Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307731 Inspection date 10 June 2005 Inspector Lorraine, Susan Fay

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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?

This childminder has been a registered childminder since 1993, she lives with her husband and their two teenage children. The family live in a terraced property which is within easy access of Accrington town centre. Minded children have access to the whole of the premises excluding the rear yard. Children are often taken out for walks and to the local park. The childminder has regular contact with other local registered childminders. She also receives support from the Sure Start, Early Years & Childcare Service and is a member of the National Childminders Association (NCMA).

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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 stay healthy as this childminder provides a wide range of activities and daily routines which promote their well being. She provides a varied range of nutritious foods to meet individual children's dietary needs. Parents provide details of children's likes, dislikes and any allergies their children may have. This proves to be particularly beneficial to this childminder when meeting the dietary needs of a Muslim child. She keeps a list of forbidden foods as a reference when planning menu's. Children learn the importance of healthy eating and are encouraged to 'help themselves' to fresh fruit and yoghurts. This childminder works closely with parents when planning weaning programmes for babies. This ensures continuity when weaning and a strong sense of partnership with parents for the health of the child. Children develop their independence as they access their own drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The premises are exceptionally clean which allows children to move around freely without the risk of infection. The childminder minimises the risk of cross infection through good hygiene practices and good example. She washes her hands at appropriate times and ensures that children do the same, for example before eating and after using the toilet. Children have access to their own face cloths and towels. This again minimises the risk of any cross infection. An anti bacterial spray is used to wipe work tops in the kitchen and the nappy changing mat after nappy changes. The childminder plans her activities around the routines and needs of individual children. As a result children benefit from a good balance of play and rest. Their routine includes regular outdoor play where they are able to enjoy the fresh air and develop their physical skills. The younger children take full part in all activities which

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Helping children to be healthy

promote their health and well being because this childminder makes positive reference to the Birth To Three Matters Framework.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe because this childminder pays particular attention to safety in the home and during outings. She ensures that toys and equipment meet safety requirements and that children can access them without danger. Toys are readily accessible to children which allows them to explore activities and develop their independence in a safe learning environment. The childminder further reduces risk within the home via appropriate safety features for example socket covers, safety gates, fireguard and smoke detectors. When taking children out she makes positive use of safety reins and when need be a double buggy. These features contribute to children's safety out of doors. Space and resources are very well organised with safety in mind. There is space for children to play and develop without restriction or risk to their safety. This childminder safeguards children's welfare. She has completed up to date training in relation to

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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 Child Protection and has a firm knowledge of policies and procedures to follow. She keeps details of contact numbers relating to Social Services and the Police should the need arise and readily shares her Child Protection Policy with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve because this childminder provides a wide range of challenging and interesting activities. Toys and equipment allow children of all age ranges to develop and extend their independence. Children develop great imaginations and their creativity through an extensive range of imaginative play equipment and craft materials. A child is delighted during the inspection as she takes part in a game of 'make believe' with the childminder. They pretend to be having a tea party, the child offers the childminder a slice of pizza and asks if she would like a piece of ham. Communication and language development is assisted in these fun and exciting play situations. An older child uses boxes to make a model of a robot. The childminder displays a solid understanding of child development and refers to the Birth To Three Matters information video when planning activities for younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children. Babies can access a range of stimulating toys. They particularly enjoy grasping toys and the activity gym which helps them to develop their hand eye co-ordination. The childminder provides children with the opportunity to develop an interest in music and musical instruments. The child present helps herself to the musical instruments from the music box. Children develop their physical skills during outdoor play. They enjoy running around on the park and climbing the apparatus. Children look forward to regular outings in particular the park. They also visit the toddler group where they are able to socialise and relate to other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to make positive contribution because they are extremely valued and respected by this childminder. She is a positive role model who speaks to children in reassuring tones. Children as a result are very well behaved and are aware of their boundaries. They have a very good relationship with the childminder which enables them to feel secure and confident within the setting. The childminder ensures that she gathers information from parents prior to children starting. The childminder learns about children's likes, dislikes, favourite toys and other personal characteristics. She plans activities around the children's routines allowing time for activity and relaxation. As a result children settle very well and feel at home within this setting. Children learn about other cultures through an extensive range of toys and equipment for example jig saws, dolls and imaginative play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

equipment. One child being looked after is from Asian origin. The childminder assists a school aged child to gather information about Hindu's for his school project. They

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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 look for information together in the encyclopaedia. Children learn to use books as a method of building their knowledge of the 'wider world'. This childminder builds positive and solid relationships with parents. She provides them with detailed policies and procedures which keeps them up to date of her childminding practice. Parents are made to feel welcome within the setting and regularly discuss their child's development with the childminder. Parents confirm in writing that they are more than happy with the level of service provided by this childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises resources very well to ensure that individual children's needs are very well met. She makes very good use of internal and external resources. Children get to know their local community through regular outings and are secure and happy within the setting. They explore the activities and equipment available to them without restriction. Routines are based on their individual requirements which assists them to settle very well within this childminders home. The childminder has a solid understanding of the National Standards and is building on her understanding of the Birth To Three Matters Framework. This is demonstrated in her everyday practice and the comprehensive policies she shares with parents. Documentation is kept to a very high standard, up to date and extremely well organised. The Certificate of registration is not displayed. Children's details are very

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Organisation

well documented and emergency numbers are accurately recorded. This ensures that parents can be contacted should an emergency arise. Training certificates are in the information file for parents to observe. This promotes positive partnerships with parents. On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection this childminder agreed to increase and make accessible to children imaginative play equipment. She also agreed to share with parents methods of handling children's behaviour. Children are now able to access a wide and interesting range of imaginative play equipment. As a result they develop great imaginations and creativity. A written policy in relation to handling behaviour has been devised. The policy is based on praise and encouragement and is shared with parents. This ensures that parents are kept fully informed of this childminders good practice.

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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 There have been no complaints to report from April 2004.

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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): • ensure that the Certificate of Registration is displayed

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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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