Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345875 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Denise Sixsmith 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 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 lives with her husband and child aged 23 months on the outskirts of Preston, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding as well as the bathroom and large front bedroom on the upper floor. The front area of the rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family have pet rabbits and two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently minding one child under five years after school. The childminder is within walking distance of local amenities, for example, the park, toddler group and library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where they learn about good hygiene practices. They are protected appropriately from the spread of infection as the childminder has a clear written agreement which informs parents of her policy with regards to the care of ill

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children. Children's records contain suitable information about individual dietary requirements and the childminder discusses their health information at the initial meeting with parents to ensure their well-being. Children are further protected by the childminder's current knowledge of first aid and her ability to administer first aid in the event of an accident. The childminder ensures that children have access to their own individual towels and bedding to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children are learning about staying healthy because the childminder provides regular reminders about the importance of washing hands before snacks and after touching the pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air on walks to and from school and enjoy outdoor activity, such as climbing, swinging and playing on the slides at the park, which improves their physical skills. A part of the rear garden has been developed recently to increase the opportunities for outside play for the children. The childminder ensures that children can rest or sleep quietly, according to their needs, in a well equipped bedroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder encourages the children's awareness of healthy eating habits by making mealtimes a social occasion when children sit together at the family dining table. Children's individual dietary needs are met well as the childminder takes care to ensure that meals and snacks are nutritious, well balanced and freshly prepared. They enjoy a tea of ham salad sandwiches followed by yogurt and fruit as well as a choice of drinks, including water. Children are offered a choice of strawberry or banana milkshake on their return from school to ensure they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play comfortably in a welcoming and inviting home that has some bright posters for them to look at. They are kept safe and secure because the childminder has implemented a number of safety precautions, however, the fire blanket is not sited for ease of access in an emergency. Children play happily in the living room and dining area where they have adequate space to play with the toys on the floor. They have supervised access to the kitchen for baking activities and for access to the paved area of the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have use of a satisfactory range of age-appropriate good quality toys, furniture and equipment to meet their needs. Toys and resources are checked on a regular basis by the childminder to ensure ongoing safety. Any broken toys are thrown away or replaced and the childminder has regular cleaning routines in place. The childminder ensures children can independently access suitable toys and resources from a displayed selection; this encourages their choice and decision making skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a current public liability insurance certificate displayed for parents to see. Children are closely supervised by the childminder and are not left unsupervised with people who are not vetted. The childminder has developed an emergency evacuation procedure to ensure children can be evacuated to safety should an emergency arise. Children learn to be safe because the childminder encourages them to help to tidy away the toys before they have their tea and to be careful when moving around inside the house so that things do not get broken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures and access to supporting information and advice. The childminder ensures that all adults living in the household have appropriate checks.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has warm and friendly relationships with the children. She is approachable and spends time talking with them about what they are doing and what they are going to do, ensuring children feel comfortable and valued. As a result, children are confident in their play and are making appropriate progress in their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has not developed activity plans because she has only recently started to mind and is providing the children with time to settle into their own play routines and friendships. Children enjoy their play which includes ready access to imaginative play with the tractors and farm buildings as well as naming and playing with the basket of play food and cooker. Children are provided with time to concentrate fully when playing with the talking shape sorting cube, when they correctly identify the shapes and colours. There are opportunities for them to be creative and to use their imagination through craft and art work. The children are learning to be independent; they happily choose their play equipment from that available and are supported by the childminder in carrying this out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from care that ensures their needs are met appropriately. For example, the children's dietary needs and preferences are noted and they are provided with meals and snacks that they enjoy. Children's self-esteem is developed appropriately and their confidence developed well because the childminder provides praise and encouragement that is appropriate to their stage of development. Children are encouraged to understand and respect differences because the childminder has some resources that reflect positive images, however, this selection is small because the childminder has only recently commenced childminding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive encouragement from the childminder to support positive behaviour. The childminder provides support for their play and develops their understanding of how they should behave through the use of recognition of good behaviour. For example, children are praised for helping to collect and tidy toys as well as for sharing. Consequently, children's behaviour is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to working in partnership with parents. A clear, comprehensive complaints statement is in place. The childminder ensures children feel well settled by arranging short visits for them and their parents before beginning to care for them. Children benefit from the exchange of all relevant information before they are placed in the childminder's care, ensuring they are cared for appropriately. Parents access some helpful written information to inform them of the childcare practice when they first visit the childminder. Verbal exchanges inform parents about children's ongoing progress and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for well in a comfortable, safe home. They confidently interact with the childminder while they select toys and move around in the secure, organised environment. A balance of indoor and outdoor activities are built into the day to ensure that the children receive fresh air and exercise as well as quiet times.

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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 childminder has a conscientious approach to maintaining required records, which ensures that children are protected from potential harm. Clear contracts are in place to promote the children's welfare and continuity of care with parents. The childminder has a very positive approach to attending relevant training to ensure she develops her skills and knowledge to enable her to provide a good quality service for children and their families.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of confidentiality and ensures that records are stored safely and maintain confidentiality to ensure the children's privacy. The registration certificate, insurance and other documentation are displayed in the entrance hall for parents to see.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop activity plans to enhance the children's learning and development • ensure that the fire blanket is sited so that it can be accessed appropriately in the event of an emergency • continue to develop resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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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