Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308009 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Margaret Baines 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 for eighteen years. She lives with her husband in semi detached property in the village of Thornton Cleveleys, near Blackpool. The premises are situated within walking distance of schools, shops, the park and the community centre. There are presently five children on roll who are minded on a full or part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to a lounge, a kitchen/dining area on the ground floor, and toilet and washing facilities located on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed a N.V.Q. Level 3 in Child Care, and is a member of the National Childminding Network Association. She also receives support from the local authority.

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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 looked after in a clean and well-maintained home. They enjoy a good range of activities, which ensure they are healthy. For example, children enjoy regular outdoor play and walks in the surrounding area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children rest when they feel tired either in the pushchair or may simply take a nap on the sofa whichever is their choice and parent's preference. A travel cot is also available for children who prefer to sleep in a cot.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have individual bed linen and hand towels to ensure their health is safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn and understand about personal hygiene as part of their daily routine by being encouraged, for example, to wash their hands regularly. Individual items including flannels and towels give children a sense of belonging within the setting. This practice also prevents the risk of infection and keeps children well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further assured by the attainment of consents relating to emergencies, sun safety and other creams, as well as a clear understanding and implementation of recording accidents and medication by the childminder. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and feels confident to deal with a first aid emergency should this occur. Consequently children's health is further protected in her care through her competence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet with regular drinks. They are encouraged to sit together, feed themselves, make choices and indicate what they like. This helps promote independence. Children are learning good manners during snack and mealtimes, which are a sociable time for them. The childminder takes into account individual dietary needs, shares the menu with parents and provides nutritious meals that appeal to children. For example, the children enjoy pasta, fresh vegetables, chicken and fresh fruit to ensure they grow and develop in the care of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in an environment that in the main is safe and secure, apart from a few hazardous items stored in a low level drawer and socket air fresheners, which may be hazardous to the children. The childminder undertakes regular safety checks to help her identify and minimise risks to children. This means children are able to move around freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about fire safety, the fire drill has been practised at regular intervals and the event is recorded. The childminder provides a sensitive explanation to help children understand what is expected of them to keep safe. Dedicated areas for play and sleep provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises choices to ensure children play with appropriate toys suitable for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and protection is further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The contact telephone number of the local social services is available

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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 for reference. The childminder has in place a written policy, which includes information for parents should they have any concerns relating to the care provided for their child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive and enjoy their time with the childminder as she provides a good range of developmentally appropriate and interesting play activities. These include bright, fun and challenging toys, outdoor activities, such as regular walks in the local area, and also visits to the park. Children love to use the creative resources and enjoy the lovely books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning as they play, because the childminder provides many interesting and fun activities to enjoy. For example, children enjoy dressing up, playing with the cars and the trains and the kitchen and utensils. Children enjoy exploring the toys available and the childminder is very aware of their stage of development and provides resources and activities to suit. The children have a very good relationship with the childminder, who is sensitive to their individual needs and meets these well. For example, the childminder recognises when the children are tired or need her individual attention.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has in place the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which is guidance to assist with implementing this aspect of practice. She uses the guidance to enhance her practice with the under threes. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, who meets their individual needs very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, which helps to give them a sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through the small selection of images and experiences offered to them. Children also have good opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest. For example, they visit the local park and toddler groups in the area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and very good role modelling by the childminder, who is calm and caring. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies, taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children, therefore, are learning to show care and concern for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures information is obtained from parents and used to meet the needs of their children. She in turn shares good information about herself and her family so that very positive links are forged between them. This benefits the children who feel secure within her home. She provides written information for parents and gives daily verbal feedback. Contracts and procedures keep parents informed of requirements, which must be met and records are signed appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and settled within a well organised environment. There are effective and clear policies in place to promote children's learning and development as well as their welfare. Documentation is appropriately shared and confidentiality is acknowledge and maintained. The

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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 record of attendance is recorded clearly to show ratios are met confirming that children have appropriate support and supervision at all times. Written permissions are in place, which informs parents about all aspects of practice.

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Organisation

Children are looked after by the childminder in a safe secure environment where they have room to develop their independence and learning through well planned experiences. The childminder is keen to develop her practice by attending additional training. She has completed the NVQ level three in child care and education and has also completed a significant number of short training courses with the local authority. She has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters guidance' a framework to implement this aspect of her practice to promote learning for younger children.

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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 provider agreed to make sure that low-level cupboards and the bedrooms are inaccessible to children. She has placed locks on the bedroom doors and has made low level drawers safe apart from one in the kitchen. Consequently the care of the children has been significantly enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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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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 children cannot access hazardous items stored in low level drawers and ensure that socket covers are not of the hazardous type.

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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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