Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308043 Inspection date 10 August 2005 Inspector Ferroza Saiyed

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 since 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a double fronted terraced house in the Marton area of Blackpool. The home is within walking distance of shops, park, beach and schools. Minded children have access to the lounge/play area and the sitting room for school age children, and the kitchen area. The front bedroom which is used for children's sleep, and bathroom facilities are located on the first floor. An enclosed garden is available for physical activities.

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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 There are eight children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions during the week. The childminder participates in local childminding groups and takes the children to the local community activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through a well planned daily routine, such as washing their hands after using the toilet, before meals and snack time. Their well-being is maintained because appropriate documentation is in place for example, medication and accident records are kept up to date. They enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. This includes both indoor and outdoor physical activities for example, walks to the park, soft play areas, swimming, and the beach. They enjoy a range of outdoor play opportunities as the childminder provides a variety of resources to promote physical development. The children's dietary needs are met because the childminder has a good understanding of a balanced diet. She ensures parents' wishes are followed for children diets so their individual needs are met. They are provided with healthy options for drinks and snacks to enable them to make good choices. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

fruit, cheese and toast are offered and sugar free drinks. The infants' physical needs are met because the childminder follows their routines for sleep and feeding to ensure consistency of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are welcoming, as a result children are settled and happy. They have access to a selection of age appropriate toys and activities, which are stored in cupboards, however they are not able to independently choose for themselves and therefore their decision making skills are not fully promoted. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe by simple explanations such as, asking them not to stand on the swings. The children are beginning to have an understanding of their own safety and others for example, they follow the 'green cross code' when outdoors. Potential hazards are not minimised in the childminder’s home, because she has not taken into account the young children's risk of accidental injury. For example, storing household detergents in low level cupboards. The childminder has knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

follow if she is concerned for the well-being of children in her care, as a consequence children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have an extremely positive relationship with the childminder. They benefit from a very close and caring relationship which develops their self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. The children are interested, they explore and play purposefully with activities, sometimes for extended periods of time which helps with increasing concentration. For example, a child sat and completed his sticker book, and took pleasure in showing the inspector his knowledge of words, which increased the child’s confidence and self-esteem. The childminder understands children’s needs and provides a wide range of activities and experience for them to enjoy. A suitable balance of adult and children led activities enables children to develop in all areas. As a result they become confident to extend their knowledge in a meaningful way. Indoor space, the park, the beach, visits to community groups, and trips to places of interest all allow children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

discover new environments and promotes highly stimulating experiences. This provides them with inspiring and challenging opportunities to develop social and intellectual skills. Early communication skills are developed as the childminder responds to infants' babblings, sings songs and rhymes, reinforcing early speech patterns. This promote their emotional well-being contributing to their sense of belonging and happiness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children learn about diversity from the resources provided. They are beginning to understand the similarities and difference in the wider community. The childminder makes effective use of praise to encourage children to learn about behaviour boundaries and manners, through everyday play situations. Consequently, their understanding of being polite, and other people’s feelings are very well developed and strengthened as they learn to share and to be kind. The childminder ensures documentation and information is obtained from parents prior to the child attending. This enables the childminder to follow the child's home routine ensuring consistency of care. She encourages parents to contribute to their child’s development and well-being, by making them feel welcome within the setting and spending time discussing their child with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has all regulatory documentation in place, which is very well maintained and up-to- date. The children’s individual needs are promoted at all times, aided by the clearly written policies and procedures. These are shared with parents to enhance the quality of care each child receives.

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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 The organisation of the setting is effective with room for children to move freely. The childminder has an informal routine in place, which is based on the children's needs, therefore enabling them to gain maximum enjoyment from activities provided. The childminder has links with other childminders and the local toddler group, therefore fostering children's social needs. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure parental consent is obtained to allow medication to be administered to children. She has addressed this issue, written parental consent is obtained for medication and emergency medical treatment. By addressing this issue the childminder has improved the safety and well-being of children in her care.

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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): • make low level cupboards inaccessible to children to promote safety • ensure resources are accessible to children, to promote independence and choice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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