Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY234549 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Ann Law Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and two children aged six and eight years in the Feniscowles area of Blackburn. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor and there is a fully enclosed rear yard for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently minding six school aged children, before and after school and in the school holidays. There were no children present at the inspection. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. She uses public transport and takes children to the local library and park. The family has a pet cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children learn about their personal

p.2

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 hygiene through their normal daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet. They have access to liquid soap and a shared hand towel.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Outings are planned to ensure that children have access to physical play. Trips to the local park allow children to use large fixed equipment and expend their energy in the outdoors. Documentation for administering medication is insufficient to meet the requirements of the National Standards. Currently, the childminder is using continuous treatment forms to record short courses of medication because she does not have a secure knowledge of the requirements for administering medication.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are sufficient in quantity and easily accessible on low-level shelving. The large lounge/dining room provides ample space for children to play in comfort. The childminder has taken action to ensure that most risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. The exception to this is the storage of razors in the bathroom. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation and road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is adequate. Smoke alarms are in place and a fire extinguisher is in the kitchen. However, the childminder is aware that she must obtain a fire blanket. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of child abuse, but she is unaware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures for recording and reporting suspected child abuse. Although, this fails to meet the requirements of the National Standards for childminding, she is booked on a training course to develop her knowledge.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a varied range of toys and resources for the children, including books, computer games and craft resources to promote their intellectual development. She describes how age-appropriate resources, such as a karaoke sing-along, give children the chance to develop their creativity and performance skills.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about developing children's awareness of nature by going for walks in the surrounding countryside, along the canal and visiting an animal sanctuary. Children have the opportunity to observe squirrels, goats and rodents, and to take part in discovery trails and Easter egg hunts. The impact of these on children's development is not clear, as no records are maintained of the success and outcomes of the activities provided.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. She allows the children to set their own behaviour standards on outings, for example 'we don't run and we walk nicely'. In this way, the children are encouraged to learn what behaviour is acceptable. A limited range of resources is available to promote positive images of the diversity of our society, including books, posters and a Chinese takeaway calendar.

p.3

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 There is a range of basic written policies and procedures to give parents an insight into the care that their children will receive from the childminder. Permission is sought from parents for the seeking of any necessary medical attention or treatment, however, the childminder has failed to seek their permission to transport children in a vehicle. The childminder provides parents with details of how to make a complaint, but she does not have the required knowledge of how to record complaints sufficiently. This is a breach of regulations.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended initial training and ensures that she maintains a current first aid certificate. The majority of the required documentation is in place. However, there are weaknesses in the documentation for health and complaints. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of significant events which must be reported to the regulator.

p.4

Organisation

Evidence suggests that the needs of all children are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: ensure that the care of children aged over eight years does not adversely affect the care of children under eight; to obtain public liability insurance; to improve information for parents; to increase positive images; and to improve documentation. The childminder has taken action to improve in all of these areas. As a result, children are cared for in a safer, more organised provision.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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 knowledge of the requirements for administering short courses of medication • reduce hazards to children, especially the accessible razor in the bathroom • develop knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures

p.4

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 • extend the systems for recording complaints, in line with regulations • obtain written permission to transport children in a vehicle.

p.4

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

p.5

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

p.5