Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY287109 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2007 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in June 2004. She lives with her husband and daughter aged four in a terraced cottage within the rural area of Fence in Burnley, Lancashire. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children and there are currently two children under five on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to a main lounge, conservatory, bathroom upstairs and one bedroom for sleeping. There is no access to outdoor play and so children are taken out to local parks and playgrounds, and on walks in the rural area.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed all required training in first aid and childminding practice and she is involved with the local childminding network and community groups.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from infection and well taken care of if they have an accident or become unwell. The childminder follows good health and hygiene routines as she maintains a very clean environment and all floor surfaces and work surfaces are free from germs. She cleans and sprays all toys and equipment and uses a plastic, washable table cover on the children's play and meal table. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the potty and before food. Children's medical needs are met as the childminder has current, up to date first aid training and has medication, accident and emergency documentation that meets with regulations.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with any religious or dietary requirements. At the start of care the childminder asks parents for a record and routine of diets, needs, likes and dislikes. Children are provided with fresh fruit and vegetables and the childminder provides a cooked lunch to include meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and pasta. Drinks are available throughout the day and younger children's cups are accessible and replenished. Meals are organised at the table and there are suitable equipment and utensils to meet development needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well promoted through regular exercise and relaxation. Children enjoy dancing and exercising to music, and play team games and running games outside. They walk to the park and to feed the ducks. Children sleep and rest after their lunch in a pram or on the settee and a quiet story time or game features as part of the routine in order to recharge bodies. Children develop their hand–eye coordination when they cut with scissors and glue to make collage pictures, make jigsaws and manipulate construction toys.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a very welcoming environment. The premises are really safe both inside and out, well maintained and secure. All safety aspects are in place and the childminder follows clear policies and procedures. For example, space is well organised and children access the main lounge for most play and activities, toys are accessible to one side and there is a conservatory for quiet relaxation. There is plenty of free floor space for free movement in safety. Children access outdoor play at the park and local community areas. Children are secure and feel a sense of belonging as they see posters, pictures and artwork around their environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a good range of accessible and stimulating furniture, equipment and toys that are safe and suitable for their purpose. There is everyday routine furniture that includes cushions, rugs, tables and chairs, prams, cots and high chairs. Toys meet the needs of the children on roll and include books, cars, jigsaws, dressing-up clothes and small world toys. All toys and equipment are checked on a daily basis prior to the children arriving.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are really safe and secure because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety and prevent accidents, ensuring children are not exposed to any risks or hazards. There is a security chain on the front door and the back door is locked during the day. Safety equipment is in place and includes safety gates, a fire blanket, bolts on the pantry and stair door and a fitted smoke alarms. The childminder has an evacuation plan but this has not been

p.3

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 updated or practised since the conservatory completion. Children are safe on outings and travel in a vehicle with appropriate insurance cover and seating arrangements. Children learn about road safety as they walk to the park and library and carry out themed activities and role play.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She has completed recent training in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She is aware of the referral procedures and her duty to inform Ofsted. She has a written policy in place that is clear for parents and that they sign and acknowledge and there are various information brochures and contact details accessible. The childminder is aware of the importance of recording and monitoring concerns and is sensitive to signs and symptoms of abuse.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are well met and their welfare is promoted as the childminder provides a range of activities and experiences. Children develop their social, physical, emotional and intellectual capabilities as they respond to daily routines and care practices. For example, free play and choice from toys and equipment according to their interests, a planned teddy bears' picnic in the park, social events at the toddler group with other children and creating and making cards, pictures and craft activities linked to a seasonal theme.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel secure and comfortable and are confident as the childminder is calm, caring and nurturing. She spends time playing with children, talking to them, playing on the floor and supporting them when they make jigsaws, read books and dress themselves. Children develop good independence skills as they use the potty, help with household tasks of passing objects to the childminder, cutting up and preparing foods or dressing and undressing themselves. Children really enjoy playing with musical instruments, making cards and collages, going to the play gym and choosing freely from the resources available. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder gently reminds them of different behaviours and their effect on others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued and are given equal opportunities to access a range of activities and facilities to meet their individual needs. Children's needs are recorded through discussion with parents and the childminder so appropriate care can be provided. The childminder ensures that she works to individual routines and asks parents for a sample of the home routine. There are policies and procedures in place for equal opportunities and these meet with the National Standards. Children learn about society and the wider world through dual language books, discussion times and meeting people in the local community. Children's welfare and development is paramount because the childminder is aware of the steps to take if a child is identified with a learning difficulty or a disability.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is well managed in a way that takes into account their development and understanding. There are positive strategies in place and the environment is calm, nurturing and positive. Children are well occupied and given attention so no challenging behaviour is evident. They are familiar with the rules and boundaries as they are reminded to share toys and take turns. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents at induction, and involves them with any issues and keeps a record of any incidents. Children are taught to respect

p.4

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 their environment and are asked not to jump on furniture or bang on the windows with toys. Children's positive behaviour is rewarded with lots of praise and encouragement through stickers and charts.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit and feel secure when they see positive relationships between their parents and the childminder. Parents are greeted and warmly welcomed and given time to read and absorb the organisational file to ensure they are fully aware of the policies and procedures. There are induction procedures in place and parents are asked to observe the childminder during her working day. Parental contracts are signed and agreed and parents are aware of the complaints procedure. Daily communication takes place to share relevant information and care practices. The childminder keeps a scrapbook of photographs and activity work for parents to view and to see what their children's day is all about.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are really protected and safeguarded because all adults are vetted and cleared and remain suitable to be in the presence of children. The childminder is experienced and has completed relevant and required training for childminders. She has a first aid certificate, child protection certificate, business management and is involved with the local childminding network to keep her practice and knowledge up to date. The childminder is keen to develop her skills through new frameworks and early years qualifications.

p.5

Organisation

Children are well supported and part of an organised environment that provides opportunities for children to rest, play and eat in comfort and safety. At present, two children are on roll and some oneto-one care is provided during the day when some children are sleeping. Children have access to plenty of free space and use the main lounge and conservatory for play activities and meals. An upstairs bedroom is accessible for sleeping. Children respond to the routines and rhythms of the day and so feel secure and comfortable. For example, relaxation on arrival, nursery run, free play activities, trips out to toddler groups, the parks and nature walks and then lunch, sleeps and general play.

p.5

Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is best supported and maintained through detailed records, policies and procedures being in place. The provision is efficiently managed as all regulatory records are up to date and include attendance details, medicine records, accident records and children's personal details. There is an induction file that parents take home to study and read which highlights all organisational information to ensure parents are fully aware of how the childminder manages the children and their needs. All records are stored confidentially and are easily accessible for inspection purposes.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring a smoke alarm is available on each level of the home. There are now two smoke alarms fitted and working on each level of the premises. Children's safety is now maintained.

p.5

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.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • update and practise the emergency escape plan.

p.6

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.6

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.6