Fletcher, Amanda

Inspection report for early years provision

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309111 Unique Reference Number 12 November 2007 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 10 years in Rossendale, Lancashire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, upstairs bathroom and bedroom are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years all day, and three child over five years before and after school. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and childminding groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Childcare and Education. The family has a pet hamster and some tropical fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from the childminder having many well implemented, detailed health and hygiene policies. These include procedures for sterilising baby bottles, using separate mops for

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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 different areas of the home and changing facecloths each day. All these strategies reduce the risks of infection and contamination. The children are learning good hygiene practices, such as hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. The house is clean and well maintained with suitable facilities for the children to rest, sleep and play. Children enjoy outdoor physical activities, such as walking to and from school and playing in the garden. The children are cared for in the case of accidents and illness because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, however, the first aid kit is not complete.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are actively encouraged to eat five portions of fruit and/or vegetables per day and healthy eating is promoted with the children enjoying snacks, such as grapes, cheese and crumpets. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed with parents, recorded and adhered to by the childminder. Children are able to access fresh drinking water at all times, ensuring they do not go thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, child-friendly home. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space, which allows the children to move freely and develop their independence. The lounge offers children a large space with masses of freely accessible, safe toys and resources which are suited to children of varying ages. Comprehensive procedures ensure toys are regularly cleaned and checked to ensure children remain safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has effective systems and routines in place to ensure the children are kept safe, both in the home and on trips outdoors. Children are learning about their own safety because the childminder is vigilant and talks to the children about staying safe during daily routines. For example, children are reminded not to put small items in their mouths and to sit securely at the table when eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are further protected because the childminder has undertaken recent training to increase her knowledge of child protection procedures. There is a detailed child protection procedure which is shared with parents who sign to say they have understood the childminder's role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle very well and make themselves at home in a confident manner, sharing resources and co-operating with each other. They speak animatedly with confidence about their play and are keen to ask questions and learn. The childminder encourages children to develop through their play opportunities by offering them a wide range of fun, stimulating activities. For example, the children dress up as animals in fancy dress costumes then extend the play by using modelling materials to create the animals they are dressed as, whilst talking about a trip to the zoo and looking at relevant books. They create stories and sound effects to match their characters and are deeply involved in the activity. The children make positive choices from the large range of resources and activities on offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from visits to a wide range of local amenities, such as the Children's Centre, garden centre, music group and lake. The children's individual needs are identified because the childminder carries out good quality observations and assessments. The childminder works

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 closely with parents to ensure needs are met. Their confidence and self-esteem are raised by the regular use of praise and encouragement for achievement and effort.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and cared for by the childminder in a positive manner. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of wider society by visiting local amenities and participate in activities around festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas. They enjoy many local activities and socialise with other childminders and their children. Children have access to many resources showing aspects of wider society which is further expanded because the childminder makes good use of the local toy library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are consulted about children's individual needs and are given feedback each day about their children's progress and welfare. For example, the childminder passes on information from the school to parents and parents are welcome to stay with the child during the settling-in period. This encourages a sense of belonging and continuity in the care of the children. Detailed records are maintained of children's individual needs and preferences to ensure that their individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop a firm sense of responsibility, as the childminder talks to them very clearly about their behaviour and why it is important to care for other people and their possessions. Behaviour charts record good behaviour and the childminder acts as a positive role model. Children's individual routines and care needs are well met in partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised with all of the relevant paperwork in place. Documentation is extremely detailed and clear with many policies going beyond the minimum requirements of the National Standards. This helps promote the safety, development and well-being of the children. Children's records are stored in a confidential manner and unauthorised persons are not permitted to have contact with the children.

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Organisation

The children play with great interest and are highly supported in their daily activities, enabling them to make progress in all areas of their development. Parents are kept informed about the provision, with the childminder sharing policies and procedures. The childminder's commitment to ongoing training increases her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues.

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Organisation

The children are cared for in a supportive, caring environment where their individuality is valued. The childminder has a robust understanding of child development which ensures that the children continue to make progress in all areas. Children have access to plenty of space both indoors and outdoors, enabling them to move freely and make choices about activities.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that accident records are fully completed and signed by parents. This has been achieved and children's safety is now improved.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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 the first aid kit contents meet the requirements of relevant training organisations.

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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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