Tierney, Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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403516 Unique Reference Number 13 February 2008 Inspection date Josephine Ann Northend 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 has been registered since 2001 and she lives in an end terrace house in a residential area of Lytham with her husband and four young children aged eight, seven, two and four months. The local area offers shops, a library, schools, toddler and playgroups and ‘the green’ and gardens on the sea front.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Facilities for children comprise of the kitchen-dining area, playroom, lounge and utility room on ground level and the upstairs bathroom and a bedroom. There is a garden to the rear and side of the house for outdoor activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years. There is currently one child on the childminder's register, who is not currently attending but is due to return in April.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a qualified Nursery Nurse and has worked as a deputy manager in a day nursery prior to registering as a childminder.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates appropriate understanding of how to promote children's good health. She has systems to gather information about medical needs and dietary requirements. She describes opportunities for children to participate in physical activities, for example, outside play, walks to and from school and visits to parks and play areas.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates understanding of how to promote children's good hygiene practices, as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder has satisfactory procedures in place regarding sick children and administration of medication. Systems are in place to request consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and accident and medication record systems are in place, however, parents are not asked to sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion and sample menus, the childminder demonstrates understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have fresh drinking water accessible at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates understanding of the need for children to be cared for in a safe and warm environment. She is able to identify and minimise risks. The childminder has satisfactory arrangements in place to keep children safe in the event of a fire. Appropriate fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation procedures are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good range of developmentally appropriate equipment and toys, which are in a safe, well-maintained condition are in place to promote children's development and welfare. Toys are well organised and are stored well at child level to allow independent access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has clear procedures in place to safeguard children's welfare. She demonstrates sound understanding of child protection policies and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about encouraging children's development through planned activities and play resources. She demonstrates clear understanding of children's developmental stages. There is a range of toys and equipment available that is appropriate for children across the age ranges. The toys are organised to encourage independent access. The childminder demonstrates awareness of the 'Birth to three' matters framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates understanding of suitable activities which can contribute to children's development. For example, opportunities to be creative, physical and to aid social skills. The childminder shows awareness of the need to show interest in what children do and say and the need to become involved in their play.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder provides activities and resources for children to begin to learn about the wider world and she demonstrates a positive attitude to issues of equal opportunities. A good range of resources reflecting diversity are in place. This promotes children's awareness. Children are beginning to learn about the local community as they go for walks and visit local amenities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of positive strategies for managing behaviour, for example, by giving children praise and encouragement for their achievements. Clear systems are in place to support children with physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has procedures in place to develop partnership with parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are sought before the child starts. Systems are in place to give parents verbal feedback and some written information about their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises space appropriately to cater for children's play needs. She is aware of required ratios and has clear systems in place to record children's attendance. The required documents are in place to be completed as children attend.

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Organisation

The childminder has a range of written policies and procedures to be shared with parents to ensure they are informed about the service and their child's activities. However, the childminder is in breech of a regulation as she does not have a current first aid certificate in place.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would 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 develop the written child protection policy. The policy has now been updated and includes the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against the childminder. This means children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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.

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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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Complaints 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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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 first aid certificate is in place • make sure parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry

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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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