Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 308081 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Anna Barnes

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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 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 1993. She lives with her husband and 3 sons, 2 of whom are adults, the youngest being 14 years of age, in Preston. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding, except for the conservatory extension, together with a first floor bedroom. There are currently three children under five and five children over eight on roll. The childminder walks to a local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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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. Children are secure and cared for in a warm, clean home. They stay healthy and learn about personal hygiene because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. For example, encouraging the children to wash their hands before meals and snacks and after toileting, by using gloves when nappy changing, in order to prevent the spread of infection. Children stay healthy because the childminder has sufficient understanding of dealing with first aid and sick children. She can deal with any emergencies promptly, by contacting parents immediately to ensure the children's health needs are met. Children are nourished and encouraged to learn about healthy eating. They have their dietary needs well met because the childminder provides a range of nutritional snacks. For example stews, meatballs, cottage pie, yoghurts, rice pudding, toast, fruit, together with, frequent accessible drinks such as juice, water, following

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Helping children to be healthy

agreement with parents, thus meeting children's individual needs. Children enjoy physical activity because the childminder provides opportunities for the children to enjoy the fresh air, visit the local parks, wacky warehouse to use the apparatus and have freedom to run, climb, swing and slide helping them gain control of their bodies and develop physical skills in a fun way.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and very safe indoor environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. For example, a secured fire guard as the fire was in use, socket covers, fire safety equipment in place, front door secured. The childminder was not using the outside area and new rooms due to refurbishment, these areas were kept very secure to prevent access by the children to ensure their safety. Children use safe equipment because the childminder organises it so that children can access, easily and safely, for example books, play dough, paint, role play; dolls, prams, play food, jigsaws, games. Equipment for the younger children is available to meet their needs, including cot, high chair, buggy etc. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder develops their knowledge and understanding of how to behave when walking re road safety,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

teaching children awareness of hazards, fire safety, how to use equipment during physical activity to avoid accidents, toys under foot, thus enhancing their own personal safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a clear

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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 understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, also whom she would contact to report any child protection issues. She would take prompt action if she felt a child was at risk of harm, thus protecting children from abuse and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminders care because she is confident and attentive in her care of them, this makes them feel secure. The children develop confidence and self esteem when the childminder praises them for their achievements, being helpful and kind to others. Children are generally occupied in what they do because the childminder has some awareness regarding children's developmental needs, for example, developing a child's language by encouraging children to sing, look at books, identify pictures; painting, making shapes with play dough etc Children are generally involved in their play and were able to access toys and make choices. Children acquire new skills when the childminder supports their learning by answering questions, encouraging children to learn about colours, identify animals etc, through books and experiences thus reinforcing their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met because the childminder communicates with parents regularly, actively seeking their views about their child's needs and uses this information to work in partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to respect and show concern for each other. Children’s individual needs are catered for to enable inclusion in the setting where the childminder acts as a role model, encourages positive attitudes, understanding of others through discussion with children and parents. However, resources and activities relating to diversity are limited. The childminder shows a positive attitude and due regard towards the care and inclusion of children with special needs. She communicates effectively with parents regarding their children's needs and as a result children are given the same opportunities. Children have established positive relationships with the childminder who sets clear boundaries that children understand. She manages children's behaviour by using age appropriate strategies, explanations, time out, praise and encouragement for good behaviour and individual achievements, that encourages them to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has established positive relationships with parents by sharing information, working to meet children's individual needs, agreement regarding behaviour, thus promoting continuity of care

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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 for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder. She has an understanding of supervision, vetting procedures, maintaining adult/child ratios, thus enhancing the safety of the children. Children play freely and safely because the childminder organises available space appropriately. Low level storage allows children to access resources easily thus allowing them to make choices in daily routines. In general, the childminder uses procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, however, the register was incomplete and parental permission to seek medical treatment in an emergency is not available for all children. She shares records with the parents to maintain continuity. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act Inspection it was recommended that the childminder should improve areas relating to safety and documentation. Children are further protected as the childminder has provided a fire blanket, secured the gate in the outside area and improved documentation by ensuring parents have signed written agreements, thus enhancing the care and welfare of the children in the setting.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a suitable range of toys and activities that reflect positive images of diversity • improve documentation to include further information; consent for emergency treatment and an up to date register of attendance.

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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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