Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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307929 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Denise Sixsmith 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 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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband on the outskirts of Burscough Village, Lancashire. The whole of the grounf floor of the childminder's house, including the downstairs toilet, is used for childminding and 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 eight children under eight, of which five are under five. All the children are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder takes the children to the local park and also walks to the local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected well from infection and helped to stay healthy because the childminder actively promotes effective hand washing practices. She checks young children have completed

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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 this task and explains that it is important to wash the germs off. This helps them gain an appropriate understanding of good health and hygiene practices. Children are encouraged to use the toilet independently, dependent on age, as it is easily accessible downstairs. Accident records are completed appropriately to enhance children's health and safety. However, some parental permission forms for emergency medical treatment are not signed. Children's general health and welfare are protected appropriately because the childminder has completed first aid training and maintains an easily accessible first aid box.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily fresh air and exercise and priority is given to outdoor play in the garden and walks to feed the ducks. The childminder has developed a safe outdoor play area for the children and provides appropriate opportunities for them to develop various physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished, enjoying healthy, balanced meals and fresh fruit for snacks. The childminder ensures that children's dietary requirements are met well, because she obtains detailed information from parents at the start of the placement stating their children's requirements. The childminder works hard to establish mealtime routines, so that children eat at the table and learn to use good manners. Children's drinking containers are available at all times and are used frequently by children to ensure they remain hydrated and refreshed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure, warm and welcoming environment. Furniture is appropriately arranged to maximise available play space for children. The majority of necessary safety features, such as safety gates and plug socket covers are in place to protect children. However, children can gain access to the electrical meter cupboard. Children access safe and suitable play equipment which is all very clean, well organised and regularly checked to maintain children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well monitored and supervised when using equipment and playing with toys. They use suitable and safe equipment and toys because the childminder selects and organises resources using her clear understanding of each child's needs and stage of development. The childminder provides reminders for children about not climbing on furniture and the reason why, to help them to learn to keep themselves and others safe. Children are well supervised when on outings because the childminder has established rules about holding onto the pram and the wearing of safety reins, this helps to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected because the childminder has a sufficient understanding of her role in child protection. The childminder is familiar with procedures and who to contact if she has any concerns about the welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children continually receive plenty of praise and encouragement from the childminder, which effectively builds their confidence and self-esteem. They are clearly settled, relaxed and very much at home in their surroundings. The childminder is always interested and makes time to listen to them. Children talk and approach her comfortably and easily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is not currently referring to the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities to fully promote the learning and development of younger children. Children are able

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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 to use their initiative and are offered choice in their play from the toys provided. The childminder supports children's language development successfully in her conversations with them by discussing their home life and their interests. They are learning to count and recognise colours through everyday activity and play with the childminder, for example, when making two lines with different coloured blocks and identifying the variety of shapes on the blocks including a whale and a butterfly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that all children are warmly welcomed into her home. She has experience of providing care for children with physical disabilities. Her cheerful and friendly manner helps support children's sense of belonging. Older children learn about differences, as they use appropriate resources, such as toys and books which reflect disability or cultural diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very clear about their behavioural boundaries which are implemented firmly and fairly by the childminder. Explanations about why certain behaviour is unkind or unacceptable are used well and this helps children to feel secure. There is an emphasis on good manners which promotes a culture of respect for others. Children behave well because of the calm quiet approach of the childminder. However, the childminder does not have an incident record.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the successful working relationship established between the childminder and their parents. Information is shared verbally about daily activities and the type of care offered is discussed and agreed to ensure a consistent approach. The childminder ensures that she obtains detailed information about the children's needs from their parents prior to them being cared for, ensuring that the children settle well and continuity of care is maintained. Parents demonstrate how happy they are with the care provided for their children. For example, they state how pleased they are with the special qualities that the childminder and her family bring to childminding and they remain in contact after their children have left the service.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe homely environment and are content in the childminder's care. Space and resources are used well to meet children's individual needs. A balance of indoor and outdoor activities as well as appropriate rest times are built into the day to ensure that the children are alert and rested.

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Organisation

Clear comprehensive contracts are in place to promote the children's welfare and continuity of care with parents. The daily register is completed as children arrive and depart, which ensures children's safety in the event of an emergency. The certificate of registration is displayed to further reassure parents.

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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

It was raised at the last inspection that the childminder needed to minimise the hazard to children in relation to the garage door. The childminder has covered the glass area with safety film, consequently, she has improved the safety of the premises for the children.

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Improvements 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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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 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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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): • ensure that all parental consents for emergency medical treatment are signed • ensure that children cannot gain access to the electric meter • develop knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to extend the range of planned activities for children of this age range • develop an incident record.

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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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