Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308653 Unique Reference Number 23 April 2007 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in 1996 and lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 14 years. The premises are situated in the Rishton area of Blackburn in Lancashire and are close to shops and local amenities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years and there are currently three children on roll, attending three full days and after school only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the home is used for childminding purposes apart from the master bedroom upstairs. There is a lounge, dining room, conservatory, kitchen area with dining facility, a bathroom on each level, three bedrooms and front and rear outdoor areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children out to various groups, the library and parks. She organises a toddler group and helps at the local pre-school each afternoon.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She has completed various training workshops and has a current first aid certificate.

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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 are well protected and really taken care of if they have an accident or become ill because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene routines and procedures. She encourages the children to wash their hands before food and after the toilet. The premises are very clean and hygienic and the childminder follows detailed procedures as she washes toys, wipes surfaces and cleans the toilet after each use as there could be six children present at any one time. She has up to date first aid training and a first aid box is available. Parents sign consent for emergency medical treatment and medication and there are accident records and a sick child policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical well-being is promoted through regular exercise and fresh air. Children sleep as required and use a travel cot or the settee. They can relax and unwind after school and sit in the conservatory or at the table in the kitchen to watch some television. Children walk to and from school each day, they play outside on the physical play equipment at the park or in the garden. Children's hand-eye coordination develops through threading activities, using pens, pencils and paintbrushes and making models and jigsaws.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular food and drink in adequate quantities for their individual needs. Food is properly prepared and complies with any religious or dietary requirements. The childminder gathers information from parents regarding allergies, intolerances and preferences. Parents agree to provide packed lunches or send any special foods. During school holidays the childminder provides a cooked lunch that includes pasta, beans or a healthy picnic style lunch. Children have access to a drink at all times and this can be milk, water or juice. Snacks include toast, fruit, cheese and crackers and biscuits. Children enjoy a positive social occasion as they sit together at the table in the kitchen for their snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a really safe, secure and suitable environment that is welcoming and offers access to necessary facilities to support children's development. Space is very well organised and allows children to move freely and safely both inside and outside. Children access a main lounge area for free play and some relaxation, older children use the dining room for homework purposes, the conservatory for quiet activities and the kitchen area for messy and creative activities. Bathroom facilities are suitable and there is access to a safe and secure rear garden and supervised play at the front of the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a good range of accessible and stimulating furniture, equipment and toys that are safe, well maintained and conform to all safety standards. These include a highchair, booster chair, travel cot and baby equipment. Children's all round development and learning needs are promoted as activities and toys are accessible and available freely, for example, craft and messy equipment, construction toys, board games, books and role play equipment. Children are interested in what is available as the childminder updates her toys and borrows resources from the local play resource centre.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very safe and secure because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and prevent accidents, ensuring that children are not exposed to any risks or hazards.

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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 There are effective security systems as doors and windows are locked and arrival and collection procedures are in place. Outdoor areas are secure as gates and fencing are in place and safety aspects and equipment are in place inside the premises, for example, a fire blanket, smoke alarms, socket covers and any hazards are stored out of reach. There is a fire evacuation procedure and children know how to evacuate the premises quickly and safely during a fire drill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her duty to ensure that children are safe from harm. She has completed some recent training and has all relevant documentation and information for making a referral. Parents are aware of the child protection policy and sign acknowledgment of this. The childminder is sensitive to signs and symptoms and knows to contact social services in the event of a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met and their welfare is promoted as the childminder plans and provides an interesting range of activities and experiences to develop children physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Children are happy and settled as they play with jigsaws, dolls and role play equipment, and the childminder supports and encourages them by giving cuddles and reassurance. Children are encouraged to be independent and put on their own shoes and coats and make free choices from the resources available to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy and achieve as they participate in challenging and stimulating activities. For example, they make models, use glue, cut with scissors, build and construct with bricks and shapes and access outdoor play. Children learn through support from the childminder as she talks to them about what they are doing and includes numbers and colours. Children respond to the daily routine and learn about their community as they visit the library, parks and local toddler groups. Children's social skills develop when they meet with other children and childminders in the local area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as they access a range of activities and experiences that meet their individual needs, following discussion with parents. Children use all areas and necessary facilities that include indoor and outdoor areas according to the type of activity. Parents and children are made welcome through induction procedures and information sharing in order to provide appropriate care. Children learn about diversity and differences as they participate in community activities, discuss topics and projects and read books. Children's welfare and development is paramount because the childminder is aware of the steps to take if a child is identified with a learning difficulty or disability. She works closely with parents and other professionals to support children and provide activities and equipment to promote their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in a way that promotes their welfare and development. There are signed agreements with parents detailing methods of management. Children are always praised and encouraged as the childminder adopts a positive attitude and is a good role model. Children respond to consistent expectations as they are aware of the house rules and know not to run inside, to play together and to respect their surroundings and toys. Children behave well

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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 and the childminder is a calm person who asks children to take some time out to calm down and she does not focus on any negative issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children really benefit from positive relationships between their parents and the childminder. Parents complete a signed contract that sets out care and practical arrangements. Parents are made to feel welcome as they settle in their children with introductory sessions. Information is shared verbally and through a daily diary for young children. Parents access all organisational policies and procedures and give details of individual needs so that appropriate care is given. A complaint procedure is in place but this does not give the contact details of Ofsted in the event of a concern from parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are really protected and safeguarded as the childminder and household members are vetted and checked and remain suitable. The childminder is qualified and experienced and is keen to update her knowledge and skills. She works in a pre-school setting and organises local toddler groups. She keeps up to date with any new legislation and provides organisational information linked to the National Standards for childminding practice.

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Organisation

Children are well supported and part of a very organised environment that supports their all round development needs; with effective use of space and resources to allow the children to play, move, rest and eat. Children access all areas of the house apart from the main bedroom and play in the front and rear gardens. There are specific activities organised in the various rooms; crafts, meals and messy play take place in the kitchen, the dining room is used for older children to do their homework, the main lounge for floor and quiet activities, the conservatory for relaxation and if required children can sleep on the settee. Children are secure with the daily routine and this includes outings to school, pre-school, library and parks.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is maintained through detailed records, policies and procedures for the safe and effective management of the service. There are individual files for each child that highlight all their health and individual needs, attendances are recorded in a daily diary and there are accident and medication records. Parents sign consent for outings, for travel in a vehicle and for various activities. All paperwork is retained and promotes confidentiality. There is an operational file that details organisational policies and procedures under the National Standards.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review the records of medication to ensure confidentiality and ensure that children are not exposed to hazards in relation to ivy growing in the garden. The childminder now folds back any medication records in order for confidentiality and the ivy has been removed from the garden. Children's safety and welfare is now enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • provide the Ofsted contact details for parents in case of a complaint or concern.

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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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