Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308363 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Margaret Baines

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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 1995. She is registered to provide care for three children under 8 years which includes two children under 12 months. At present, the childminder cares for four children on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and aunt in a semi-detached house, situated in a quiet cul de sac in the South Shore area of Blackpool, close to local amenities and schools. The rear lounge is used as a playroom and the children have access to a downstairs toilet, and upstairs bedrooms for sleeping requirements only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one cat.

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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 The childminder has completed the Developing Childminding Practice Certificate and the NVQ level 3 in Child Care and Education. She also holds a certificates for first aid and food hygiene. She is a member of the local childminding group, is a teen parent career and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Activities are well planned and improve the children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of how activity effects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. They enjoy regular outdoor activities which promotes their good health and development. Children are secure and cared for in a very clean well maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are developing an understanding of why they must wash their hands at certain times of the day to avoid ill health from the exposure to germs. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of healthy eating. They enjoy apples, bananas, raw vegetables, cheese squares and raisins as an example of the healthy snacks provided. Older children can help themselves to a drink whilst the younger children have drinks available on request at all times to ensure they are cool

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Helping children to be healthy

and not thirsty. The childminder is mindful of parental requests and children's preferences in all aspects of the foods she serves to ensure a continuity of care between home and the setting. Children's dietary needs are adequately met in the care of the childminder through her careful planning and attention to detail.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are looked after in a very safe and secure environment both indoors and out. The childminder gives high priority to safety and undertakes regular safety checks to identify and minimise risks to children. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. They are also transported safely as the childminder gives good attention to providing the correct restraints and car seats. Children learn about fire safety and have had the opportunity to practise evacuating the premises. This, alongside sensitive explanation, helps children understand what is expected of them to keep safe. Dedicated rooms for play and sleep provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas. For example each young child has their own room and cot to sleep in, ensuring they have a very peaceful rest during the day. The childminder ensures activities are age appropriate and children enjoy them in safety. For

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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 example, the children played with the garage, the cars the shapes and the tactile toys. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises choices to ensure children play with appropriate toys suitable for their stage of development. Children's welfare and protection is further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The contact telephone numbers are readily available if required for reference. The childminder has a written policy which includes information for parents should they have any concerns relating to the care of their child whilst being looked after.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging. They have formed secure and confident relationships with the childminder. They freely express their needs and wishes. Children eagerly sit on the childminder's knee and enjoy a cuddle and listen to a story. She responds sensitively ensuring children feel happy and fulfilled in her care. Children enjoy a wide variety of well planned activities, which enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. They enjoy very good opportunities for social interaction with other children as they regularly attend toddler groups or meet up with other childminders in the area. Children enjoy the age appropriate toys made available for them. For example they build with the bricks and enjoy looking at the good range of books. Children benefit from the childminder’s good knowledge of child development. She ensures they have very good opportunities to learn about

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

colour, recognise numbers and letters in their play. Children respond very positively to the childminder’s effective interaction with them as they engage in a variety of play situations. Children experience exciting and imaginative play organised to meet their individual needs. Children thrive in this setting as the childminder has a very good understanding of the Birth to Three framework, which she implements in her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals which gives them a sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through images and experiences offered to them. Children also have good opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest. They enjoy visits to the beach and the zoo. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and excellent role modelling by the childminder who is calm and caring. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children therefore learn to show care and concern for others and

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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 develop consideration as they begin to share toys and play together harmoniously. The childminder ensures information is obtained from parents and used to meet the needs of their children. She in turn shares good information about herself and her family so that good links are forged between them. This benefits the children who feel secure within her home. She shares information with parents and keeps them informed about all aspects of her practice as she writes daily diaries for each child in her care. Contracts and procedures keep parents informed of requirements which must be met and records are signed appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the care provided by this well organised, efficient childminder who has a good understanding of child development through her experience and training. The childminding day is arranged around children's routines and needs, and the childminder dedicates her time to playing alongside the children to promote their enjoyment and learning. Children benefit from the detailed documentation that the childminder keeps and her acknowledgment and commitment to confidentiality of information. She ensures that documentation relating to the care of the children is well maintained, up to date and shared with parents and carers. This ensures that parents are appropriately consulted and informed. The registration certificate however was not on display nor was there available a written evacuation procedure and a record of when this is practiced when children are present. 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 introduce daily diaries and achievement records for the children in her care. She now provides each child with a daily dairy where information is recorded about the child's day with her and their achievements. This record is shared with parents who on occasions also make comments appertaining to their child's development and well being. This has complimented the childminder's practice and enhanced the care of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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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 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 on display for parents and carers to observe • provide a written evacuation procedure and ensure that when this is practiced the dates and times are recorded.

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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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