Childminder in Lancashire

Inspection report for early years provision

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307862 Unique Reference Number 30 June 2008 Inspection date Margaret Baines 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 1986. She lives with her husband and son aged 17 years. They live in a house situated in the Sandylands area of Morecambe. The rear living room, kitchen and bathroom are available for the purposes of childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for seven children who attend for various sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is an active member of a local childminding group. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and organised environment, which through effective practices limits the risk of infection. Children are encouraged to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care such as washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They benefit from good practices such as using their own drinking cups to prevent the spread of

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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 infection. Consequently, children’s health needs are promoted effectively in this setting. Should a child become unwell whilst in her care, the childminder has a good understanding of how to deal with such an occurrence and would ensure the child's immediate needs received the appropriate attention. She has in place all required written permissions and records any accidents in the accident record, therefore children are protected effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air to promote their well-being; they go to the park and the beach and play in the outdoor area. They benefit from a range of healthy snacks and meals, which include fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken, fish and pasta. Children enjoy regular drinks of juice, water and milk to ensure they are never thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a safe, secure environment where they can move around without risk of harm. However, at present children may access hazardous items in a low-level drawer. Children are transported safely as the childminder gives attention to providing the correct restraints and car seats. Children learn about fire safety through the sensitive explanation given by the childminder. They learn what is expected of them in order to leave the premises safely in an emergency because the childminder takes time to explain the procedure to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Dedicated areas for sleep and play provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas. For example, children may rest in their buggy or simply curl up on the sofa, whichever is their preference and meets parental requests. Children enjoy furniture and resources that meet their individual needs so ensuring that they enjoy their time in this setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and protection are further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder shares this information with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy with the childminder because she relates well to them to ensure they feel secure. They particularly enjoy the activities available for them, for example, they have great fun icing the cakes and they enjoy the dolls, the cars and the good selection of jigsaws. Children spend their time purposefully as they have good access to resources that promote their all-round development. Children also enjoy listening to music and singing songs and rhymes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s development is enhanced by the childminder's knowledge of and experience in childcare. They are encouraged to reach their potential by having good opportunities to try new experiences and to share their success with both her and each other. She praises their achievements frequently and promotes their self worth. The childminder ensures that examples of children's work is displayed for parents to see.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has in place the 'Birth to three matters' guidance, a framework to assist with implementing this aspect of practice. Children enjoy their time in this setting and have their individual needs met effectively.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, which consequently gives 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 enjoy books, stories and the small world figures, which share the wider world in a positive way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and good 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 learning to be kind and considerate, sharing toys and playing together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures information is obtained from parents and is used effectively to meet the needs of their children. She in turn shares information about herself and her family, which forges positive links between home and the setting, and benefits the children, who feel secure within this home. Aspects of practice are shared within policies and procedures to keep parents informed of requirements which must be met, and records are signed appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and settled within an organised environment. There are effective and clear policies in place to promote children's learning and development as well as their welfare. Documentation is appropriately shared and confidentiality is acknowledged and maintained. However, the complaints procedure at present does not contain the correct telephone number of the regulator. The register of attendance is recorded clearly to show ratios are met, confirming that children have appropriate support and supervision at all times. Written permissions are in place, which informs parents about all aspects of practice. The childminder records all accidents and incidents.

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Organisation

Children are looked after by the childminder in a safe, secure environment where they have room to develop their independence and learning through many well planned experiences. The childminder is keen to develop her practice by attending additional training. She attends short courses offered by the local authority to enhance her practice.

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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 maintain a record of any accidents, signed by parents, and devise and practise an emergency escape plan. A record of accidents is now in place and an escape plan has been devised which the children have had an opportunity to practise. Consequently, the care of the children has been enhanced by these improvements.

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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

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 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 satisfactory. 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): • review the complaints procedure to include the correct telephone number of the regulator • ensure that children cannot access hazardous items in low-level drawers.

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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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