Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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307622 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Andrea, Marie Paulson 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 was registered in May 1990. She lives with two adult children in a residential area of Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire. The ground floor rooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities include shops, park and walks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is currently minding four children aged from 15 months to two years for varied sessions. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare and Education and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy through good hygiene practices carried out as part of the daily routine. They learn to use their own individual towels which are colour-coded for each child. Children know to put on aprons and roll up their sleeves when doing art and craft activities. Their health

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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 and dietary needs are met well as the childminder works closely with parents to provide for individual needs. Children rest and sleep when they need to in a cot, buggy or on the comfortable settee. They are cuddled and welcomed on waking up and allowed to become involved again at their own pace.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities for physical play where they enjoy much freedom of movement between the indoor and outdoor play areas. They develop strength and coordination as they push buggies, dance to music and practise walking, crawling and balancing. Children develop fine movement skills and manipulation as they use crayons and paintbrushes, handle books, play with jigsaws and play-kitchen tools. They are, therefore, developing good movement skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as the childminder provides home-cooked foods and varied meals, such as chicken and mushroom pie. They choose from various fruits for snacks and know to have drinks when they are thirsty. Their understanding is demonstrated as they feed their dolls during role play. Children learn to let hot food cool down so they are not harmed. Close interaction between the childminder and baby during mealtimes encourages good eating habits in a relaxed environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move confidently around the play areas which are well maintained, clean and well resourced. The premises are comfortable, homely and welcoming. The childminder has carried out effective risk assessments. She is conscientious in identifying and resolving hazards, for instance, putting corner guards on the table and keeping small items away from babies. Children play with a good range of resources kept in good condition and appropriate for their age.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe as they sit properly at the table and pull their socks up so as not to fall. The emergency evacuation is planned but not practised often enough for children to become sufficiently aware of the procedure. Many safety features are in place to ensure that children can relax and play safely in a secure environment. The childminder also keeps children safe during outings and when travelling in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues which is reflected in the detailed, up-to-date policies and information. She has completed relevant training. Children's well-being is, therefore, further safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed, settled, confident and enjoy a close rapport with the childminder. She provides a stimulating range of interesting activities in which children are engrossed. There is much natural conversation to promote children's communication skills effectively. Children are increasingly able to express their feelings and ideas through the childminder's constant praise and encouragement. They practise new words, such as 'pineapple'. Children learn to recall their experiences as they talk about visits to the park and feeding the ducks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Skilled use is made of spontaneous play so that children learn about 'heart' shapes, 'red' hat, buzzing bee sounds and count the numbers on the clock puzzle. The childminder is skilful at adapting activities for the varied ages, for instance, when making cards. Children explore as they make hand prints. They acquire new skills as they try to blow the windmill.

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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 Children benefit from having considerable access to varied resources which promote their overall development well. Their experiences are further enhanced by going on outings. They enjoy the dinosaur and volcano areas at the zoo. The childminder promotes sensory development through everyday objects and experiences, including varied materials and textures for art and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder maintains individual daily diaries which record invaluable details about the children's day, events, responses and progress. Individual scrapbooks have photographs showing children enjoying the many fun activities. The close working partnership with parents ensures the continuity of care for each individual child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder keeps confidential details of children's individual needs so that they receive appropriate care. She works closely with parents to share information and ensure children's continuous well-being. Children learn about their community through outings to local facilities and trips out, for instance, to the zoo. They celebrate their birthdays and some festivals of other cultures. Children develop some awareness of the wider world through interesting activities, such as making Chinese lanterns and dragon puppets.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and respond well to the childminder, for instance, as they try to clear up after a craft activity. The respond well to encouragement and praise for helping, such as fetching a toy for the baby. Children show growing confidence as they choose activities. They follow the childminder's good role model for learning good manners, taking turns and sharing. The childminder uses appropriate behaviour management techniques, such as explanations and distraction, to reinforce acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed relevant policies and procedures, so that parents are well informed about the care the children receive. The policies and procedures are thorough and comprehensive except for the complaints policy which needs updating. The communication with parents is effective with the use of the daily diaries and scrapbooks to share information and build up good partnerships.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised so promoting children's enjoyment and achievements through good access to the resources. They are relaxed and confident with good organisation of their care and learning by the childminder. Children's quality of care is further supported by the childminder's good knowledge, experience and skills gained from experience and training. She is conscientious about providing good quality care and is constantly alert in supervising children.

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Organisation

The childminder shares information with parents, both verbally and in written form, to maintain continuity of individual care. The records are thorough, well maintained and confidential, so ensuring that each child receives appropriate care.

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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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has since completed a relevant course and has necessary information for local procedures and contacts. Children are, therefore, further safeguarded.

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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 by the 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): • practise the emergency evacuation more frequently so that children become more familiar with the procedure • update the complaints policy to inform parents that they can request to see a complaints record.

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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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