Childminder in Blackburn with Darwen

Inspection report for early years provision

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301576 Unique Reference Number 04 July 2007 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in 1979. She lives in the Blackburn area of Lancashire, close to local amenities, with her husband and adult son. There are two dogs in the household.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years and there are currently four children under eight years; three who attend full-time and one who attends before and after school and holiday periods.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children access a rear living room for all their play and activities, a front room for quiet activities and a bathroom on the first floor. Children do not access the bedrooms and only use the rear yard as a walk through. Children are taken to local toddler groups, parks and on excursions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed all relevant training and continues to update her practice through workshops and the local network of childminders, and has completed her National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education.

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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 protected from infection and well taken care of if they have an accident or become unwell. The childminder follows detailed policies, procedures and routines for maintaining good hygiene with the children. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after the toilet and they participate in some 'healthy living' projects when they visit the dentist, talk about germs and understand the importance of using soap and flushing the toilet. The premises are clean and maintained and the childminder follows daily routines of wiping surfaces and toys. There is a written health and hygiene policy available to parents and the childminder has developed a health file. Children rest and sleep as required and younger children sleep in a pram outside, weather permitting. All medication, accident, emergency and sickness procedures are in place and the childminder has a first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks, snacks and meals in adequate quantities for their needs. Food is nutritious and complies with any dietary requirements. Children sit at the table for meals and snacks with the childminder to promote a positive social occasion. Healthy options are provided and the childminder is accredited to the 'Smiling for Life' campaign. The childminder responds to the children's likes and dislikes and offers breadsticks, pasta, fruit, chicken, sandwiches and vegetable and salad pieces. Children have access to water and sugar free juice and the childminder gathers all dietary information from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well promoted through regular exercise, fresh air and relaxation. They walk to and from school and nursery on a daily basis, play at the park and exercise on physical play equipment at the toddler groups. Children are encouraged to relax as they read books and watch television or develop their hand–eye coordination with drawing activities, jigsaws and manipulating play dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a really safe, secure and suitable environment that is welcoming and homely, offering access to all necessary facilities and activities. Children use a specific play room to the rear of the house and can freely access the resources. There is adequate space for them to play at the table or on the floor according to the activities they are doing. The front lounge is used for watching television and reading books. The bathroom is on the first floor with all suitable equipment and facilities. Children do not access the bedrooms and only use the rear yard as a walk through and evacuation area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a good range of accessible and stimulating equipment, furniture and toys which are safe, suitable, well maintained and conform to safety standards. There are tables and chairs, settees, low storage cupboards for free access to toys, paints, drawing materials, role play equipment, small world play people, a dolls' house and baby activity toys. A pram is used for younger children to sleep in and there are booster seats for the dining table and appropriate cutlery and crockery for meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are really safe and secure because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and prevent accidents, ensuring children are not exposed to any risks or hazards. There are two exits from the premises and these are clear and locked during the day. Written arrival

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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 and collection procedures ensure children are secure. The kitchen area is safe and all safety equipment is in place, including a fire blanket. Hazards and sharp knives are stored out of reach. There is valid insurance cover and the childminder has a safety file covering all aspects of safety procedures and information for keeping children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her duty to ensure children are safe and protected from harm. The childminder discusses all information with parents and informs them of her role and duty to make a referral to local social services. She is sensitive to any signs and symptoms and keeps a record of all concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met and their welfare is promoted as the childminder provides an interesting range of activities and experiences to develop children physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. For example, children enjoy the toddler groups and spend time at different premises with the childminder and other children. They play creatively and imaginatively with paints, drawing equipment, play dough and small world toys. Children are confident and secure as the childminder talks to them all the time and praises and encourages them during their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is supported as they experiment with textures, access the resources and make free choices. They learn about the outdoor environment when they go to the park, and ride on the coach and the train when on trips to the farm or zoo. Children learn about right and wrong because the childminder is a good role model and she talks to the children about their behaviour and how this may affect others and their feelings. The childminder knows the children well and responds to their requests and needs. She does not formally plan any activities and feels that she needs to organise her activities before children arrive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as they access a range of activities and facilities to meet their individual needs. The childminder responds to the children's requests as they ask for different fruits and toys. There is individual information on each child gathered from parents in order to provide appropriate care. Children have opportunities to explore and experiment freely with toys and equipment. They learn about diversity and differences through books, play people, food tasting and festivals. Children's welfare and development is paramount as the childminder is aware of the steps to take and be proactive if a child is identified or admitted to the provision with a learning difficulty or disabilities, in partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in a way that promotes their welfare and development. The childminder agrees methods with parents and keeps them up to date with any issues. Children learn about positive behaviour as they follow the house rules and are positively praised and encouraged. Children are asked to sit down and be calm if they display any disruptive or challenging behaviour. There is no evidence of any challenging behaviour as the children are occupied and busy with activities and outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships with the childminder and their parents to help them feel secure. There is daily verbal feedback with parents, and they are given any artwork or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities to take home. There are written contracts with parents and signed permission for all trips and routine activities. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents and asks them to evaluate the service. Parents have access to all organisational policies and procedures and the childminder keeps them up to date with new legislation and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected and safeguarded because all adults in the household are vetted and cleared to be in the presence of children. The childminder is very experienced and qualified in childcare. She is committed to updating her childminding practice as she attends workshops and various training programmes and is a member of the local childminding network. The childminder has been registered for over twenty years and has responded to the changes in childminding practice and new legislation.

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Organisation

Children are well supported and are part of an organised environment that provides good opportunities for them to play, rest and eat in comfort and safety. Children play in the rear living room and have free access to toys and resources; the front lounge is used for quiet activities and the bathroom is on the first floor. Children enjoy their meal times and creative activity times as they use the dining table and sit together as a group. The childminder spends time with the children as they play with the dough and draw. Children respond to the routines as they attend toddler groups, socialise with other childminders, play at the park and play freely in the home environment.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is well maintained through detailed records, policies and procedures being in place and well documented for the safe and efficient management of the provision. All regulatory records are available and up to date including medication, accident, attendance and individual details of children and parents. The childminder has files that store information under the 14 National Standards and the links with the outcomes for children. Parents have access to a wealth of information about the routines and procedures and any new information relating to childminding practices.

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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 childminder agreed to consider the introduction of written feedback for parents of children under twelve months. The childminder now uses printed daily diary sheets to inform parents of routines and care practices. Children's care and well-being is now enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 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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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 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): • further develop systems to organise the planning of activities and routines to meet the wide range of ages and stages of development.

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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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