Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 307821 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Janet, Elizabeth Singleton

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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 for many years. She lives with her husband and adult son in a terraced property situated within Burnley. There is a secure area to the front and side of the house where children can play out of doors. Children have access to the ground floor of the house and the bathroom. There are seven children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions per week. The family have two pet dogs that are kept outside whilst children are present. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives

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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 support from the Burnley New Era Network Support Group and the Sure Start, Children First Partnership. The childminder has contact with other registered childminders and takes children to local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay very healthy because the childminder follows exceptional hygiene practices that limit the spread of infection and cross contamination. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the bathroom and playing outside and are fully aware of germs and the need to make sure their hands are clean. They dry themselves using their own, individual hand towel and delight in brushing their teeth after meals to maintain good oral hygiene. The childminders own excellent practice for nappy changing ensures children's individual routines are followed, and that they are protected from the spread of germs. Children are well nourished because the childminder has a very good understanding of a balanced diet including the need for five portions of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Children choose fresh fruit for their snack and talk about healthy foods as they are made aware of the need for a balanced diet. They have very healthy choices

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Helping children to be healthy

at lunch time and enjoy home made tuna pasta bake, jacket potatoes and spaghetti bolognese. They help themselves to a drink of water or non-sugar fruit juice, and can monitor their own needs. The childminder acts in the children's best interests when they are ill and their welfare is protected as she has all the necessary documentation is in place and maintained to a very high standard

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe within the home as the childminder has the required safety features in place including the fire blanket, safety barriers and socket covers. The children are learning about fire safety as they practise the fire evacuation procedure. The childminder ensures children are kept safe on outings as she talks to them about road safety and they follow procedures that keep them safe for example, crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing and waiting for the green light. The children play safely and are cared for in a warm, safe indoor and outdoor environment. The children enjoy seeing their work displayed in the setting and develop a sense of belonging. They make choices and decisions about their play as they access suitable and safe equipment that is stored within their reach, encouraging their independence. All the required documentation, such as consent for outings, is in place and further safeguards the welfare of the children.

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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 Children's welfare is protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the signs and is confident in the action to take should any issues arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve because the childminder plans and provides a wide range of good activities and opportunities for them. They learn about colour, shape and numbers as they readily name red, blue, green and pink with the childminder. They enjoy a close and caring relationship that develops their self esteem and increases their sense of well-being. They show an interest in what they are doing and become animated as they sing songs and act out nursery rhymes. They become independent as they actively choose toys and equipment to assist them in their play. Children take part in activities both inside and outside of the home as they go for walks and attend the local toddler groups. They acquire new knowledge and skills as they enjoy painting and as they use their imagination acting out roles using the small world resources. They develop an understanding of how cakes are made as they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

bake and delight in eating their produce or taking it home. The children enjoy a routine that gives them a balance of structured and free play including quiet times to read or watch television. They develop their physical skills as they run in the park and climb the equipment. The children look forward to the visits to the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to make a positive contribution as they are highly valued and respected by the childminder. All children are fully welcomed into the setting and are fully included. They enjoy learning about other cultures, and gain a sense of their own identity, as they explore books and videos and celebrate their own and others' festivals. The childminder acts as a positive role model as she assists children in managing their behaviour because she talks to the children in a quiet, reassuring voice. The childminder has effective strategies in place to promote children’s understanding of their behaviour. The childminder talks to the children about their behaviour, she sets rules that the children understand for example, not running and not climbing on furniture. Younger children learn to share as the childminder uses gentle prompts to encourage them and uses distraction effectively, moving children who want the same

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Helping children make a positive contribution

toy onto another activity. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and gives them information about the setting including the meals and activities to be provided. She actively seeks information from the parents about their child's likes and dislikes to

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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 enable their individual needs to be met. Parents are made to feel welcome into the setting and regularly discuss their child's development with the childminder. The parents comment, in writing, of their high level of satisfaction at the service provided by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises resources very well to ensure individual needs are met. Children learn about their community as they enjoy regular outings and attend local childminder groups. They explore activities and equipment without restriction within the home. Routines are based on children's individual needs with information provided by their parents, which enables children to settle effectively within the childminders home. Documentation is kept to a very high standard, up to date and very well organised. She has a good understanding of the National Standards and is working to include the Birth to three matters into her everyday practice. Children's details are very well documented and contact numbers effectively recorded therefore ensuring parents can be contacted should a situation occur. There are effective policies and procedure in place to promote the welfare of the children.

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Organisation

Overall, the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made available to parents a policy for sick children and therefore they are made aware of the circumstances in which their child can attend when ill. She has obtained written consent from parents to take children swimming and therefore parents are fully informed and children's welfare is further protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure a certificate of first aid is completed that includes procedures for babies and young children.

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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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