Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308359 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Wendy Fitton

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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 is registered to care for four children under eight years. She is currently minding eight children. Five children are under five and attend two days a week, one attending mornings only. School age children attend for one or two afternoons after school. Other household members include her son and daughter aged 11 and 14 years. A close friend of the childminder supports her as an assistant. Children have access to a front and rear lounge, younger children play mainly in the

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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 rear lounge and older children use the front lounge for quiet activities, reading and television. There is a bathroom upstairs. Children do not access bedrooms, the kitchen or rear yard. There are a number of significant pets in the household, but they stay mainly in the rear yard when children are present. The pets are two birds, three dogs, three cats, three rabbits and a guinea pig. Children participate in activities outside the home, including visits to local parks, toddler groups, shopping and the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have their health and dietary needs met. The childminder provides healthy options for children, this includes an open fruit bowl, raisins and healthy drinks, sugar free juice, water or milk. Children access their own cups, drinks are provided throughout the day and cups are continually filled. The childminder is aware that the children require access to drinks, as they are always thirsty and so she leaves the cups on the small table for the children. Children learn about hygiene practices. After their snack, they were aware that their hands were sticky and so individual wipes were provided. Children's independence and learning is encouraged through potty training, children are aware of keeping themselves clean, so they are not exposed to infection. The childminder follows clear nappy changing procedures, hand washing and disposal. Children are protected when they are ill, because the childminder follows appropriate

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures. She has all relevant contact numbers for parents, there is written permission from parents to the seeking of emergency treatment and medication and accident procedures are in place. Children enjoy physical activity. Children participate in outdoor activities at the park, toddler groups, shopping and meeting with other childminders and children. Children are developing their fine and gross motor skills. They were observed on wheeled toys and pushalongs, using crayons and pencils, jigsaws and climbing on the settee.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children safely access play materials of their choice. Resources are stored in plastic stacking boxes on the floor at the children's level. Children can move freely, the areas of the house are organised into specific play areas for the younger and older children. Children have sufficient equipment in order for them to play, eat and rest

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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 comfortably according to their needs. Children's risk of accidental or non accidental injury is minimised. The childminder has completed Child Protection training and is familiar with referral and recording procedures, however there is no written policy for parents to read. Children are familiar with safety procedures. When older children walk home from school, the childminder states that they play road safety games, looking both ways, walking quickly across the road. Children remain relatively safe inside and outside. The childminder has safety equipment in place, this includes smoke alarms, fire blanket, fireguard, safety gates and sockets are protected. However there is no banister rail for children to walk safely upstairs and a fire evacuation plan is not in place. Children are safe on outings. Parents have given signed consent for trips out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are strapped in prams and older children have wrist straps. Children are aware of the dangers of strange dogs and talking to unknown adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and curious, they engage in their self chosen activity, playing cooperatively and happily together. Children are listened to, they are praised and encouraged. Children enjoy themselves, they can play freely, access toys and show confidence. Children benefit from exploring their environment, they climbed up on furniture to look at the pets in the yard. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong, for example younger children are learning to share toys and take turns. Babies receive lots of cuddles as the childminder sits on the floor to play with them, talking to them and supporting them. Children respond to the childminder she is a positive role model, showing care and concern for the children. Babies enjoy textures and natural materials, some of the children's collages were displayed on the wall, showing different pasta and pulses. Children participate in baking and play dough

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. Children play happily together, they were shouting out each others names and played cooperatively. Children are actively involved in activities and outings outside the home environment, these include, trips to the parks, library, shops, café and local toddler groups. Children are learning through a good range of resources, books, role play equipment, dressing up, cars, trains, crafts, dolls, small world and outdoor activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their needs are known. The childminder talks to parents, observes the children's' behaviour and knows when they are tired, hungry or needing attention. Children are made to feel welcome within the setting.

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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 The childminder presents as a good role model, using positive language, support and encouragement to help children feel secure and confident. Children behave well and are encouraged to take turns, have manners and respect others, through play and contributions. Children are valued, pictures, arts and crafts they have participated in are displayed in the play room. Children are cared for according to parents wishes. The childminder discusses the daily routines at the end of each day. However, there is only basic written information, policies and procedures available to parents to keep them informed of the practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the child centred environment. Children play freely in a specific organised play room, having access to clear floor space and creatively stored resources. Children benefit from a range of organised excursions to local toddler groups, community activities, parks and nature walks. Children's individual care needs are met because the childminder organises her routine to fit with their meals and rests. Regulatory documentation is in place, however the attendance register is not clear in highlighting all times of arrival and departure. The information for parents is limited, an introductory leaflet about the service is available, but organisational policies and procedures are limited, there is no Child Protection policy or a current Public Liability insurance certificate. Children benefit from the childminders experience, she has completed the training

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Organisation

workshops, but her First Aid certificate has expired. Overall the organisation is satisfactory and meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the health, safety and welfare of children. She is now operating to the numbers stated on her registration certificate. She has removed the fire from the rear lounge. There is sufficient space for children to play freely. The standards of hygiene in all areas where children access meet a satisfactory standard. Parents receive an information sheet about the childminding, and sign a care contract. There are a few resources to reflect diversity

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a child protection policy • Ensure the safety of children with regards to the stairs and fire safety • ensure documentation is up to date regarding first aid, insurance and the register of attendance

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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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