Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278501 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Janet, Elizabeth Singleton 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 has been registered since 2004 and lives in Longridge, Preston. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for the children and the small front bedroom. There is a secure garden providing opportunities for outdoor play. The childminder also takes children to the local park and toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children aged under eight, at any one time. There are currently six children on the register who attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder attends childminder and toddler groups within the Preston and Ribble Valley area. The childminder works with an assistant when needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is maintained and promoted as they learn about healthy practices and foods through topics, such as healthy foods and our bodies. They learn about the importance of hand washing before meals and after the bathroom as they wash their hands and faces, using a

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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 flannel. Arrangements for accident recording and medication meet with requirements and protect children as all details are up to date. Children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet including fresh produce, fruit and vegetables. At the time of the inspection they were enjoying a drink and a bowl of tangerine segments. Young children have their needs met because the childminder follows their routine from home, therefore, the children are cared for in a consistent manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the required documentation for maintaining children's health is in place, however, there is no written consent for the seeking of emergency medical attention and as a consequence, parents have not given their consent should a situation occur where this is necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming and safe indoor and outdoor environment which is clean and well maintained. They have room to move freely and play without unnecessary restriction. They readily move through the home choosing good quality resources as they play on the floor or take part in craft activities at the table. They choose toys from the wide range including construction, art and craft, and books. The children develop a sense of belonging as they point to their pictures and star charts which are displayed in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect as they take part in topics about 'stranger danger' and discuss what to do in an emergency, including the number to ring. Children readily say 999 and know to ask for the police, fire or ambulance. They are reminded to be careful and not run or they may fall, therefore, they learn about the consequences of their behaviour. All the required safety features are in place to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is monitored very well because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She is confident of the action she needs to take to put the appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, based on national and local guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve as they are provided with good activities which meet their needs because the childminder has an informal plan which includes free choice of toys and equipment. They enjoy the good opportunities for play which keeps them interested and occupied as they sit and play together, discuss sharing the car and discuss their teeth. They use their imagination as they play with the car track and act out scenarios. They laugh together as they look at the photographs of places they have visited, for example, the park, the paddling pool and toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their confidence by having very positive relationships with the childminder because the interaction is very good. They are learning new language, as the childminder talks to the children at all times. She explains the name given to the water on the windowsill, and they repeat the word 'condensation'. The children confidently chatter to the childminder and each other as they sit and read a book together. The childminder uses praise effectively and as a result children's self-esteem is promoted.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder understands equality of opportunity for all children as she ensures they can take part in all activities provided. However, there are limited resources which reflect diversity to assist children in learning about the differences of people on a daily basis. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their behaviour as the childminder sets clear boundaries and guidelines which include sharing and no running. She gives good explanations and discusses the consequences of any actions and acts as a good, calm role model as she talks to the children. She has a good awareness of different children's ages and stages of development and works with parents on managing children's behaviour, to ensure a consistent approach is followed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters a good relationship with parents by sharing information which contributes to the children's well-being. She provides daily opportunities for parents to discuss their child. Comments from parents are very positive and include the good care practices and the open communication systems in place. The complaints procedure is up to date and complies with the regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment and practice that makes good use of time, space and resources. They feel secure as they have a sense of belonging because of the organisation of the toys and the displays of their work. They feel at home in the setting, readily choosing from the toys and equipment and asking for new activities, including reading a story. The children enjoy a daily routine which includes free play and structured activities. Their social needs are fostered by attendance at the childminder support group and toddler groups within the area.

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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 last inspection it was recommended that the childminder devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical intervention, record and practise the emergency evacuation procedure, and ensure ease of access to the fire blanket. The childminder has developed a procedure for recording incidents. She has practised and recorded the emergency evacuation procedure and has hung the fire blanket making it easily accessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The above action ensures that all incidents are recorded and that children learn what to do in an emergency. The ease of access to the fire blanket ensures it can be used quickly, should it be required.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection one concern has been reported to Ofsted which required the provider and Ofsted to take action in order to meet the National Standards. Ofsted received information from the Environmental Health department about an infectious illness affecting the childminder and the minded children. National Standard 7: Health. While this was investigated and until the risk of infection was dealt with, the childminder’s registration was suspended. Immediately the risk was removed, the suspension was lifted and the childminder recommenced caring for children. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 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 children have access to resources that promote the differences of people including disability • obtain parental written consent for the seeking of emergency medical attention.

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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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