Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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307876 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob 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 has been registered since November 1993. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder and their two teenage daughters. The family live in a semi detached property, which is situated on the main Haslingden Road close to the town centres of Rawtenstall and Haslingden. Children have access to the whole of the premises excluding the main bedroom. Areas accessible to the children are the lounge, the dining room, the kitchen, two bedrooms, the bathroom and toilet. There is a secure rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and any one time. Currently there are three children under five who attend various sessions, and one child over eight who attends before and after school and school holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local childminding network.

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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 learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well established daily routines and discussion. They consistently wash their hands before meals, after outdoor play and after using the toilet. Children are clear about why they wash their hands and understand that they will get germs. A clear sickness policy excludes children who are ill and infectious, to ensure that the childminder acts in the best interest of other children in order to prevent cross contamination. The childminder maintains good levels of hygiene throughout the setting to prevent the spread of infection. Nappy changing procedures are effective and hygienic. The childminder wears disposable gloves and provides individual towels and bedding to sustain high levels of hygiene. Arrangements for pets successfully meet requirements and do not pose a health hazard for children. Accident and medication records fully meet requirements and

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Helping children to be healthy

Good daily routines allow children to rest and be active according to their needs and the childminder gives a high regard to young children's well-being. She recognises when children are tired and when they need reassurance. Children enjoy an exciting range of energetic physical activities that contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. They develop skills and become increasingly confident in their physical development as they make good use of the garden and equipment, such as a swing, slide and climbing frame. The childminder has also created an obstacle course for children and ensures that they participate in frequent outings and walks to maintain their health. Children begin to develop a positive attitude towards exercise and understand that it is important for their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished. They benefit from a home made, organic wholesome and nutritionally balanced diet. Children’s individual needs are met and clear records indicate their dietary needs, which are effectively met in order to promote their healthy growth and development. Children have access to fresh filtered water throughout the day, and cups are placed at child height to encourage children to independently access water at any time. Meal times are a relaxed occasion, which are used to maximise social interaction and where children enjoy their food and develop increasing independence. Children learn about healthy eating through planned activities and discussion. They play an active part in the setting as they help to set the table, have some input into the menu and help with food preparation. Children's outings include visits to the shops to choose their favourite fruit to make smoothies of their

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Helping children to be healthy

choice. Children develop a good understanding of healthy eating. They know the difference between good and bad foods, and know that vegetables are good for you and sweets and chocolate are not healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks of accidental injury are minimised. The childminder is vigilant, and a thorough use of risk assessments alongside daily visual checks ensures that any potential hazards are minimised which ensures that children can move freely and independently around the well-organised home. The childminder raises children's awareness of safety through gentle reminders about dangers and helping them to avoid potential dangers. For example, the childminder patiently explains to children why climbing on certain

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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 furniture is dangerous. Children are also encouraged to help tidy up after themselves using a 'tidy up' song.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Children use a wide range of high quality toys and resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. These are set out attractively at child-height to encourage children to self-select and make informed choices about their play and learning. Toys and resources are rotated regularly to offer children a balanced range of stimulating resources. Periodic checks and cleaning ensures that toys are kept safe and clean to prevent later accidents. Children are kept safe on outings and their knowledge of road safety is increased through discussion and planned activities. They understand that they must find a safe place to cross and wait for all the cars to go before crossing. The childminder closely supervises children and safety measures, such as the use of wrist restraints and reflective arm bands when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

on outings, are in place. Fire safety is effective, but could be improved further by keeping effective records of evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge and clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures, and gives a high priority to the protection and welfare of children. She is fully aware of her responsibility to safeguard children in line with regulatory child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home because she caters for all their needs and ensures that their welfare and care are paramount. The childminder provides a full range of well planned and spontaneous, purposeful activities, using the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework to provide positive outcomes for children and promote their all round development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children demonstrate confidence and self-assurance as they happily talk about why they enjoy coming to the setting, such as they like playing outside on the scooter and talk about friends who also attend the setting. Children enjoy role play as they use resources to dress up as they play the role of the conductor, to collect tickets, and the train driver. The childminder follows and fully supports children's interests by providing children with the appropriate resources, such as paper tickets in order to develop their play and learning. The childminder uses play opportunities to help children develop mathematical skills as they count the number of tickets together. The childminder promotes this further by asking 'what comes next after the number seven'?

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use treasure baskets and explore the items within it with all their senses. They enjoy singing their favourite nursery rhymes whilst having their nappy changed. Children enjoy constructing with bricks, as they use two colours and identify each colour through effective questioning from the childminder. Children decide that they are making a candle and use the bricks to construct, fix and stick a candle to a cake. Children count how many candles they are going to put on and say that the childminder is five years old and proceed to sing happy birthday to her.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equality. As a result, she is committed to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, in which the contribution of all children is valued. The childminder encourages children to develop positive attitudes towards people who are different from themselves. She treats all children with respect and values their individuality so that they can feel pride and develop self-esteem. Attractive displays of children's work and resources, such as charts and calendars around the home, brighten the welcoming environment and provide children with a sense of belonging and ownership. Children benefit from an excellent and meaningful range of toys, activities and resources, which help them to value diversity, including a large range of books and an 'empathy doll'. Children have interesting and informative opportunities to explore and acknowledge differences and similarities through planned activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Sensitive use of resources and information raises children's knowledge of diversity and the wider world, which in return ensures that children have self-respect and respect for others. For example, the childminder explains to children about disability and they celebrate 'Australia day' with 'bush tucker' food.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of leaning difficulties and disabilities and has full regard for relevant legislation. She is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken when a child attends the setting. She is fully aware of the need to work in partnership with other agencies and parents to support children's individual needs. She provides resources that are presented to children as a source of enjoyment and pleasure, and is successful in promoting inclusion for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to expectations for their behaviour as the childminder sets clear and realistic boundaries for children. Sensitive explanations, according to children's age and level of maturity, help children understand what is expected of them. Children are encouraged to share and cooperate with each other and play together harmoniously. House rules are set and these are discussed with parents and children through an induction and settling in period. Older children are consulted and help in devising the house rules. In return, children are polite, have good manners and are consistently well behaved. Children develop self-esteem as they are frequently praised and encouraged. Good behaviour, such as sharing and tidying up is rewarded with a sticker.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder successfully works in partnership with parents to support and meet children's individual needs. Parents receive good quality documentation about all aspects of the provision. A two way flow of information, such as daily diaries and verbal communication, keep parents up to date with their child's progress and activities. Parents value the service provided and comments, such as 'highly commend this childminder', 'excellent childcare service' and 'she provides a variety of fun and educational activities and takes them on numerous visits', reflect the good quality service provided. This successful and supportive relationship promotes children's well-being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminders evident knowledge, skills and high regard for the well-being of children ensures that children's care and all aspects of the practice are enhanced by the effective and efficient organisation. Dedicated levels of support and skilled care are provided to enhance children's learning and play, which results in positive outcomes. The childminder is enthusiastic

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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 and motivated in her role and clearly enjoys her work as a childminder. She demonstrates a clear commitment to continual improvement as she consistently attends relevant training and uses the new found knowledge to review and improve the existing good practice.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation to promote the welfare, care and development of children is effective and fully meets requirements. A comprehensive range of well thought out and cohesive policies and procedures are in place, all of which are maintained to a high standard and extremely well organised. 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 was asked to include taking children swimming in the risk assessments. The childminder has fully addressed the previous recommendation and has devised a risk assessment for taking children swimming in order to promote their health and safety

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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. 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): • ensure that fire evacuations are recorded.

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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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