Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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308968 Unique Reference Number 13 February 2008 Inspection date Carys Millican 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and 10 months, in Heysham, Morecambe. All areas of the property are registered for childminding use. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, when working alone. When working with an assistant they can jointly care for a maximum of four children under eight years; however, these four children may be under five years. The childminder is currently minding two children aged under five years, for various sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends a number of carer and toddler groups. The childminder may also use her car to transport children on such outings.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 well cared for in a homely environment. They play in clean, well maintained rooms that allow children free access to an extensive selection of toys and resources. Children begin to learn the importance of appropriate hygiene methods and personal care. They wash and dry their hands before eating and after toileting. Children follow the good role model set by the childminder, who keeps food preparation and eating areas clean. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection as the childminder follows her sick child policy. This is discussed with parents when registering and a copy is made available to them. All documents, policies and procedures are in place and written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is obtained. Information is obtained from parents to ensure continuity of care, allowing for young children to follow flexible care and sleep routines according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished and their individual needs met. Drinks are made available to children as required and children are provided with a variety of snacks and meals. The childminder has a good understanding of what constitutes a balanced diet and consults parents for information about individual children’s likes and dislikes and allergies, in order to provide suitable refreshments.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular walks along the promenade and to the local parks. Children often walk to the local school to take and collect children, and visit the shops close by. Children attend numerous carer and toddler sessions and socialise with other children. They play outdoors in the enclosed garden, where they ride sit-and-ride cars and toys. Children benefit from the secure, close and caring relationship developing with their childminder. This promotes their emotional well-being.

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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 safe and secure environment. They access suitable age appropriate resources in the well organised living areas. Young children use safe and suitable toys and equipment which are regularly checked for broken or loose parts. The childminder purchases resources for children which meet safety standards. Children access these resources easily, aiding choice, decision making and independence. Indoor and outdoor activities are carefully supervised and monitored to ensure younger children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the safe and secure environment. Suitable safety equipment is in place and potential hazards and risks are identified and minimised. The fire evacuation procedure is in place and fire fighting equipment is available in the kitchen. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and are in good working order. The childminder is clear on what she would do in an emergency situation and this is practised regularly when caring for children. The first aid box is accessible in an emergency and the contents are regularly checked. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded and their welfare promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has a detailed child protection policy in place. However, it does not contain the details of the Local Safeguarding Children Board, or the contact details of the police or social services. The childminder has a copy of the leaflet ‘What to do if you're worried

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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 a child is being abused' and record keeping documents are available to record concerns or existing injuries. Procedures are effectively in place to ensure children are collected by responsible persons specifically named on children’s registration forms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented. They are confident in their surroundings and settle well in the relaxed atmosphere. Children’s enjoyment and achievement are promoted through the flexible play experiences created during their time spent with the childminder. She has sound knowledge and understanding of children’s development and has experience of caring for a number of children. Young children develop confidence and self-esteem through the close interaction with the childminder and through the care and individual attention they receive. The childminder actively plays with the children, supporting them in their play and encouraging development. Younger children enjoy the heuristic play materials. They explore and investigate the wooden and metal items contained in the treasure basket, listening to the different sounds they make as they are knocked together. Children confidently dress up in costumes. They enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

being doctors and use the stethoscope to listen to the childminder's heart. Young children snuggle into the childminder, which increases children’s sense of well-being and security. Children make choices and decisions in their play. The toys and resources are stored at low-level enabling children to help themselves. Children play with musical toys, pressing the buttons and listening to the music. They take responsibility for themselves and help tidy away the toys with the childminder. The needs of children of varying ages are met as the childminder provides suitable activities which follow their interests and take into account children's ages and individual ability.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which is seen in practice as children play. Evidence of basic planning used with the previous children cared for by the childminder is available to show how planned activities are provided. Examples of children’s work and photographs of children at play are displayed in a folder. Daily diaries show the care routine followed and the activities children have undertaken during the day. Children engage in a wide range of activities, and photographs show children happily engaged in a wide range of alternative play opportunities. Children play outdoors and go on various outings, socialising with other children and childminders. The childminder provides activities which take into account children's individual needs and follow their interest. For example, children independently use a set of weighing scales. The childminder watches what children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

do and skilfully extends their learning by introducing heavier items, also bringing into the conversation new vocabulary. Young children follow flexible routines that flow with their needs. These routines are discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. Children begin to socialise with others as they attend several social groups and facilities. Children benefit from the close attachment forming with their ‘key person', which contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made welcome and settle easily by the use of effective settling in procedures. These initial settling in periods enable children to form a familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationship with the childminder and her family, allowing children to feel at ease in new surroundings. Children confidently interact with the childminder as she asks them questions about what they are doing. Children are valued, comforted well and thrive on the positive

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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 interaction they receive. They enjoy the company of others and feel safe and loved. Children begin to learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share and take turns and respond well to the positive ways the childminder rewards achievement, through gesture, praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship being developed with their parents. Children’s general welfare is promoted as the childminder collects information from parents to ensure children’s individual care needs are consistently followed. Documentation and parental consents are contained in children’s individual folders including a number of detailed policies and procedures. However, not all folders are complete with the written parental consents for outings or transporting children in the car. The complaints procedure and complaints log are established. These are explained to parents and a written policy is maintained. Information is shared both verbally and in written form. Daily diaries are maintained showing the care and activities undertaken by the children during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who supports and encourages the development of all children. Children's care, learning and play are promoted through the individual attention the childminder provides. Children feel at home and at ease in the warm, welcoming, well organised environment. They move around freely and confidently and initiate and extend their own play and learning.

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Organisation

Children gain independence through the childminder's encouragement and support. Their developmental needs are well met as they are provided with an extensive selection of toys, resources and activities. Children experience a number of opportunities to socialise with others throughout the week and they enjoy opportunities for physical exercise outdoors in the fresh air.

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Organisation

Children's health, hygiene and safety are promoted. They are cared for in a clean, safe and secure environment. Children's welfare and well-being are supported by the childminder maintaining most of the relevant documentation. A detailed set of policies and procedures are in place and information for parents is provided about the care and activities available for their children. Children’s individual needs are recorded and most parental consents are maintained. Information is shared verbally on a regular basis and this contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The registration certificate is clearly displayed on the wall.

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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 the childminder agreed to improve the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and to regularly check and replenish the first aid box.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has acquired an extensive selection of resources that promote diversity and disability. Thus improving the opportunity for children to learn about the diversity of the world around them through the provision of resources and activities. The first aid box is accessible and the contents replaced when required, therefore, it is readily available should an emergency situation arise.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • update the child protection policy with details of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and the contact details of the police and social services • make sure written parental permission for outings and to transport children in the car are obtained for all children and available for inspection.

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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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