O'Brien, Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY224536 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Margaret Baines

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children in Fulwood , Lancashire which is convenient for the motorway network, schools and open play spaces. The whole ground floor of the childminders house including a toilet is used for childminding and there is an enclosed outdoor play area. Minded children do not access the upstairs level. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at anyone time and there are currently five children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes the younger children to local toddler groups and other trips are also

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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 arranged for the older school age children. The childminder's own children have a hamster as a pet. The childminder is a member of the NCMA and is also a member of the Local Authority buddy scheme. She receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a clean and well maintained home. They enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are good outdoor activities which promote physical development and they have opportunities to get plenty of fresh air. They learn and understand about personal hygiene as part of their daily routine by being encouraged to wash their hands regularly and clean their teeth after meals. Children benefit by using individual equipment to prevent the spread of infection, for example wipes, cups and cutlery. This practice also prevents risk of infection and keeps children well. Children's health is further assured by the attainment of consents relating to emergencies, sun safety and other creams as well as a clear understanding and implementation of recording accidents and medication by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take a rest at appropriate times of the

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Helping children to be healthy

day and enjoy quiet comfortable surroundings to promote their rest and subsequent wellbeing. Children enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet with regular drinks. They are encouraged to sit together, feed themselves, make choices and say what they like. This helps promote independence and they demonstrate good manners during snack and meals which are a sociable time for them. The childminder takes into account individual dietary needs, shares the menu with parents and provides nutritious meals that appeal to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a safe and secure environment both indoors and out. The childminder gives high priority to safety and undertakes regular safety checks to identify and minimise risks to children. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. They also are safe out of doors as the childminder uses appropriate equipment, for example a double buggy, to transport children safely. Children learn about safety both in the home and out of doors through the childminder's clear explanations. They also learn about fire safety and have had the opportunity to practice evacuating the premises. This, alongside sensitive explanation, helps children understand what is expected of them to keep safe. Dedicated rooms for play and sleep provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas. The childminder ensures activities for older children are kept separate and do not present a hazard for infants. For example, the older children

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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 enjoy games, crafts and some television whilst the younger children play with their toys. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises choice to ensure children only play with appropriate toys suitable for their stage of development. Children's welfare and protection is further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The contact telephone number of the local social services is required for reference. The childminder has a written policy which includes information for parents should they have any concerns relating to the care of their child whilst being looked after.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and enjoy the time they spend with the childminder because they are provided with a very good range of developmentally appropriate and exciting play activities. In addition to very well organised indoor play children enjoy regular walks in the local area, visits to the park and outdoor play in the secure garden. Children learn as they play, the childminder is skilled at questioning them to encourage their thinking and development. For example they talk about colours and shapes and three year olds are beginning to recognise their own names. Children enjoy frequent opportunities to sing rhymes and songs and play musical instruments. They enjoy the toys available and the childminder is very aware of their stage of development and provides resources and activities to suit. Children develop very good self esteem as the childminder displays their pictures and makes each one a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

photo album, which are delightful. Older children also enjoy age appropriate and exciting activities. They have very good opportunities to be creative, to relax and to play physical games within the safety of this well organised home. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of the need to ensure all children require a good variety of toys and games to meet their needs. The children have a very good relationship with the childminder who is sensitive to their individual needs and meets these well. For example, she recognises when the children are tired or need her individual attention and she responds sensitively ensuing they feel secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals which gives them a secure sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through the images and experiences offered to them. Children also have good opportunities to learn about the local community as they visit places of interest. They visit the park, the shops and the local toddler groups.

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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 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. Children therefore show care and concern for others and are kind and considerate in sharing toys and playing together harmoniously. The childminder ensures information is attained from parents and used to meet the needs of their children. She in turn shares good information about herself and her family so that good links are forged between them. This benefits the children who feel secure within her home. She has a set of polices which she shares with parents to make them aware of all aspects of her practice. At present she does not record

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's achievements and the activities that they have participated in for parents to observe. Contracts and procedures keep parents informed of requirements which must be met and records are signed appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a well organised, efficient childminder who has a good understanding of child development. The childminding day is arranged around children's routines and needs, and the childminder dedicates her time to playing alongside the children to promote their enjoyment and learning. The childminder ensures that documentation relating to the care of the children is well maintained, up to date and shared with parents and carers, which ensures that they are well consulted and informed. She has not however displayed her registration certificate. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children cannot access the garage through the internal kitchen door, ensure that resources are increased which promote gender equality and obtain parents written permission for taking children swimming. She now restricts access to the garage as the door remains locked when children are present. There are now in place resources which promote gender equality and the childminder no longer takes children swimming therefore she has not sought written permission for that activity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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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

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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): • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed in a position where parents and carers can observe the document. • consider recording the daily activities and achievements of each child as a developmental record for parents.

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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

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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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