Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

309029 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Andrea, Marie Paulson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and their child aged 11 years in the area of Slyne near Lancaster. The house is in close proximity to parks, the school, walks, the canal, the beach and shops.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 14 children being minded who attend for various sessions. Minded children have access to the front lounge and kitchen/dining area, with bathroom and sleeping facilities located upstairs. The enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog and cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has attended additional training and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop their understanding of sound hygiene practice through washing their hands, tidying up after themselves, tables being wiped and nappies being hygienically disposed of. The rooms are well maintained so that children play in a clean environment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop movement skills through interesting activities both indoors and outdoors. They have regular physical outdoor play in the garden and on outings. Children move freely around the adjoining rooms to access varied play areas and enjoy active games such as 'grand old duke of York'. Their coordination and manipulative skills are developed well as they use tools, such as crayons, and fit pieces of jigsaw together. Children rest when they need to as they relax on the comfortable sofa, sleep in the buggy or travel cot, play quietly during role play and listen to stories. Each child receives appropriate care as the childminder works closely with parents to share and record individual health details. An exception is not having emergency medical consent.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children become aware of healthy food as the childminder provides snacks, such as nutritious sandwiches and fruit. She makes sure that each child has sufficient so that they are well nourished. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day and the childminder takes care to ask them if they are thirsty. The childminder works with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs and preferences, including any food allergies. Meal times are social occasions where the childminder and children sit around the table together. The children are encouraged to be independent in feeding themselves and offered help when needed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel safe and secure in a well maintained environment where hazards are generally identified and resolved. They have sufficient space to move around the adjoining rooms freely as several features are in place to keep them safe, including the safety gate fitting being covered. The exception is that the safety fireguard is not secured. Indoor and outdoor premises are secure so children are well protected.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to take care of themselves as they play safely with the toys and learn to sit properly. An emergency evacuation procedure has been devised and a detailed plan is displayed. However, this is not practised often enough for the children to become familiar with the procedure. Children are effectively supervised by the childminder so that they are happy and confident as they explore the wide range of play opportunities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended training on child protection so that she has valid knowledge of the issues. She has information about local procedures and contacts so that each child is further safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a good rapport with the childminder. Babies are cuddled on waking up and allowed to settle into play when they are ready. They are encouraged to choose from the wide

p.3

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 range of interesting resources accessible to them. Their learning is reinforced as they repeatedly push buttons on a pop-up toy. Sensory development is promoted as they taste fruits, feel felt and furry textures and explore sounds such as rattles and music.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A flexible daily routine shows a sound balance of activities to support overall development. Children learn spontaneously as they recognise colours of cars when out on walks. They enjoy new experiences, such as riding on a bus. Children have much freedom of movement as they choose stimulating activities, such as craft work. Their imagination and self-expression are promoted as they role play in the toy kitchen. Writing skills are promoted as they learn to control crayons and small tools. Their interest in books is stimulated through stories and easy access to a range of books. They learn familiar words, such as 'house', in a meaningful way as they link the word to the picture.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides an appropriate range of resources for the age-group of the children minded so that each child actively participates in the accessible activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of the wider world as they play with books, dolls and other resources that reflect different cultures. They identify with their own community through local outings and family events such as birthdays. The childminder discusses individual needs with parents so that each child receives appropriate care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has consistent house rules, such as using good manners and not running in the house. Children learn to take turns and to share resources. They work together as they play board games and have fun during 'hide and seek'. Children, therefore, develop good relationships with adults and other children. They learn responsible behaviour as they tidy up after an activity. Their good behaviour is reinforced with much praise and encouragement. The childminder uses explanations on a level that children understand.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents so that children benefit from continuity of care. Information about the care provision and the children's day is shared mainly verbally. Some written information is given to parents. However, this does not include Ofsted details as part of a complaints policy. Parental feedback about the care provided was positive, with such comments as flexible, dependable, kind, a friendly environment in which children are happy.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a friendly environment with plentiful resources so that children enjoy a varied day in relaxed surroundings. She organises frequent outings to add to children's experiences. The playrooms are effectively supervised so that children actively participate as they freely access indoor and outdoor play areas.

p.4

Organisation

Relevant information about individual children is well organised, kept secure and confidential. The required records are well maintained so that children receive appropriate care. The quality of care is further supported by the childminder working with parents to continuously meet children's individual needs. She has several years experience as a childminder including some long-term childcare arrangements.

p.4

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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, a recommendation was made to develop awareness of different cultures. The childminder uses a range of resources to enhance children's awareness of the wider world.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder's knowledge of child protection issues needed to be developed. The childminder has since attended training to update her knowledge and understanding so that children are further safeguarded.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Further resources and activities for babies and very young children were recommended. The childminder has sufficient resources and a plan of activities which reflects the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • secure the safety fireguard and practise the emergency evacuation more frequently • inform parents of a complaints policy including Ofsted contact details.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5