Green

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She is registered to look after five children aged under eight. There are three children currently on role. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 7, 12, and 15 years, in a detached property within Clayton-le-moors. The home is situated on the Great Harwood side of Clayton and is close to the local park and shops. There is a secure garden offering opportunities for outdoor play. The majority of the home is used for childminding, however access to the first floor is limited to the older

p.2

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 and for sleep time. The family have three cats and two guinea pigs. The childminder attends toddler groups within the area. She is a member of the National Childminder's Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies. A good selection of outdoor play equipment and regular visits to the park foster toddler's and older children's physical development. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the are beginning to learn about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. The childminder implements good effective hygiene procedures which minimises the risks to children of cross infection. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy diet. Meals provided are well balanced and nutritious, supporting children's physical well being and development. Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected at all times, ensuring that children's individual needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Children have access to well set out areas including a secure garden because the childminder has organised the premises to meet their needs. Children are able to play safely because the childminder has set out good quality age appropriate toys at their height, which meet safety standards. Children learn to take responsibility for their own safety because the childminder actively educates the children about boundaries and safe limits as they play and access various different parts of the premises. Children are protected because all adults have been police checked and the childminder has made herself aware of the procedures to follow should a child

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share warm relationships with the childminder. She spends time on the floor talking and playing with them. She offers children appropriate physical contact in the form of cuddles, speaks in gentle tones and smiles; as a result the children are happy confident and secure in her care The childminder utilises local amenities to provide different play environments for the children, increasing their awareness of the world around them. The opportunity for children to socialise is provided by regular visits to the local toddler group where children can play and learn alongside other children. Children are engaged in a range of age appropriate activities which they clearly enjoy. They benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. The childminder fosters early communication skills by repeating words for children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children learn a positive view of the wider world and an awareness of diversity because the childminder provides a good variety of books, jig-saws, and other toys that show people with disabilities and in roles that challenge gender stereotypes so that children learn to respect and value difference. Children behave very well as the childminder has consistent ground rules to enable children to learn right from wrong. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise. Distraction or reason is used to manage unwanted behaviour. Children show care and concern for each other, and play very well together. The children are well cared for in accordance with parents wishes because the childminder ensures that information is passed between her and parents daily. Children follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected because all adults on the premises have been police checked. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment which has been well organised by the childminder to provide access to a range of resources. Children's safety may be compromised because the childminder has not maintained a current first aid qualification. Children's needs are known and supported through the childminder's good recording systems and detailed documentation which is all in place and up to date.

p.4

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 Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to ensure the safety of children with regard to the fireplace and make sure the attendance record is kept accurately. The fire is never used and a fireguard is now in place to deter children. The attendance record is complete and up to date. These actions have helped to improve the care offered to children.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • plan and develop a suitable range of activities for younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework • ensure an appropriate first aid qualification is maintained at all times

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5