Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY287395 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2008 Inspection date Ferroza Saiyed 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her adult son and his partner, who is also a registered childminder, and her 12 year old child. She offers care from her home in the central area of Blackpool. The local amenities include a nearby school, shops, park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed play area to rear of the house. Bathroom facilities are located on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight. She is registered for overnight care for one child. Currently there are no children receiving overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support from the Local Authority and is a member of a local childminders group. She holds the NVQ level 3 in childcare.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are fully protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. Relevant policies and procedures are in place. Medication and accident records are countersigned by parents to promote children’s continuing care. Children are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices. They know to wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet. She implements effective procedures for nappy changing and toilet training, and ensures the personal care needs of the very young are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and participate in regular physical activity, both indoors and outdoors. Physical activity is an integral part of the provision. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. The park, the beach and the promenade clearly supports children’s overall physical development. Children have access to outdoor toys and equipment, such the slide and the trampoline, to encourage them to develop stamina, agility, muscle tone and coordination. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning the importance of eating healthily as they are provided with healthy options to enable them to select good nutritious food such as fruits, breadsticks and cheeses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is made warm and welcoming for children, which provides them with a sense of belonging. The lounge allows children to move about freely and safely as they explore their surroundings. Children access a selection of age-appropriate toys and activities in a safe home environment. Children's safety is promoted because toys are well organised in boxes at their level and they are able to access these freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe by discussing the need to hold hands when outside. She further promotes safety when children are on outings by using appropriate restraints. Consent for taking children on outings is obtained from parents and all documents relating to transporting children are in place. Young children are taught to keep safe by simple instruction, for example, during tidy up time the childminder asked children pick things up. The children’s risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder being conscious of hazards and by putting safety features in place. However, there is household debris in the rear garden this compromise children's safety. Opportunities for children to learn about fire safety through the practising of the emergency evacuation procedure are provided. However, the practises are not evaluated and this jeopardises their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a working knowledge of child protection, for example, signs and symptoms of abuse. She also understands how to report a concern using the child protection procedures. The policy is shared with parents. Therefore, children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an extremely positive relationship with the childminder. They engage the childminder in their activities, laughing and making gestures with the childminder which develops

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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 their self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. They are provided with a broad range of resources from which they can self-select and make decisions about their play. Children are independent as they choose from a variety of stimulating and exciting activities. For example, a child made a tower with the cardboard and plastic tubes, and was eager to show this off to the inspector. This promotes their development and enjoyment. As a result, they become confident to extend their knowledge in a meaningful way.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides children with opportunities to develop their language for thinking. For example, she asks children to point to the shapes and the colours during craft activity. Indoor space, the beach, the activity centre, visits to community groups and trips to places of interest, all allow children to discover new environments and promote highly stimulating experiences. This provides them with inspiring and challenging opportunities to develop intellectual skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are encouraged to take part in creative activities, thus enabling them to experience messy paint and to feel the texture as they explore the substances using their hands. Children are developing meaningful social relationships when they play with familiar friends at toddler group and happily mix with other children at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, which helps to give them a sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through images and experiences offered to them. For example, they are beginning to understand similarities and differences through first-hand experiences with each other and the wider world in a positive way. Children are fully included as the childminder has a good understanding of learning difficulties and disabilities and how to support them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and excellent role modelling by the childminder, who is calm and caring. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies, taking into account individual levels of understanding. For example, when a child became tired of an activity, the childminder used diversion as a strategy to encourage interest in other play items.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well looked after according to parents' wishes. Written parental consent is obtained for various childcare practices, for instance, transport and outings. The childminder respects confidentiality and shares relevant information with parents. Should the need arise, parents know how to raise concerns through the appropriate procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement. She regularly attends in-service training to keep up to date with childcare practice. She has developed a good working knowledge of the National Standards and has interpreted them well in the best interests of children.

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Organisation

The organisation of space is effective. There are clearly defined areas for different activities which are professionally supported. Daily and weekly routines are established. As a result, children feel secure in a predictable environment. This is evident in the positive outcomes for

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Organisation

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. The required documentation is in place to promote children’s care, welfare and learning. The childminder respects confidentiality and shares relevant information with parents.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained consents for transporting children and to take photographs. This has further improved the overall welfare of children attending the setting.

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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.

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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.

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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): • make sure the emergency evacuation is recorded to ensure children's safety and review the safety arrangement • ensure the outdoor area is safe for children to acess.

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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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