Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 308589 Inspection date 07 September 2005 Inspector Mary Wignall

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 has been registered for 10 years. She lives with her husband and two children both aged over eight years. They live in a Bamber Bridge close to local school and parks. The children are cared for on the ground floor in a playroom which has adjoining bathroom facilities. The playroom has direct access to the rear garden which is used for childminding. The entrance to the playroom is via a door at the side of the house. A vehicle is available for childminding purposes. Care is offered both term time and non term time.

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 The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Lancashire Childminding Association and has recently completed a National Vocational Qualification in Early Years care and Education.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding and commitment to healthy eating. She prepares fresh fruit for the children and sits with them, talking about the fruit and the different tastes. The children are encouraged to share as they eagerly pick their favourite pieces. The childminder has clear and consistent daily routines which help the children learn good hygiene practices. The children know when and why to wash their hands. They understand the need to be clean and ask for tissues or to be wiped when needed. Children are protected from the spread of infection. Children do not attend if they are ill. Good information about childhood illnesses is given to parents to ensure consistency for all the children. Children’s physical development is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to providing a range of play opportunities. They enjoy their outdoor time either in the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

well equipped garden or on local walks or trips out. The childminder takes lots of photos of their visits to parks. The children love to look at them again and remember the good times they had together.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure stimulating environment. The children take pleasure in looking at displays of their work and photos reminding them of past fun and achievements. There is a wide range of good quality developmentally appropriate toys that the children play with enthusiastically. Low level shelving encourages the children to see and reach the toys they want. The layout of the floor toys next to the shelves poses a climbing hazard for the children. The childminder explains to the children why certain actions are dangerous developing their safety awareness. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place. She has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures to follow for the well being of children in her care. As a result the children’s welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

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 The children have good relationships with the childminder. This creates a positive caring atmosphere for the children to play and develop. The childminder provides activities and experiences which the children enjoy. They have fun painting or playing games enjoying the childminder’s attention and chatting confidently. The childminder introduces new ideas to the children encouraging them to think or develop their skills. She shows how the paints can be used differently with the rollers to create new effects. The children proudly show off their finished work, delighted with the end product. The childminder and the children enjoy their time with the childminder. She keeps lots of photographs of past experiences, which the children love to look at and remember the fun they had. They are offered a good role model with the childminder’s polite

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and respectful manner when talking to the children. They are encouraged to speak politely and develop good manners by being gently reminded about using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder encourages the children to be aware of each others needs and play harmoniously together. She talks to them about the benefits of taking turns and sharing toys. They respond well to her handling of situations as she remains consistent and fair. She explains that the toys can be played with by all children at different times. The children are helped to understand and enjoy alternative choices until it is their turn. Play is supported by good resources with positive images of diversity increasing the children’s understanding of the world. The childminder has good relationships with parents. Children's individual needs are discussed and care arrangements agreed. Parents are welcomed in the home and share good information to ensure effective partnership and consistency in the care of the children. Information given to parents regarding complaints however is now out of

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and confident moving around the premises due to the childminder’s organisation and planning of activities. The childminder is committed to continued learning to develop and inform her practice. She has attended a number of courses since the last inspection. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared well with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their children’s activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

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 At the previous inspection a number of recommendations were agreed. It was agreed to: provide smoke alarms at every level of the premises; and to update and review documentation regarding the administration of medicines to children and the attendance record. Since then smoke alarms have been fitted at every level of the house and documentation has been reviewed to ensure they contain all the required information. As a result of these recommendations the children’s health and safety is further promoted and accurate documentation is retained in keeping with the National Standards.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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 layout of toys and equipment does not pose a hazard to children • revise information given to parents about who to contact regarding complaints.

p.5

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

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