Wilson, Samantha

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

309065 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Matloob 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 September 2000. She lives with her partner and two children. The family live in a semi-detached property, which is situated within easy reach of Rawtenstall town centre, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and children have access to a playroom, lounge, dining room and downstairs bathroom.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under eight. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and also attends the local playgroup weekly. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained family home, where they begin to learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before

p.2

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 mealtimes. Tissues are kept close to hand to ensure children can access them independently when needed. A verbal agreement with parents ensures that children are protected from infection and illness.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder enables children to be healthy and active through appropriate levels of support and supervision. Children have appropriate opportunities to participate in physical activity, such as swimming, playgroup and walks to and from school to collect other children. Children's individual care routines are met in partnership with parents and children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from meals and snacks that are home cooked and nutritious to promote their healthy growth and development. The childminder requests essential information from parents about any special dietary requirements and preferences and takes notice of such information. Children are offered drinks throughout the day and with meals.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A warm, welcoming family home offers children a child-centred environment where their art work is displayed attractively to give them a sense of belonging. A designated craft and playroom means that children can move freely within the space to explore and investigate their surroundings and make choices about their play. Children have access to a suitable range of developmentally appropriate resources. These are checked and cleaned regularly to make sure that they remain safe and conform to safety standards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings, to prevent accidents. Daily visual checks ensure that the premises are clean and safe before children arrive in order to minimise potential hazards. The childminder ensures that children are not exposed to hazards and they remain under her direct supervision at all times. However, the fire in the living room is currently accessible to children and is a potential hazard.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has an adequate awareness of safeguarding issues. However, she has not completed any relevant training to develop her knowledge and fully understand her responsibility towards the protection of children. A copy of the relevant procedures is available for information, to ensure that the childminder follows relevant guidance in the event of a concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the warm and welcoming environment. The childminder is able to dedicate her time and support children's learning and play. Children are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate as the childminder frequently praises children and follows their interests which mean that children are secure and confident. The childminder joins in with children to complete a puzzle about animals and numbers. Children confidently recognise some of the animals and attempt to find the correct pieces to make the puzzle. This is supported by the childminder who effectively questions and keeps them motivated by giving them clues, such as, 'Do you think these are the pigs legs?'. Children are enthusiastic about completing the puzzle and this is reflected in their body language. Young children have good number skills as they can confidently count to eight as they point to the correct numbers.

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 Children are involved in a range of activities, which support their development and learning. They clearly enjoy creative activities as they select paints to create their art work. Children gain self esteem as the childminder praises them: 'Oh that's wonderful'. Children happily talk about their picture: 'That's me and that's nana and that’s nana's legs'. Children are secure in their relationship with the childminder and become increasingly confident as they enjoy role play, particularly when they change the baby's nappy because it is dirty. Children competently change the nappy and attempt to dress the doll.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are treated with equal concern and the childminder has some regard to relevant anti-discriminatory good practice. All children have equal access to a range of activities and resources, regardless of age and gender. The childminder liaises with parents and records contain basic information about specific needs, which enables appropriate care to be given. Children begin to learn about the wider community through discussions, some resources and activities. Although, these are somewhat limited and do not sufficiently promote children's knowledge of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved because the childminder creates a happy and stimulating environment. Methods used to manage children's behaviour are positive and promote their welfare and development. Distraction and re-direction, alongside sensitive explanations help children to understand what is expected of them and the difference between right and wrong. Good behaviour, such as playing nicely, helping to tidy up and sharing is valued and rewarded with appropriate praise and stickers to promote children's self worth and esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are positive. Parents are welcomed into the setting and the childminder values what they have to offer. The childminder makes time to inform parents about children's activities, general well being and development is shared through daily discussions when children are collected. This promotes continuity of care and in return children are broadly happy and settled.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge and understanding of child development and meets the individual needs of children cared for. She organises space and resources to ensure that children feel secure and at ease and so that she is able to positively support children's care, learning and play. This means that they are confident to initiate their play and explore their surroundings. The childminder is aware of areas which require improvement and is willing to implement any recommendations in order to promote positive outcomes for children in her care. The required regulatory documentation is available for inspection and reasonably well-maintained. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that reflect positive images of disability; obtain a certificate verifying the completion of an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children is in place and that a copy of the revised national standards for

p.4

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 childminding is obtained; ensure that the public liability insurance certificate is in place; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; establish up to date written agreements with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and make sure that children spend only short periods of time in the room known as the playroom.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress and has successfully addressed the majority of these recommendations. She has completed relevant first aid training, obtained parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and public liability insurance is maintained to ensure that children are protected and kept safe. A copy of the revised national standards is available. There are up to date written agreements in place between parents and the childminder setting out clear expectations for both parties to ensure that children receive appropriate care. Children spend time in all areas of the setting as they make choices about their play, and spend short periods of time in the playroom. The childminder has some resources that reflect positive images and promote anti-discriminatory practice. However, these are limited and a further recommendation has been made to continue to extend such resources and activities.

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. 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): • make the fire in the living room inaccessible to children • develop knowledge of safeguarding issues • continue to extend resources that promote equality and anti discriminatory practice.

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