Childminder in Blackburn with Darwen

Inspection report for early years provision

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301505 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2007 Inspection date Janet, Elizabeth Singleton 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 in the Wilpshire district of Blackburn. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the bathroom facilities being on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children including those who attend before and after school sessions. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a supervisor at one, whilst attending other local carer and toddler groups on a rotational basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder understands good hygiene practices. The children learn about healthy living as they wash their hands before and after meals, and after using the bathroom. Their independence is promoted as they are encouraged to wipe their own hands

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 using the anti-bacterial wipes. The childminder has an effective nappy changing routine, as a result cross contamination is limited.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished as they enjoy lots of fresh fruit at snack time. The childminder discussed how she evaluates the foods she gives to the children following information about food properties, for example, the sugar content of certain fruits and foods. Children access their own drinks which are readily available and, therefore, can monitor their own needs for a drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

The necessary documentation is in place to maintain children's health, however, the first aid box contained some out of date material and cream and therefore, these could not be used should they be required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely and play in an environment that is organised to allow them to play without unnecessary restriction. They confidently sit on the sofa and play on the floor, choosing toys and resources from the good selection which is safely stored. They make good choices from a very suitable and appropriate range of equipment including dolls, bricks, books and interactive toys for the younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is monitored well because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, based on national and local guidance. She demonstrated a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy and achieve because the childminder knows them very well and is very aware of their individual needs. Their interest is promoted as they access a good range of quality activities and opportunities which promote their all round development. They learn about colour, shape and numbers as the childminder names these whilst interacting with them as they play together. They engage in activities outside of the home as they attend the toddler groups, visit the library and go to see the animals at the farm, learning about the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their independence and their decision making is promoted by having the resources within reach, which enables them to change their activities as they wish to. They are developing their confidence and esteem by having very positive relationships with the childminder as they sit together on the sofa, chattering and giggling whilst enjoying a cuddle on the childminder's knee.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity and children are all welcomed into the setting, being highly valued as individuals and their families respected. The children learn about people's differences in a very positive manner, because there are toys and equipment available to them at all times. They learn about their community as they enjoy regular outings and attend local childminder groups.

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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 Children are beginning to take responsibility for their own behaviour because the childminder encourages positive behaviour. She does this by setting clear boundaries and by using praise and encouragement. Younger children develop their understanding of the expectations as the childminder is consistent and repeats the expectations for their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters good relationships with parents by sharing information which contributes significantly to the children's well-being. All policies and procedures are shared with them, and daily opportunities are provided to discuss their child to ensure they are fully informed of the care their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment and practice that is organised to meet their needs by making good use of time, space and resources. The childminder has policies in place which reflect her everyday practice and are individual to the setting. The required documentation is kept to a good standard, up to date and very well organised. Children's details are very well documented and contact numbers effectively recorded, therefore, ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur.

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Organisation

The childminder actively seeks training to improve her skills and update her knowledge in childcare. She is proactive in her childminding practice making changes in regard to any new information that improves the care provided for the children she looks after.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have access to toys and materials which promote positive images of disability and to practise the emergency escape plan with children present. She was also asked to raise her knowledge and awareness of the 'Local Area Child Protection Committee' (ACPC) guidelines, and 'What to do if your worried a child is being abused'.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has resources which promote positive images of disability by providing toys which include a wheelchair and representational figures. She has practised the emergency escape plan with the children and has recorded this information. She has obtained the ACPC guidelines, and the 'What to do if your worried a child is being abused' booklet. She has also attended training in child protection to raise her awareness.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The above action ensures that children learn about people who have disabilities in a positive manner. They learn what to do in the case of an emergency, resulting in an evacuation, and become familiar with the procedure. By raising the childminder's knowledge of what to do in the case of any child protection concerns, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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

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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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 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): • ensure the contents of the first aid box comply with the first aid regulations, regarding the cream and the out of date dressing.

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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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