Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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307590 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Marina Anna Howarth 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 was registered in 1989 and transferred from the local authority. She lives with her adult daughter and son in Whitworth, near Rochdale. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor and there is a front driveway for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five years during the day. She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local play group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder does not offer overnight care for children. She holds the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Early years and Childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 stay healthy because they have a good understanding of simple health and hygiene procedures, as they are encouraged to develop their self care skills, such as washing their hands after visiting the toilet, before eating and after playing outside. They are able to access the soap to wash their hands and there are individual towels to reduce the spread of cross infection. Children are beginning to understand why it is important to wash their hands as the childminder offers explanations. For example, she explains that they are 'washing away the germs.' She also tells one child not to chew on the blanket as they 'will get germs'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are implemented for nappy changing. For example, a changing mat is used and wiped down after each use with antibacterial spray and soiled nappies are placed in individual nappy bags in the bin outside. As a result of this, children are protected from cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder records accidents and administration of medication. She has obtained written consent for obtaining medical advice and treatment. She has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the requirements for administering first aid and medication. However, although the childminder has obtained overall written consent from the parents to administer medication, there is no signature from the parent for each entry recorded. As a result, children's welfare may be compromised. This is a breach of a regulation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is highly regarded and children are given regular opportunities to develop their physical skills in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. For example, they enjoy daily walks to the local park. There is a large driveway to the front of the premises where the childminder provides a range of equipment, such as hoops and balls to enable children to develop their coordination skills. The childminder also takes children to the local toddler group where there is a variety of climbing equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder liaises with parents and is aware of any allergies or intolerances that they may have. Children enjoy their food as they are provided with opportunities to be involved with the preparation, such as baking. For example, they enjoy making cakes and biscuits. They are refreshed as water, milk and sugar free juice are always available. Each child has their own container accessible at all times during the day to encourage independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained, stimulating and mostly safe environment. They are made to feel welcome as they are invited warmly into the home where a wide range of toys and resources are attractively displayed and located within easy access. Children have their developmental needs met because there are appropriate toys and resources which are clean and well maintained. These are rotated on a regular basis to enable children to have access to a variety of activities and experiences. They are able to move freely around the environment which they are familiar with and self select items of their choice. For example, children confidently help themselves to a variety of toys throughout the inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder acts as a positive role model. She implements house rules which are gently pointed out and any possible risks to make them

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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 aware. For example, they are encouraged to pick toys up from the floor to avoid trips and accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are not developing an awareness of fire safety in the childminder's setting as emergency evacuation procedures are not practised on a regular basis. As a result, their safety may be compromised as they are not developing an understanding of the procedures to follow and the childminder is unable to identify any problems that may be incurred.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are mostly protected from harm through the childminder's satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues. However, she has limited understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house; they are confident, happy and fully involved in their play. Warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children, contributing to a child's sense of belonging. The childminder responds to children's individual needs well. Their development and independence is promoted through a suitable range of age-appropriate resources and activities. For example, toys and resources are organised in transparent boxes so the contents can be easily identified. As a result, they are interested in their play as they self select items of their choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem is developed through the childminder's effective use of praise and support. For example, she takes an active interest in what they are doing, she gives praise and encouragement and ensures that activities provided are suitable to meet their needs. Children are able to develop their creativity through a range of activities including painting, sticking and baking. They are given opportunities to use their imagination and utilise resources. For example, by dressing up and using face paints. One child is observed enjoying putting a plastic mesh shopping basket on their head. They then remove it and begin filling it with an assortment of toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well. The childminder knows the children in her care. For example, she recognises when they are tired and what their favourite activity is. She provides a suitable range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world in order to increase children's understanding of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children have access to a good range of books and resources that reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses suitable strategies to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction and redirection to other activities. Informal house rules are in place to ensure children understand right from wrong. For example, the childminder intervenes when another child pushes a child over. She remains calm and consistent in her approach giving a clear explanation of 'why we don't push'. As a result children are being helped to understand the boundaries and play together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are positive. The childminder respects parents' wishes and keeps them well informed through daily verbal communication and written daily diaries. However,

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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 although she has devised policies and procedures which reflect the service she offers, it is not clear how these are made readily available for parents. Children settle well because she works with parents to gather information about their individual care needs and children benefit from a settling in period.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of child development and a high regard for the well-being of children.

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Organisation

She organises the space and resources to enable children and follows individual routines to promote their welfare, care and development.

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Organisation

There are systems in place to ensure that parents are kept informed about all aspects of their children's care and service provided. However, not all policies and procedures are readily available to parents which impacts on the knowledge they receive. The certificate of registration is shared with parents during admission, but it is not displayed at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to attend further training and updating her skills and knowledge. She holds a level 3 NVQ in Early Years and Childcare.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to devise written policies including complaints, child protection and sick children and make these available to parents. She has now devised the relevant policies and procedures, however, it is not clear how these are made fully accessible to parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was requested to obtain written consent from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. This has now been obtained and as a result children's medical safety and well-being are maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also requested to increase children's awareness of fire safety by conducting fire drills on a regular basis. Although written emergency evacuation procedures have been devised, these have not been conducted on the childminder's premises. As a result, children are not developing an understanding of the procedures to follow and the childminder is unable to identify any possible problems.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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

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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): • ensure emergency evacuation procedures are practised at the childminder's setting on a regular basis with children • develop understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board • ensure parents sign all entries when medication is administered to children • ensure relevant policies and procedures are made available to parents • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed more prominently.

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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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